The Fireboard Project

Fireboards were used to cover fireplace openings during the warm weather, for the practical reasons of keeping dirt and birds, etc. out of the house (in those days, there were not dampers to close off the flue). And of course, people began making these more decorative. Decoration could be akin to an oil painting or landscape mural, free-hand or stenciled designs, or wallpaper and other printed paper could be used.

Since the house in Wiscasset has some fireplaces that are not used, and have no dampers, I have kept them closed with pieces of foam board insulation - not an elegant solution. After visiting an exhibit of hearth-related items at Old Sturbridge Village (www.osv.org), I decided it was time to create some of these.

Will post more as the project moves ahead.