Vintage Household Hints 2 - Prevent Basement Accidents

Joan Bennett Storing Scripts in Basement Trunk; 1940

How to Prevent Basement Accidents

1. Keep rubbish and ashes in separate covered metal containers. Do not allow old papers and other inflammable material to accumulate.

2. Have stairs to basement well lighted, and provided with a handrail. Never leave pails, brooms, etc., on the stairs or landing.

3. Remove nails when breaking up boxes.

4. Tools should be kept in a cupboard; do not hang them on rafters.

5. Basement should be well lighted, preferably with electric lights controlled by a switch at top of the stairway.

(Source: Watkins Household Hints; 1941)

Vintage Household Hints #1 - Ventilation

Air Ducts, Ventilators, Flues, Chimneys, Etc.

Should be cleaned once a year. In all cities and many towns, there are firms which have special motorized vacuum equipment which does the work efficiently.

Man Cleaning Commercial Furnace Aug 25, 1949 (Source:MNHS)

Clean burners in gas-fired boiler and flush fuel oil storage tanks to remove sediment. Remove rust.*

(Source: Watkins Household Hints, 1941)

*Note - We have different furnaces now so much of this tip is not valid. It is however still advisable to have a professional tune up and clean your furnace, chimneys, etc. I do it once a year - furnace in the fall and air conditioner in the spring. Chimney every 1 to 2 years depending on how often I use the fireplace.