Fireplaces and Chimneys

Originally published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the early 1940s, this Farmers' Bulletin was written for householders and farmers who needed reliable, no-nonsense guidance on building fireplaces and chimneys correctly. Before building codes were standardized and contractors were everywhere, Americans built with their own hands and needed trustworthy instructions. Senner delivers exactly that: clear guidance on drafting principles, proper flue sizing, chimney height requirements, and the often-overlooked details of clean-outs and repairs. The bulletin also ventures into outdoor living, with practical sections on constructing backyard fireplaces and barbecue pits. What gives this guide its enduring value is its grounding in real, hands-on experience. It anticipates the mistakes beginners make, explains the physics of how chimneys work, and stresses safety without jargon. For anyone restoring a historic home, building a cabin, or simply wanting to understand the fireplace in an old house, this is a window into how things were done when Americans still built things themselves.