An Inverted Solid-Bottom Chair with Attachments Used for a Child’s High Chair
Where a high chair is not at hand or available, an ordinary solid-bottom kitchen chair can be used instead, if rigged up as shown in the illustration. The chair is reversed, and the back is used as one support, while two pieces of wood fastened to the sides form the other. A seat board is fastened to the upper side rounds, and a table board to the two lower side rounds. A small piece is nailed to the two back posts for a back.—Contributed by J. S. Fritzen, Minneapolis, Minn.
Blower for a Fireplace
Having considerable trouble with a smoky fireplace when trying to start a coal fire in the basket grate, I decided to make a blower of sheet iron. A blower covers the upper part of the fireplace and forces the draft through the basket grate until the fire gets a good start, then it can be removed. Before making the blower I again had trouble one morning when the chimney would not draw, and the whole room became filled with smoke; I then grabbed a newspaper and held it up against the upper part of the fireplace like a regular blower. To my surprise the suction of the chimney held the newspaper in place without any outside aid. In a few minutes the fire was roaring, and best of all, when it became hot, the newspaper caught fire and was sucked into the flames. This in reality became an automatic blower, as it removed itself when no longer needed.—Contributed by Charles F. Kopp, Amite, La.
An Ironing-Board Wall Fastening
Ironing Board Supported on Wood Hinges at the Wall to Provide a Space for the Covering
One of the most useful and convenient articles for a household is an ironing board, one end of which is fastened to the wall by means of hinges to allow it to be folded up against the wall when not in use. Wood brackets are preferable to the metal hinges, as there must be some little space between the wall and the board to allow for the thickness of the covering. The brace which extends from near the end of the board to the base of the wall is best hinged with canvas strips, as they will last better than any other material for this joint. The hinges should be put in place when the board is in a vertical position to allow the brace to go in position without straining.—Contributed by J. H. Beebee, Rochester, N. Y.
Oars Flattened to Make Rowing Easier
When rowing a small boat, we were bothered by the turning of the oars in the locks, so that the blade of the oar was not in proper position to take the water. We overcame this by planing off slightly one side of the oar, so that when this surface was against the lock, the blade was in the correct position to catch the water. It is unnecessary to grip these oars tightly, as they fall naturally into place and save the novice a great deal of trouble. In locks where this method is undesirable, the handgrips may be cut as a guide.—H. D. Burnside, Madison, Wis.