NPS Photo This building was used to cure meat using salt. Inside are hooks in the ceiling rafters used for hanging the meat. A lack of smoke and soot residue in the ceiling, plus its close proximity to the main house suggests that it wasn't a smoke house, but rather using salt and brine to cure meat. 
NPS Photo View of the east wall, inside the limestone building. Note one of three round windows for ventilation. The port holes and vent on the roof were vital to the meat curing process. Inside on display are implements used in butchering; lard press, sausage stuffer, hog scrapers, knives, meat saw, hook, large iron kettle, and other tools. 
NPS Photo Butchering usually took place in the fall. Hams and other meats were salted down, wrapped in cheesecloth, and hung on hooks in the ceiling of this building. The three port holes caused air to be drawn in from the outside, forcing the salt to move inward toward the meat's interior. This was a very common means of food preservation. Meat was also salted and placed in barrels filled with brine. Before the meat was consumed, it was parboiled to remove the salt.This structure was used as a curing house and beneath it is the spring room. 
NPS Photo Another interior view of the curing house showing portholes and meat hooks in the ceiling. Virtual Tour Home |
Last updated: February 26, 2022