Stanley Potato House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Stanley Potato House
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Location | North of junction of Roads 68 and 451, near Laurel, Delaware |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | c. 1920 |
| MPS | Sweet Potato Houses of Sussex County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001700 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1990 |
The Stanley Potato House is a special old building located near Laurel, Delaware in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. It is one of the very few buildings of its kind left today. Built around 1920, this house was designed specifically to store potatoes, keeping them safe and fresh.
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What is a Potato House?
A potato house is a unique type of farm building. Farmers used these houses to store potatoes after harvesting them. The goal was to keep the potatoes cool and dry, but not freezing. This helped them last longer, sometimes all winter.
Why were Potato Houses Important?
In the past, before modern refrigeration, storing crops was a big challenge. Potato houses were a smart solution. They allowed farmers to sell their potatoes gradually. This meant they could get better prices for their crops. It also helped make sure people had food even when it wasn't harvest season.
Discovering the Stanley Potato House
The Stanley Potato House is a great example of how these buildings were made. It is about 17 feet wide and 23 feet long. It stands one and a half stories tall. The building is made with a special type of wooden frame called "balloon frame." It sits on a strong brick foundation.
Unique Features of the Building
This potato house has several special features. These features helped it do its job well:
- Few Windows: It has very few windows. This helped keep the inside dark and cool. It also protected the potatoes from too much light.
- Center Aisle: Inside, there is a main walkway down the middle. This made it easy for farmers to move potatoes in and out.
- Double Walls: The walls are built with two layers of siding. This extra layer helped to insulate the building. It kept the temperature inside steady.
- Loading Doors: It has special doors that open like hatches. These were used to load and unload potatoes easily.
A Historic Landmark
The Stanley Potato House is very important because it shows us how farming was done long ago. It is one of the last buildings of its type still standing. Because of its historical value, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it is recognized as a significant part of American history.
