West Potato House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Potato House
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. Route 13 north of its junction with Road 454A, near Delmar, Delaware |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | c. 1925 |
| MPS | Sweet Potato Houses of Sussex County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001701 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1990 |
The West Potato House was a special building located near Delmar, Delaware in Sussex County, Delaware. It was known as a historic potato house, which was a type of building used to store sweet potatoes. This particular potato house was one of the last remaining examples of its kind.
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What Was a Potato House?
A potato house was a building designed specifically to store sweet potatoes. These buildings helped keep the potatoes fresh and in good condition after they were harvested. They had special features to control the temperature and air flow inside. This was important to prevent the potatoes from spoiling before they could be sold or used.
The West Potato House: A Closer Look
The West Potato House was built around 1925. It was a 1+1⁄2-story building, meaning it had one full floor and a smaller half-story above it. The front of the building had a pointed roof, which is called a "gable front."
Building Materials and Size
The house was built using a method called "balloon frame" construction. This is a way of building with long, light pieces of wood. It sat on a strong foundation made of concrete block. The building also had a cellar, which is an underground room.
The West Potato House was about 37 feet and 6 inches long. It was also about 13 feet and 9 inches wide.
Special Features for Storing Potatoes
This potato house had several important features that were typical for its purpose:
- Tall and Narrow: It was built with a tall, narrow shape. This helped with air circulation inside.
- Few Windows: It had very few windows. This helped keep the inside dark and cool, which is good for storing potatoes.
- Ventilation: The building had special features to let air move in and out. This was important to keep the potatoes from getting too hot or too cold.
- Tight Doors: The doors were designed to fit very tightly. This helped control the temperature and humidity inside the house.
Historical Importance
The West Potato House was recognized for its historical value. In 1990, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list means the building was considered a significant part of the area's past.
Sadly, the West Potato House no longer exists. Records show that it has been destroyed or taken down. Even so, its history helps us understand how farming and storage worked in the past.
