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This newspaper page contains 2 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Jun 04, 2001
Page
25
The article describes sod houses as warm in winter due to thick walls and fireplaces and cool in summer from dirt walls, noting their protection against wind and tornadoes, fire risks, and the hardships of prairie life including leaks and dust. It highlights ongoing practices like water-smoothing floors and moving possessions outside in dry weather.
The article traces pioneer housing from dirt and sod walls to wooden frames. Settlers whitewashed sod houses to brighten interiors and used wagon canvas to catch falling dirt. Over time they plastered walls, laid lumber floors, and built roofs as funds allowed, with sod structures repurposed as sheds or outhouses into the 1930s.
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