Friday, October 12, 2012

The Zephyr Thing- A Wood Cookstove In The Garden

Driving through Lamar this past week, I spotted them. 
This olde 1800's house had two wood cookstoves sitting out in the yard. 
Pulling in the driveway; no one seemed to be home.
So our scribbled phone number was left under a windshield wiper of one of the vehicles parked there.  

The next day the phone rang...
and "Donna" said yes to selling one. 
So just before dark last night; Myguy and I  heaved and hauled-
"The Zephyr thing" home.

Trying to figure out where I wanted to "plant" it was the hardest part. 
Because eventually where I really want this stove  to go is inside a greenhouse we hope to build come Spring.  God willing and the creek don't rise; Myguy has agreed to attempt to build one using  all the vintage wooden windows given to us over the summer from a neighbor who remodeled.  Until then... this stove still needed  a place to "be."  A place to settle in and grow.  (grin)    

Out beyond the shabby olde potting shed I found just the spot.
Up against the fence that separates  one of the corn patches  and back pasture. 
 
Thankfully I've  collected a few  bricks besides rusty junk. Never dreamed I'd be using them for anything like this but they worked great  under the base.
After that; I just had to wait  until noon when Myguy and the Strongheart could bring their big muscles!
 
Here's a picture of it  still in the back of my truck.  Lots of rust ...yes?!!!  Yes!!!  Porcelain and rusted cast iron. A pretty sweet match. 
 
So here she is. 
The Zephyr thing. 
I tried to do a little research but haven't learned much.
I think this particular wood cookstove is  from the  30's or so.  I haven't looked her over real well because it started
pouring when I took this last photo.  Maybe I can find a plate on it somewhere with more info.
But I like it.  A wholebigbunch!  
Who cares that the door is wired on, and another has fallen plumb off. 
Maybe the Musicman can build a new bracket for the door and weld it on somehow? 
Maybe haystrings and angels will hold it together awhile longer like many of the
gates on our olde farm.  But I hope to share more of her with yall in  the future. 
My hope is the Zephyr will  be future scripture pictures and blog banners,
and maybe ... just maybe she'll bring a smile to your heart like she does mine? 
 
If it wouldn't have started raining I wanted to dig a couple new post holes to the sides behind her
and nail up some old boards to the post to barricade the horses n donks. Kinda like building a primitive privacy fence behind it.   Gotta do something like that or the donks are sure to   mess with the potted mums and pansies I intend to set on it. 
She just  needs a little TLC;
 like all of us.
 
Have a great day everyone!
Holykisses xoxo
with all my shabby heart.
Lea
 
 

12 comments:

Paula said...

I see your cooking up something beautiful!!!!! Love your new addition to the homestead!
oxoxo Pj

Denise said...

Congrats on your new addition.

sweetvintageofmine said...

I LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! Can't wait to see what creative touch you will give her! I agree, she is beautiful just as she sits! And this greenhouse?...wow, this is gonna be a long winter round here...makin me wait till next spring to see how cute thats gonna be...have a wonderful weekend! Blessings...Roxie

Anonymous said...

Lea, I cannot wait to see your greenhouse.....your cookstove find...what a wee treasure trove, miss zephyr has found a home...

Hope you have a greeeeaat day.

HUGS
Jeanie x

Unknown said...

I'm in love.....will be perfect for a greenhouse, porch, shabby shed or outdoor kitchen!!! I'd love to find one and there should be a plate somewhere on it, can't wait to hear more about it!!! Lucky lady!! And aren't our guys such good sports!!

Debra said...

Oh-she is lovliness!!! Yes-rust and porcelain is a perfect mix...Once I had a wee little cookstove outside that I'd fire up now and then. It was right next to my clawfoot tub, so I'd put a pot of water on the stove and then heat water for a bath-really I did it! I've wished so many times I had that little stove now-it was in a home that I lived in before living here, and the owner tore the house down (sorry-that was a STUPID thing to do)...
Can't wait to see what you create with photos and Scripture with your new beautiful stove.

Leaon Mary said...

Loved reading your sweet comments this morning. Loved reading how you would heat water for a bath Debra! Ohmy gosh that would be TOO COOL! Yall are inspiring me to go fire the zephyr up! I've never ever used a wood cookstove before! Maybe it will cook more than plants?

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

This is just too cool, Lea!!! I have to confess, I'm sooooo jealous! Not just of the stove, but of the whole fun of seeing it in someone's yard,leaving your phone number, going to get it, and all that went with that --- laughing, dreaming, planning, staining, etc. It is just too beautiful!!!! And windows????? Did I hear somethin' 'bout ole windows????? My favorite thang, girl!!!! Can't wait to see this project and how it will all turn out. Fire that thing up, Lea. I'll come for a bath, too!!!!!

Dee said...

I am sure you will be able to use this grand lady in a fabulous creative way.

PCovi said...

I had an idea you might have a whole little kitchenette built around her and if she was to stay outside...Ms. Zephyr, you could put a small fireproof planter/pot and build a little fire to cook something right on top.
I wanted to show you something I did with the glass glitter you sent me once :) come see.

Fran. said...

Oh Lea How I LOVE that ole stove!! Jealous am I!! Rust Rust Rust!! It's already there for you! Amen!! So glad I inspire you cuz girlie you inspire me too!! I love my boots and even wore them to church this past Sunday. With my bootcut thrifted jeans of course!! LOL Can't wait to see the stove in progress! Those darn donks and horses they just love to eat the pretty flowers don't they!! At least you know ahead of time to keep them out!! LOL But if there's a will there's a way for them!! LOL Take care. XOXO Love Fran.

Unknown said...

Definitly a great find . I just bought a zephyr cook stove and that makes only 3 of us, that I know of, that owns this particular stove . I can't find much information on it. Just a serial number the manufacturer but I can't find anything about that company either. I restore these old stoves and give them new homes. The zephyr I have will most likely stay at my house. It's too cool of a stove I get rid of.