Lanterns / cupolas on roofs in Howard County MD for light and ventilation

One way to cool buildings was to have a 'lantern' or cupola on the roof that would draw the warm air up stairs, or through vents or ductwork then out the slat openings or open the windows of the lantern. Cooler air would be sucked in from below. Lantern on Linwood.

The interior view (next photo) of Linwood's lantern c1865, shows the ropes that opened the windows and the black square vents below each window.

Ten years and 200 blog posts since Feb 24 2016

Initially the blog was about notable women and historic homes of Howard County, but there are so many other intriguing topics from B&O RR (oldest train station in the US, photo left) and bridges to the Ellicotts, Columbia history, Babe Ruth's marriage and much more - look at "Labels" links list at right.

Trains for the holidays

There are many model train sets scattered on tables/stands throughout the B&O Railroad Station in old Ellicott City (Main and Maryland streets) in addition to the permanent HO-scale model of the original thirteen mile track from Baltimore to Ellicott Mills that fills the side building (1885 freight house).

The Holiday Train Garden at the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department, 4150 Montgomery Road, is from Dec 2 to Jan 1. See it, then cross Montgomery Road and take Old Columbia Pike down to Main Street to the train station. And after, go shop at some of the Main Street stores.

Oldest train station in America - B & O station in Ellicott City

The Ellicott City B & O train station, on lower Main St., was opened in 1831.  The right (southern) portion of the station was a "Car House" for repairs, making it also the only "combination" rail road station still in existence.  It is a museum, owned by Howard County since 1997, with free admission.  Go visit!   The track and railroad bridge are still in use by CSX. To the side of the station is a turntable, a replica of the first horse drawn passenger car "The Pioneer", an 1885 brick freight station building and a 1927 caboose.

Patapsco Hotel as railroad station

Interestingly, this hotel had a side balcony at track level and used as the passenger station for the new train.  Then the train crossed Main Street/turnpike on the Oliver Viaduct to get to the freight station.  The train service began on May 24, 1830, arriving at 9AM, 1 and 6PM for 75 cents. Its many owners have used the building as hotel, apartments and even an ice plant.