Choosing the best ladder for the job is key to using one safely. Old-House Journal June/July 2011
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Editor’s Note
The first old-house mystery in our new digs began in the morning, with a musky, animal smell in the library. I blamed our dog at first, but as I investigated this possibility, it appeared she was not guilty. What, then, could account for the strange odor? I soon figured out, as I heard rustling and a chewing sound above my head, that something was in the rafters between the first and second floors. This prompted me to thoroughly investigate the garage attic for any evidence of critters or an entry point to the house. (I went armed with my trusty, now-vindicated dog and a broom.) I couldn’t find anything there. Next, I did what any self-respecting old-house nut would do—pulled out the ladder to search for cornice holes, missing screens over gable vents, or punky wood that could account for an entry point. Luckily, I’d just finished editing Mark Clement’s ladder safety story—otherwise I might have misused my 24′ extension ladder and ended up in the emergency room, as so many folks do each year. While ladders are straightforward tools, don’t assume you know everything you need to do to stay safe on them—take the time to read this pro’s advice and ensure that you’re following the best work practices.
This issue marks our annual roundup of kitchen ideas. Since there are so many ways to tackle kitchens in old houses, we decided to visit three homeowners who took very different approaches to these rooms, each perfectly reflecting the style and era of their houses—a simple 19th-century farmhouse, a woodwork-filled Arts & Crafts bungalow, and a streamlined mid-century ranch. And just for fun, we’re highlighting even more kitchen ideas online—including our cover kitchen (above).
In the end, it’s still a mystery as to what type of critter I heard rustling in the ceiling and how it came to be there—but I haven’t heard him again, either. I can only hope he’s moved on to greener pastures, now that milder temps have returned.
Demetra Aposporos, Editor-in-Chief of Old-House Journal
