Odd trench in 1877 basement.
Moderators: oldhouse, TinaB, Don M, Schag
Odd trench in 1877 basement.
Hi all, first post here. About a year ago, my wife and I purchased a Victorian built in 1877 out in NJ. We are in the process of doing major restorations as the previous owners let the home fall into disrepair. Part of our plan of attack in digging out the old cellar floor and pouring a new one. During the excavation I uncovered what I originally thought was a well in the middle of the cellar. After digging it out it seems to be a brick lined trench that extends from the middle of the room to a nearby exterior wall. It's also rather shallow and only goes about 18'' below the floor. I have been googling away trying to figure out what this is. If anyone can help me figure it out I would greatly appreciate it. I have attached some pictures for reference.
- Attachments
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- bottom of trench
- 20220122_124405.jpg (287.27 KiB) Viewed 11412 times
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- Moves towards the boiler and then turns right
- 20220122_123408.jpg (530.6 KiB) Viewed 11412 times
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- Central Circle
- 20220122_123407.jpg (640.69 KiB) Viewed 11412 times
Re: Odd trench in 1877 basement.
Looks like a spring trough. Our house states back to 1791 and had an internal staircase to the basement because they had troughs in the basement allowing a spring to flow through them which they used for keeping food cold.
Or it’s an open drain for when they used to do washing the house, although I’m not sure why I would be open.
The other possibility is that your house was used for some commercial purpose during its existence. You’d have to go back through the historical records to learn more about this history.
Good luck!
HB
Or it’s an open drain for when they used to do washing the house, although I’m not sure why I would be open.
The other possibility is that your house was used for some commercial purpose during its existence. You’d have to go back through the historical records to learn more about this history.
Good luck!
HB
The lord hates a coward....