1900 Harry Johnsons Bartenders Manual (Mixellany)

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to the door or doors, a solid piece of iron or steel plate should be screwed, the same width as the door. This will not only prevent the heavy beer barrels from in- juring the floor but keep it in good condition. Iron or steel plates, like a cornice, should be placed in all the four corners of the box to prevent the entrance of air. Not more than a quarter of an inch in thickness, they should always be screwed into the wood. A plate should also be attached to the inside of the doors, as well as to the door of the ice chamber, by screws, so that it will, when the door is closed, cover the crevice between the door and the jamb. Then there should be the proper size door plates made to cover the sills, and substantial door hinges, handles and knobs. When this is entirely completed, well put together and screwed up tight, have the box painted with two or three coats to suit your own taste, though I prefer white, as it helps to lighten the basement or cellar. On the inside of the box, if there is room, have shelves put up at the top, on which to place bottled goods. At each end there should be a small shelf for your tools, such as mallet, brace and bit, a can con- taining plaster of paris and a bottle of water for mixing the plaster, the latter to be used if any of the beer barrels are leaking. If it is convenient, illuminate the ice box with electricity; if not, a candlestick and candle is to be placed on the shelves with matches ready for use. It is also best to have a small iron chain attached to the door, and a hook or staple, to which it can be fastened, when beer is being placed inside, so that the door will not constantly swing to, half closed. It is also wise to put to the bottom of the box, on the out- side, good solid metal plates about five or six inches high (the height of the base), for the reason that it helps to preserve the box and keeps out the rats and mice who might otherwise gnaw into the box. It is to be understood, naturally, that the box should be