1905 The Hoffman House Bartender's Guide by Charles S. Mahoney

plate should be screwed, the same width as the door. This will not only prevent the heavy beer barrels from injuring the floor, but keep it in good condi-_, tion. 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 owm 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 fop, 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 containing 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, il luminate the ice box with electricity; if not, a candle stick 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

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