We had some friends drop by our cottage last week before we went to the Friday night fish fry. Before they arrived we prepared a few snacks and got out the makings for a little liquid refreshment. It was 5 degrees above zero and a fire in the fireplace was a must. So I braved the wintry blast and trudged out to gather dry wood from our supply in the garage. By the time company arrived, the fire was crackling as it provided a warm, inviting atmosphere for snacks and conversation.

In most chilly regions of the world, the fireplace was traditionally the center of the home. In the past, survival might have been dependent on warmth from the fireplace as the only heat source in the home. In those days, cooking stoves were not a common feature in the average kitchen and family meals were cooked over an open hearth. Can you imagine trying to cook a meal stooped over with your head nearly poked into the fireplace? We’ve come a long way from fireplace-cooked meals to our now-common use of the microwave oven.

People gathered around the fireplace primarily to stay warm from the heat of the flames. Interesting thing was that while they were huddled together, they would actually talk to each other. Kids would tell their parents about what happened at school that day or how good the skating was on the pond. Dad would talk about his day working in the barn, how the cows were doing, and whether it would be a long winter. Mom spoke of the upcoming church potluck supper or the latest news from her quilting group. Yes, the fireplace was not just a source of warmth but a place where families gathered together to play and share conversation. During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt held his weekly radio address called “fireside chats” to keep the country informed about matters of national importance and to lift the spirits of the people.

Today, most of us don’t use a fireplace for cooking except for an occasional s’more or roasted marshmallows and hotdogs. Likewise, most of us have either gas, oil or electric service that we rely on to keep our homes warm and cozy. We sometimes complain about the bill when it arrives if it’s larger than expected but deep down we are glad for the convenience we can count on to endure the cold. Many older homes and some new ones include a fireplace in the design even though we don’t really need them for our daily existence. The fireplace is still a gathering place, and a symbol of home and hearth. It is a place to relax, read, reflect, and entertain friends… and it’s still a great place to have a fireside chat.

©2007 Edward E. Hungness