Remains Of A Parma Heights Root Cellar

Root cellar is in the center.

A root cellar is a structure built underground or partially underground and used to store vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other foods. The name originated from the root vegetables - carrots, onions, turnips, potatoes and similar vegetables where the bulk of the vegetable grows underground. Most root cellars were built using stone, wood, mortar (cement), and sod. Newer ones may be made of concrete with sod on top. A typical size was 8' by 8'. 

Root cellars are for keeping food supplies at a low temperature and steady humidity. They keep food from freezing during the winter months and keep food cool during the summer months to prevent spoilage. Typically, a variety of vegetables are placed in the root cellar in the autumn, after harvesting. A secondary use for the root cellar is as a place in which to store wine or homemade alcoholic beverages. 

Vegetables stored in the root cellar primarily consist of potatoes, turnips, and carrots. Other food supplies placed in the root cellar over the winter months include beets, onions, jarred preserves and jams, salt meat, salt turbot, salt herring, winter squash, and cabbage. A potato cellar is sometimes called a potato barn or potato house. 

Separate cellars are occasionally used for storing fruits, such as apples. Water, bread, butter, milk, and cream are sometimes stored in the root cellar, also. In addition, items such as salad greens, fresh meat, and jam pies are kept in the root cellar early in the day to keep cool until they are needed for supper. 

In the name of progress, this structure will be demolished along with the house and entire property. The house was built in 1900. It is at 1111 W. Ridgewood Dr., next to the Church in the Woods. This article, along with other documentation of this century home, will remain on file with the Parma Heights Historical Society. New members are always welcome to the Parma Heights Historical Society. For more information, call the President of the Historical Society, Joe Reeves, at 216-870-4864.

Bob Stilwell

Retired Manufacturing Supervisor since 2008. I'm a member of the American Legion Post 703 In Parma,Ohio. Active Member of the Parma Heights Historical Society. I write Memorials for an internet group called "Find A Grave."

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Volume 8, Issue 1, Posted 11:49 PM, 01.03.2016