In message <[log in to unmask]>, Debbie Rotman <[log in to unmask]> writes >Pat- > To answer your question, the factory was indeed converted into a >house. It was a one-and-a-half story brick structure. Ben Schroeder >had begun his saddletree manufacturing business in 1878. All aspects >of the operation were conducted in and around this building. >... I do hope you didn't think that I was questioning your knowlege/evidence of the history of this building: rather, I find the history unusual and interesting. But mine is a European persepective: you do (some) things differently, of course. I wonder even more so now you call it a 'vat house': is this a tanning factory? These places smell to high heaven! I wonder if the smell lingers. I suppose what I'm really asking is: is such change in useage from ?smelly, industrial useage to ?middle-class/factory owner occupation typical? If not, why would the family have done it? Best wishes, -- Pat Reynolds [log in to unmask] "It might look a bit messy now, but just you come back in 500 years time" (T. Pratchett)