Newspaper Insulation in Log Cabins

[Sam Talley]

Newspaper Insulation – I heard there was an old broken down log cabin out at an overgrown homestead. It was a clear winter day and the anticipation of excitement was in the air. We found the place and could tell it had been visited many times previously. Everything of collectible value had been carted off. I found big sections of insulation or wallpaper still covering some wall sections. Upon further inspection I learned the occupants, way back near the first of the century, had used the newspapers to insulate the walls. In the papers were ads for kerosene lamps, heaters, stoves, clothing, and best of all, used cars for sale in the $15-$25 range. I wish I had saved the old musty paper segments, but I didn’t.  I was wondering if using newspapers as insulation was a common practice back then.

 I could have had a scrapbook full of history, but I didn’t save the “wall insulation”.

[Wolfgang]

Very common.   I've done it myself in my cabin in Ohio.   There were open areas left for summer ventilation high on the front and back.  When cold weather came they were stuffed with newspaper and sealed in with slats for the winter.

Cabin in Ohio , . . . . .

http://www.drburkholter.com/cf8.html

[Sam Talley]

Great article. Who wrote it?   The article said "My family bought a 70 acre farm up the river in 1966".

Who's family? I look at that old withering cabin and think "If only you could talk to me."