Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
A view from the inside while the work was in progress.  We had to move the radiator as we had to demolish the wall behind it that had rotted away.  I say "we", but I was incapable of moving it myself as it was so heavy, and had to rely on my carpenter to do it. 
Here is the Dining Room as it was the day we moved in.  To date, little has changed except for the renovation of the bay window, and painting the green walls white.  This involved removing the window seat and the radiator.  The paneling below the plate rack is in poor condition, and we are presently restoring it, though it will never be perfect.  We also intend to put up a crown molding.  We also found that the ceiling light and wall lights were still being run from early "knob and tube" wiring that we disconnected; another thing our "building inspector" failed to find.  We have to rely on floor lamps until it is re-wired. 
We have started to renovate the steam radiator in the dining room, most of which involves removing 100 years of paint.  I replaced the release valve (not too expensive), and may have to replace the shut-off (expensive).  As you can see, it has a door that opens to reveal two shelves.  All the radiators in the house are "Bundy" brand made by the A. A. Griffing Iron Co of 15 Dey Street, NY, NY.  This is between Church Street and Broadway, south of Fulton Street. 
Here is a picture from their catalogue, of a different model, showing how one would use it to keep plates, and food, warm.  It was also used for leavening bread. 
The main light fixture.

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Dining Room

Our c. 1860 House -

Downstairs Renovations