I have just started working with Craigflower Manor & School, a historic site 
in Victoria, British Columbia.   The house was built in 1855 in Georgian 
style for the Scottish manager of a large Hudson's Bay Company farm 
associated with Fort Victoria.   The two story Schoolhouse is in similar 
style, and is today the oldest surviving schoolhouse west of the great 
lakes.

The Manor House has a food storage "Cool Room" in the form of an addition 
bumped out (symetrically in proper Georgian style) on the back side of the 
house.   The addition, built right into the house as part of the original 
construction, has a flat roof (very a-typical), and on the roof is a lead 
pan covering or making up the entire roof.   The lead pan has walls 4" to 5" 
tall and was intended to hold water.   Evaporation of the water cooled the 
food storage room below.   During the heat of July, when you opened the door 
to the room, it felt as though you had opened your refridgerator door. 
Amazingly effective!

I have never seen anything like it, and wonder if anyone has a reference to 
anything similar.   When we had to made repairs to the lead pan this year, 
it was almost impossible to find anyone with sheet lead skills still here. 
Lots of sheet metal guys, but no lead lackys.

You can see the house by googling "Craigflower Manor".

If anyone gets to Victoria, BC please give a shout.   We can have tea in the 
Morning Room.

Cheers,

Cuyler Page
Craigflower Manor & School National Historic Site
Victoria, BC, Canada
(250) 386-8588
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