Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1899-11-17
A TORNADO HOUSE.
The Novel Invention Of IN Hast-
efn Ceniua
A UniQue Structure That Was HssA.
iOaed to Automatically Pro-
teet Itself n .

A New York gentleman invented, in
1890, tornado-proof house, which was
to act automatically in self-defense,
and which might be utilized either as
residence or as place Of refuge dur
ing storm. The structure was built
with wedge-shaped points at either
end like the bow Of ship, and was
mounted on wheels which moved on
n circular track. A large, strong wing
or vane projected from one end of the
house and was intended to act, under
the influence Of high wind, as kind
Of weathercock and wheel the build
ing around on pivot SO as to present
its sharpened edge to the blast. An APP
propriate apparatus underneath the
house provided for holding it stiffly in
position except under the action of q
tornado; but the originator of this
brilliant continuance apparently as
sumed that tornado blows steadily
from one direction, and left out Of his
calculations its twisting qualities. The
inmates of this place Of refuge, when
swept by the revolving hurricane, might
be considerably astonished by its ra-
ridity of circumlocution. However, the
hopeful inventor adds to his descrip-
ton of the structure suggestion that
it might be peculiarly adapted for use
as hospital, since it could be turned
on it's wheels by mechanical force 30
as to present the sick ward to the sun
shine throughout the length Of the
day, or to the ventilating effect of the
breeze from whatever quarter it might
be blowing. A private residence which
could be turned SO as to follow the sun
and cause its purifying rays to shine
into every apartment successfully is
magnificent luxury which commends
itself to every health-loving million
airc, but as only the minority possesses
million, the patent will, no doubt, ex-
pire unused. Akin to this laudable in
vention is an Ter which proposes to
put springs under house to prevent
its being shaken down by a possible
earthquake. One of the most remark
able freaks in architecture since the
prehistoric wooden horse of Troy is a
house built in the shape of an ele-
plant, which was patented, in 1882, by
u gentleman Of Philadelphia. In de-
scribing his conception, this gentle
man stated that the form of any ami
NAL might be employed, as his princi-
pal object was to elevate the building
considerably above the ground in or
der to permit a good circulation of air
below the apartments and to insure
well-lighted rooms. The legs of the
animal, being hollow, were to contain
flights Of stairs leading to the rooms
above, while the elephants trunk might
be effectively utilized MS a chute for
conveying Stops and ashes to the sewer,
the opening to which might. for pictur-
esque purposes, be shapedeso as to pre-
sent the appearance Of trough out
Of which the animal might be sup
posed to be feeding. One of the ele-
plant houses was actually erected on
Coney Island, and proved quite prof |
table speculation till it was destroyed |
by fire. The queer structure was still |
standing in 1898, and, on account Of its |
size, could be seen at considerable dis |
tance.-J. r. Nichols, in Ainslee's |