Expert: Peter C. Amsden - 10/6/2007

Question
I have had so much trouble trying to find the right person to ask. If you don't know the answer, perhaps you could tell me who to ask.
Well, I remember as a child when I would spend nights with my grandmother, that she would warm up this brick and put it in my bed, it would keep my feet warm all night. In cold Maine winters it woudl feel so nice.
Do you have any idea what type of brick or stone it was? or where to get it? If it is even available these days.

Answer
Hi Joyce,
Asking the question of someone in Scotland who specialises in photography is certainly a long shot!
However,  I do know what you are talking about, because they were quite common n the UK at one time. I can't see why they went out of fashion, since they do work.
I believe that in the Colonies (Maine wuld be one of them) they used soap stone for the purpose, but the reality is that almost any piece of stone would work, The heavier the better, because dense material keep hot longer. Mind you, even a solid house brick would work. Not so romantic perhaps, but one wrapped in a blanket, who cares on a cold night.
I suppose they went out of fashion with central heated houses and the modern electric blanket, but if you do still have one of those wonderful ovens that stays hot always it would be much 'greener' to keep a few hot bricks in there for those cold nights.
Trust this helps.
Best wishes, and stay warm
Peter