As you stroll the streets of Old St. Augustine, you should include visiting The Gonzalez-Alvarez House 1565-1918; completely restored under the historical society.
Keep in mind the original structure was very tiny; gradually added to, including much later a comfortable second story and balcony on the east side.
Having visited it and the Museum surrounding it, it is incredible to realize how difficult life in one was; especially for The Woman of The House!
When it was at first built as two rooms, heating and cooking were conducted in a large metal pan on the (coquina rock) floor in the center of the living area.
Later, a separate kitchen was added on the exterior of the house; the purpose twofold - keep the heat out of the house on warmer days, and to control fires that might result that could destroy the structure.
Not the original house area, of course, photography not an option wheh it was built, this is a somewhat older view here:
The Oldest House Museum Complex
A must-see on your tour of the nation's oldest city. The museum complex, owned and operated by the St. Augustine Historical Society, includes Florida's Oldest House, two museums, a changing exhibition gallery, an ornamental garden, and a museum store. Your admission ticket gives entry to all facilities
Our featured attraction, the González-Alvarez House is the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial dwelling in Florida. The site has been occupied since the 1600s and the present house dates to the early 1700s.
Since 1893 visitors have toured the house to see evidence of the Spanish, British and American occupations of St. Augustine and to learn how the residents lived. In 1970 the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the house a National Historic Landmark.
Typical kitchen, separated from houses because of heat/fire hazard
- Click Here for interesting site for The Oldest House and Others - plus Slide Show
[Thumbnails - and Slide Show linked on the bottom of the page]
Here is a link to an EXCELLENT!! article (with graphics) about the Oldest House - one I consider the very best you can read about it, with the resident of St. Augustine writer's personal feelings evoked.
Please, please see the FACTS about a REAL WOMAN who lived there - a simply wonderful figure in history!!
I had purchased the book Maria in the Gift Shop there, and it is a MUST READ for everyone.
She had many tragedies in her life, but was definitely an Overcomer.
Please go to this link: - Right Here -
~ LadyX