1944 Donley Book of Successful Fireplaces 10th Edition – WWII Building & Architectural Catalog.
 
Original WWII-era 10th Edition of Book of Successful Fireplaces: How to Build Them, published by The Donley Brothers Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, noted manufacturer of fireplace equipment and building products.
This approximately 8½ × 11-inch illustrated architectural and construction catalog contains 72 numbered pages devoted to fireplace design, construction, equipment and outdoor cooking installations.
Of particular historical interest, this copy retains its original 1944 Donley Brothers wartime notice mounted inside the front cover. The notice explains that some products illustrated in the catalog were not being manufactured because of restrictions imposed by the War Production Board, and states that the company expected to make all items available again following the “Victory Celebration.”
The publication includes detailed drawings, photographs, construction diagrams and specifications covering subjects such as masonry fireplace design, fireplace planning and construction, flues and smoke chambers, Rumford fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces, fireplace cooking, iron kettles, fire baskets, fireplace tools and Donley equipment.
Illustrated sections include the Donley No. 10 Open Grill, No. 30 Charcoal Stove Unit and No. 40 Double Steak Grill, along with architectural plans and construction dimensions.
A particularly interesting piece of 1940s American architectural, home-building and industrial trade literature, with the surviving wartime insert providing direct evidence of the effect of WWII manufacturing restrictions on American consumer building products.
Details:
Publisher: The Donley Brothers Co.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Edition: 10th Edition
Wartime insert: Dated 1944
Pages: 72 numbered pages
Approximate size: 8½ × 11 inches
Illustrated: Yes
Complete: Yes
Original period publication – not a reproduction
Condition: Complete vintage softcover with expected age and use wear. Covers show toning, staining/soiling, edge and corner wear, rubbing and spine wear. Interior pages have scattered toning, spotting and handling wear. Original 1944 wartime notice remains attached inside the front cover. Binding remains intact. Please review photographs for exact condition.