Hello!
Has anyone encountered finding a hardwood floor (original), a flue for a coal parlor stove AND NO EVIDENCE OF ANYTHING PUT UNDERNEATH THE STOVE TO PROTECT THE WOOD FLOOR???? I am totally puzzled.

Some period photographs seem to show a flat square, flush with any carpet or floor, but I don't have a clue what that might have been. Sheet of steel perhaps? My house was built in 1905-6 in the Beaux Arts Colonial Revival style.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Best,
musechic in Texas