In 1978 Albie and Cheryl traveled through Europe and Scandavia with their infant son, Scott, on their backs. Our purpose was to research the masonry heater and oven traditions of various countries, searching for the design that could most readily be adapted to the New England Colonial red brick open fireplace heritage. In Finland they found a vibrant tradition of red brick cookstoves, masonry heaters and ovens, along with readily available high quality cast iron heater hardware, specialized mortars, technical literature and construction instruction–a perfect fit.