Cookhouse
Cookhouses were very common in the 1700 and 1800s. Kitchens were separate from the main house for many reasons, but the most important issue was fire. Outside kitchens also removed excess heat and odors from the main house. The use of a cookhouse also had a social aspect in early America. The guests or people being served did not have to view the preparation of the meal. They would just enjoy the finished product. With lack of refrigeration many foods were canned, pickled, dried, salted, or smoked. These processes all took place in the cookhouse.
The cookhouse behind the Oldest House dates to approximately 1838 and is the last remaining original cookhouse in Key West. One of the most fascinating aspects of the cookhouse on the grounds of The Oldest House is its wood construction. The timbers are massive, probably triple the dimensions of the wood used in the actual construction of the house. Every indication is that the timbers were salvaged from large Key West wrecks, dating from the early 19th century, if not older. The planks were hand hewn and clearly show the vertical saw marks as seen on ships of that period. The material is sturdy enough to be oak, and there are the tell-tale signs of old worm holes as often seen on American and British sailing ships of the period.