The best way to learn about historic houses is to look at them closely, and the most fun way to look at them closely is to do a puzzle showing a wonderful historic house! So, we made a unique and interesting collection of Historic House Puzzles for you to enjoy!
Like the previous 1930s linoleum puzzles, this design is from the 1938-39 Northallerton Cork Linoleum catalog. Founded in North Yorkshire, England in the 1860s to produce tarpaulins, a new factory was built to make linoleum flooring in 1890 and closed in 1944. This pattern has a very “Jazz Age” vibe.
Although largely displaced by vinyl flooring after World War II, linoleum is now enjoying a resurgence as an all-natural, biodegradable, and sustainable flooring option.
In 1890, “The Furniture Gazette” included a detailed description of the production process at Northallerton’s new linoleum factory. The seven-month-long process started with boiling natural resins and gums in linseed oil, then pouring the oil on cotton cloth repeatedly for several months, resulting in a stiff jelly which was then ground and boiled. The resulting liquid was cooled in tins and then mixed with fine cork flour. The resulting combination was applied to a strong canvas backing and passed between rollers, then dried slowly at 100 degrees. A pattern was then printed on the linoleum using hand presses.
Linoleum is one of many historic floorcoverings discussed in “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors.
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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Click on the dashed box at the top-right in the puzzle box below to open the puzzle to full screen. In the top left, you can change the number of pieces (100 pieces is the default), toggle piece rotation, and change the background color. Then hit “OK” and have fun!