Foot warmers were commonly used in horse-drawn carriages and in churches. P-J Photo by Michael Zabrodsky

PORTLAND — During the 1800s, when riding in a horse-drawn carriage the winter weather could be a problem. To help battle the elements in a bitter winter, portable foot warmers were used.

Robert Pawlak, town of Portland Museum curator, said the heaters were commonly used in carriages and in churches.

Pawlak said that embers or coals would be placed inside the heater to distribute heat, and people would cover their feet with maybe a fur blanket, and then place their feet near the heater. He also said that the heaters also could double as bed warmers. As a bed warmer, the heater would be placed underneath a bed, making sure there was enough space between the bed and the blankets, so there would not be a fire hazzard. The coals would be replaced when they did not radiate heat anymore.