Spider Furnace

Officially, this is a gravity furnace, but it is also known by its nicknames—spider and octopus—which refer to the many ducts or arms emanating from its top. This furnace was the first central heating system in the house, added in the 1880s. The stairs to the first floor hall were probably closed off when the furnace was added. For more information on the heating system at Roseland, see the Technology section under Architecture, Design, and Style.