This type of dwelling had become popular by the early part of the twentieth century, especially at or near the southern mission stations where timber and boards were available. The plank house was generally drier than the traditional sod house, which leaked badly during warm wet spells in spring and autumn. Without the insulating effect of a sod covering, however, houses such as this one in the Main area were hard to heat and required large quantities of firewood. The man with glass snow-goggles has been planing the runners of a dog sled.
