I couldn't find a picture of the Pope Leighey fireplace, but I did find a site that had a usonian fireplace , to give you an idea of how important they were to the structural integrity of the buildings.
As you can see, the fireplace is the pillar that helps hold up the roof, and it is also a wall that hides the kitchen from the living area. By using a gas fireplace, we have opened up the kitchen to the great room, so that who ever is cooking isn't out of the conversation loop. We have regained our "calamari counter," as our Mikey calls it. Pat will be able to fry the squid, and we can all sit around and eat it so fast, he won't get any.
Here is our fireplace, much less impressive, but more portable as far as placement in the house.
