Turns out, it is an attic fan from Sears (dates back to ... hmmm... based on the wood paneling, I'd guess 1978-1984). I got curious and found this website:
It's basic operation works like this:
Talk about going green!
We normally would keep the thermostat at 69-72 degrees at our old apartment.
Since moving to the house, we've been at about 75 degrees. Last night was our first cool late summer night here in Florida, so Paul opened all the windows and turned the attic fan on. I tell you what, I was freezing! It creates the best drafts ever. Keep your ceiling fan on with it, and it's like a 65 degree air conditioning using almost NO electricity !! I had no idea these things existed, but now that I do, and now that I see other things around this house the previous owners had done, it looks like people have been "going green" ever since olden days when there WAS no other choice! I am so excited about this concept! I will keep this an open forum for green living.
Like our sprinkler system that runs from a well/spring in the backyard (haven't figured that one out yet, but I can hear it. I'll have to order plot drawings from City Hall)
bags
ever again. Wash and save the plastic bags that come in cereal boxes―they can be repurposed to wrap 
or 
, store leftovers or freeze meats.
―whether you’re washing or 
, the scraps come in handy as extra rags. (Compared to what you see at your left, which is basically a bag of cut up 
!!
make perfect homes for small flowers or 
. Just fill with 
, plant 
or flowers and place on the windowsill and you have your own 
!
for your kids’ textbooks. That’s one more thing to scratch off your back-to-school shopping list! (I used to do this as a kid, because then you had a blank canvas for all your doodles and scribbles from friends)
to hold everything from 
to 
! It’s a fuss-free way to de-clutter any area of your home.
. Take one with you wherever you go for easy, discreet access. 
from a milk jug
. Have the kids decorate, then hang from a tree.
, blank side up, to a piece of cardboard. 
is great for kids to draw and paint on, and is often more cost-effective than paper made specifically for artistic pursuits. 
to use as fill for stuffed animals or throw pillows. You can use any type of paper. It’s cheaper than buying synthetic padding and works just as well. 
per week, says Earth911 (
in various colors, with a different hue for each family member. (Visit 
. Pool your money to buy the ingredients; everyone should leave with enough supplies to last a month. Try these three recipes: 
: Combine 1 tablespoon 
or 
with 1 quart water. Pour into a 
and use with newspapers to clean surfaces.
Add 1 teaspoon 
to 2 cups 
. 
: In a jar mix 1 cup crushed dried herbs, 1 teaspoon 
, 1 teaspoon
and 2 teaspoons 
. Shake well. Sprinkle a bit on your carpet, let it sit for an hour, then 
.
, use a 
to boil water, then transfer the water to the pot. The water will boil faster, so you'll use less energy.
s, which contain chemicals, turn your keyboard upside down and shake out dirt and debris. Then swipe double-sided tape between the keys to pick up any remaining bits. Source: Ideal Bite
probably isn't tops on your to-do list, but once it's done your food will cook more efficiently, which will save energy and money. If you own a self-cleaning oven, start the cleaning cycle right after you've cooked or baked to take advantage of the residual heat.
and even leftovers. 
and freezer colder than necessary can boost your energy consumption--and your bills. Your fridge should be set between 37°F and 40°F, the freezer between 0° and 5°F.
