behind the cellar door, pt I

Aside from the smell behind that old wood panel door, the views aren't much more exciting. At some point in time, it appears some type of insulation/soundproof paneling was put in place in the old cellar. Why was that needed? I have no idea...maybe some risque business relationships, or the need to have a place to drink and get boisterous without alarming others...I have no idea, but the panels are still in place. Mold and old. I took this photo with my Pixel camera.