In 1980 I used to work at a state facility that was known as the colony. It was for high functioning MR adults. It had been a large farm. The work was done by the residents, using three horse drawn teams. They kept a Percheron stud. At one time they provided all of the milk to all of the state institutions and facilities. Their dairy herd was well known for it quality breeding.
Through the 1960's everything was wood fired. The men who lived there cut all of their wood and hauled it up. The cottages were heated with huge fire places and super large chimneys. The fires in the hearth were made with 4' length pieces of wood. I saw one lit once- like having a bonfire inside! It threw a lot of heat!
I don't think anyone was buying pellets back then!