Flitch beam wooden beams, and have been largely supplanted by more recent technology. “Flitch” originally referred to a slab of bacon, which was cut into strips lengthwise. Similarly, a wooden beam was flitched by cutting it lengthwise; one half was then rotated 180 degrees both longitudinally and laterally to ensure that any defects were separated. In the 18 century, before the availability of steel beams, pine beams were flitched with hardwood such as oak. With the availability of affordable steel, flitch beams became a way to strengthen long-span wooden beams cost-effectively while taking up less space than solid wood. An 1883 article
O What a Savior and gave His life-blood,<br> To make the vilest sinner clean. O what a Savior, O hallelujah!<br> His heart was broken on Calvary,<br> His hands were nail scarred,<br> His side was riven,<br> He gave His life-blood for even me. Death's chilly waters I'll soon be crossing,<br> His hand will lead me safe o're,<br> I'll join the chorus in that bright city,<br> And sing up there forever more. O what a Savior, O hallelujah!<br> His heart was broken on Calvary,<br> His hands were nail scarred,<br> His side was riven,<br> He gave His life-blood for even me. O What a Savior "O What