Here's my dead circuit cricis update--
to all you lovely "house electricians" who have
been so kind as to come to my aid.

All you suggestions must be put off until tomorrow,
for I discovered that the ink had long ago faded on
the panel's labels--thus I spent many hours today
discovering anew what was on what circuit.  My
cottage, it turns out, was not wired that "logically."
But it is done now, & I will feel more secure when
I begin poking cautiously into the panel innards &
junction boxes!

If all the suggestions offered thus far fail me, I shall
pmail for further instructions.
Thanks again to all of you!
Phaedra