Orrell House Architectural Report, Block 2 Building 38 Originally entitled: "The Orrell (McClandish) House"
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1033
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
[Elevation - oversized image]
ARCHITECTURAL REPORT
THE ORRELL
(Mc Candlish) House
Block 2, Building 38
ARCHITECTURAL REPORT
THE ORRELL (MC CANDLISH) HOUSE
Block 2, Building 38
The Orrell House is situated on the south side of Francis Street in Block 2. It was restored by the Williamsburg Holding Corporation under the direction of Perry, Shaw and Hepburn, Architects.
Restoration was started April 20, 1929
Restoration was completed January, 1931
The working drawings were made by
A. E. Kendrew, Head Draftsman
S. Macmurtrie
George S. Campbell
S. P. Moorehead
Finlay F. Ferguson
Milton L. Grigg
The working drawings were checked by Walter Macomber
This report was prepared by Singleton P. Moorehead, July, 1932. It was given its present form September 25, 1950 by A. Lawrence Kocher and Howard Dearstyne.
HOUSE: McCandlish
RECORD BY WHOM: S.P. Moorehead
DATE OF RECORD: July 1932
DATE OF TYPING: March 14, 1946
EXTERIOR.
General Notes:
Though very dilapidated, the original exterior had enough of its form left to allow an accurate restoration. A shed addition on the rear was removed as well as a porch on the front, both being mid-nineteenth century additions. There was little difficulty, then, in rebuilding the exterior to its original shape as far as authenticity of design was concerned, but there was considerable trouble in replacing the materials which had fallen into such general disrepair. Especially, since some parts were sufficiently saved for reuse, was it difficult to patch and mend some parts of new and some of old without producing a checkered texture and external appearance.
A new front and rear stoops were built and a new rear porch. A new sash was inserted, but in general the restoration of the exterior consisted in repairing, mending, and replacing with new various old parts too worn and rotted to continue serviceably in use.
Reference is later made to antique warehouse brick "pool". Antique brick was bought in large quantities, generally in anticipation of its need on various known jobs. However, much of it consisted in small lots. These were generally stocked according to color and shape, and like was piled with like regardless of where it originated. Gradually a large part of the brick was so arranged and is called "pool" for 2 convenience of these notes.
Porch -In general porches are added purely for convenience, but designed to be typical of a period after the American Revolution when they became common and of which we have many examples.
Doors - Where doors and rooms are mentioned the corresponding numbers on contract plans will be shown.
Insulation - All walls and roofs insulated with Cabot's Quilt.
Flashing - Concealed flashing used at all openings.
The decision as to what old material was suitable for reuse and what had to be replaced rested in general with the builder. Certain more important judgments were performed by architects in this line, but the whole trend of describing and retaining followed that outlined in these notes. Where new material was used, therefore, only three reasons govern:
- 1.Replacement due to decay.
- 2.Replacement with colonial design of that judged post colonial and therefore out of character with the spirit of restoration.
- 3.Replacements demanded by alterations for sake of modern conveniences of living.
NORTH ELEVATION.
Shingles: Roof from dormer cornice to main cornice had its old wood shingles retained. [Wood shingles removed 5/13/63 & asbestos installed. FB] Elsewhere Mohawk Asbestos, Williamsburg Type Shingles were used. Wherever necessary new roof boarding was 3 used to replace rotten old portions. The new shingles were used 1. because of altered fire laws in city, 2. general policy of restoration to use this type, 3.original roof not original colonial shingles and in terrible state of disrepair.
Dormer Windows: These were repaired and new sash of white pine made to detail taken from typical antique fragments at Barlow House and Hallam-Armistead House, Williamsburg, Virginia. In general the dormers were repaired and where replacements of parts were necessary they were copied from old existing parts. Cabot's quilt was inserted between studs and cheek boarding and also below boarding of roap.
Sash new because existing sash modern or nearly so. Other portions of dormer not colonial i.e. cheek covering on exterior and parts of trim, frame, etc. replaced with colonial design as noted above.
Cornice: Cornice was repaired and patched. Where replacements were necessary they were copied from existing old work; replacements were necessary 1. disrepair and decay, 2. post colonial and modern portions wrong to retain in correct restoration.
Gutter and Leader: None. A brick "drip" was applied at finished grade. No gutter or leader existed in colonial times on this building.
Wall Surface: Very fragmentary evidence of original weatherboarding. Later, unbeaded weatherboarding on wall. This was beaded to match what of original remained and was replaced.
4Porch: Porch was removed being later than house. New stoop was built with brick cheeks and walls, wood steps and floors, posts and railing. No definite precedent exists for this type of a stoop on mid-eighteenth century buildings in this vicinity, but there are several similar examples in Alexandria and Fredericksburg, Virginia. Also there is one at Powhattan Court House, Virginia. Numerous examples of this type exist in New England, New York, Delaware, On the basis of a prevalent type, known to have existed, this stoop was made.
Front Door:Frame, trim, and sill were original and were repaired. New transom sash was made of white pine. See notes on dormer windows, page 3 for sash mold precedent. Door was made new to detail of heart yellow pine. Door is typical six panel colonial type of this locality. Mold of common design, much like that at Blair House, Williamsburg, Virginia. New door to replace post colonial or modern work.
Windows: New sash of white pine. For details of same, see Dormer Windows, Page 3. Frames, trim and sills were repaired and patched. Sash new to replace post colonial and modern work.
Basement Windows and Grilles:Existing grilles were repaired and patched. New sash of white pine was inserted with muntin so arranged as to be hidden by members of grille. The insertion of sash was for convenience, it being doubtful if sash in this kind of cellar opening was common practice in colonial times. Sash muntins were made same as elsewhere on building. New sash inserted as a convenience to 5 to keep weather from out cellar.
Shutters:
Basement Wall: Existing wall was patched, mended and repaired. Bad spots being replaced.
Chimneys: Ditto for west chimney. East chimney new, in modified form similar to west. This was built of antique brick at exposed portions, the brick coming from antique warehouse "pool". It is simply a convenience chimney to supply thimble in kitchen.
Barge Boards, (End Boards), Corner Boards: Existing corner boards were repaired and patched. No end boards or barge boards on this elevation.
General Notes: Except for problematical stoop design, this elevation now stands as it was in colonial times.
WEST ELEVATION.
Shingles: On dormers, south porch, and bulkhead, Williamsburg type, Mohawk Asbestos shingles. These were used 1. because of city fire ordinance, 2. definite adopted restoration policy, 3. to replace existing tin and shingle roofs in very poor condition.
Dormer Windows: See North Elevation, page 3.
Cornice: None.
Gutter and Leader: None.
Wall Surface: See North Elevation, page 3.
Porch: None.
6Front Door: None.
Windows: See north elevation, page 4 for first floor windows. These notes likewise apply to second floor windows.
Shutters:
Basement Wall: For brickwork see notes on North Elevation, page 5. Traces of original bulkhead were found and the old opening in brick wall remained. A shed bulkhead was built of wood with shed roof of low pitch. New weather boards of cypress used on walls to match those of main house. Double sheathed door, diagonal beaded joints on outside. Exposed brick of walls from antique warehouse "pool". Steps of concrete. Mohawk Asbestos shingles. Cornice like bed mold, main house. This type of collar entrance occurs 1. Wigwam, Amelia County, Virginia. The door is typical for sheds and small or subordinate structures in vicinity, 2. Tazewell Hall Smoke House.
Chimneys: See notes North Elevation, page 5.
Barge Boards, (End Boards) Corner Boards: These were repaired and patched.
General Notes: Except for problematical bulkhead this elevation stands now as it was in Colonial times.
Hardware on basement door, strap hinges and hasp of iron by local craftsmen after colonial examples.
SOUTH ELAVATION.
Shingles: Mohawk Company Williamsburg type of Asbestos.
Dormer Windows: Of a different type than those on North Elevation. Were repaired and patched, remaining almost completely original. New sash inserted of white pine. For design see notes on North Elevation, page 3. New sash to replace post colonial and modern work.
Cornice: Modillions were missing. New ones copied from originals on North cornice, were inserted, made from cypress. Remaining elements of cornice repaired and patched, and new cyma and bed mold inserted, copied from originals on north cornice. New work done to bring cornice to known original profile.
Gutter and Leader: None. See notes on North Elevation, page 3.
Wall Surface:Considerable of the original weather boarding existing; that missing had been replaced with unbeaded weatherboarding. The former was repaired, patched, and retained while the latter had a bead applied to square edges. In general all the covering retained is thus old, some being older than other parts.
Porch: Originally the house had none. See General Notes, page 1. This porch is a shed-roof porch, precedent coming from 1. Walnut Valley, Surrey County, Virginia, 2. House on York River near Croker, James City County, Virginia, 3. Various and numerous examples in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The rail is a modified type from 1. Walnut Valley. Stoop convenience access to kitchen door. 5. See Notes 8 on Front Door, North Elevation, page 4.
Front Door: Porch Door (#7). There was a nineteenth century door and frame at this point. A new door, frame, and trim was inserted to same porch, but of Colonial detailing. Panelling as on interior originals. Frame and trim as on kitchen door. #5 new door to replace post colonial or modern work.
Kitchen Door (#5). Original frame and trim was repaired and new six panel door inserted. This copied in general from prevalent interior originals. New door to replace post colonial or modern door.
Windows: See North Elevation, page 4.
Windows at First Floor: Position of door #7 partly overlaps site of window in colonial times. A new window was inserted, therefore, being copied from first floor windows elsewhere. New window dictated by convenience necessitating alterations. See General Notes, page 1.
Basement Windows and Grille: An original opening and grille remained. The grille was patched and repaired and a new sash inserted for notes on which see North Elevation, page 4.
Shutters:
Basement Wall: See North Elevation, page 5.
9Chimneys: See North Elevation, page 5.
Barge Boards, (End Boards) Corner Boards: None. For corner boards see North Elevation, page 5.
General Notes: This elevation had more changes from the original form than the others. One notable change: door #7 was a nineteenth century alteration. The others were necessitated by demands of convenience.
EAST ELEVATION.
Shingles: None.
Dormer Windows: None.
Cornice: None.
Gutter and Leader: None.
Wall Surface: See notes on North Elevation, page 3. Some old beaded weather boarding was used here to fill out. It came from the Main Farm, North Bank of James in James City County, Virginia.
Porch: None.
Windows: See notes on North Elevation, page 4. And West Elevation, page 6. For first floor eighteen light, and second floor fifteen light. Gable window, twelve light had original frame and trim repaired, new sash of white pine. On first floor one sill was original. New work to replace post colonial and modern work.
Small four light window inserted to light pantry. Typical 10 details of original work on house were followed. This is a convenience opening, dictated by rearranged first floor plan. See later notes on kitchen. New window as convenience necessitated by alterations to original plan.
No windows or openings in basement wall.
INTERIOR.
General Notes:
In general plans of different floors remain the same. Original layout of partitions remain the same and have not been removed. Much of the interior framing was sufficiently good to retain certain necessary repairs and replacements notwithstanding.
On the first floor the chief alterations were where South portion of the former front hall, where divisions were made to provide a pantry, kitchen, and equipment for them, and stair to basement under present staircase. The divisions being now partitions, new doors were placed on them to provide access and circulation.
On the second floor, three small closets were inserted in waste spaces to provide convenience; otherwise the plan remains as it was originally.
Since the original kitchen was away from the house, as revealed in Shurcliff's excavations, the same problem confronted as in so many cases when the main house is almost too small to embrace a kitchen, and when the first floor height is so great that an addition would appear ludicrous unless quite large. In this case, the kitchen was placed as shown above, especially since the job was considered by 11 officials to be an experiment in economical restoration. For this reason all interior work was cut to the bone, and only absolute necessities replaced. Certain rooms gave evidence of having had cornices and chair rails, but some of these were thrown out to save on cost, although enough of ancient trim doors, floors, stair remained to convey a very definite effect not far from that given by the interiors originally.
See notes on Basement, page .
The west chimney was rebuilt within for the purpose of putting terra-cotta flue linings in and revising all smoke chambers, besides which a new flue was provided to take the furnace vent.
Paint colors refer to sample numbers. The samples are in the hands of the architects, and have been copied from Authentic Colonial examples, chiefly in Tidewater, Virginia.
FLOOR: FIRST.
ROOM: HALL.
Floor: Ancient flooring repaired. Surface smoothed retaining original patina and waxed.
Floor Nails: Old ones reused. Patching and resetting was done with blond nailing also.
Beams: Replaced only where necessary and in general original. Some cutting was caused in getting hot air vents into partitions, but beams thus cut were strengthened by iron straps or by splicing with new beams. New lumber was common pine.
Walls and Wall Covering: Original plaster and hand split 12 lathes removed; modern wood lathes replaced on walls; metal lathe on ceiling. Modern plaster used, but finish coat brought to an antique rough texture simulating the typical original surface. Impossible to retain old lathes if plaster removed.
Ceiling: See above.
Baseboard: Original base used.
Chair Rail: Back board original, pieced out where necessary. New chair rail to detail of heart pine placed on back board. This rail mold is one of several prevalent types not only in colonial houses in Williamsburg but in the vicinity as well.
Cornice: There probably was a cornice, from indications of nail holes and Lines on studs near ceiling. It was replaced. See General Notes, page 10. Back board similar to chair rail by a cornice copied from Barlow House in slightly modified form, built now to restore what was originally there.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: None.
Fireplace and Hearth: None.
Windows (sash trim and frame and metal work):Trim repaired; new sash of white pine. See North Elevation, page 4. Frame repaired also. Sash new to replace post colonial or modern work.
Closets: None.
Door and Trim: Door #1 see North Elevation, page 4. Trim repaired, also frame. Where replacements were needed, followed details based on existing original work. Door #4 new door, trim and frame; copied in heart of yellow pine from door #2. Door #2 repaired 13 original door, frame, and trim. New door #4 due to alterations in plan necessitated by demands for kitchen and pantry service.
Metal Work on Door (latch hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc): Door #1 antique H and L hinges, procured from dealers locally. Modern Yale lock. Brass latch and handle by modern manufacturers after colonial models. Ditto for knocker of brass. Door #2 antique iron rim lock, brass knob, from local dealers. New key, antique and original H and L hinges. New key. Door #4 ditto. New brass escutcheon after colonial models.
Color: Walls and coiling murescowall coat, tint of wood shad. Woodwork except floors #45 paint. Panel molds on doors #l, #2, #4, picked out in paint #8. Floor has two coats of wax.
Equipment: Lighting fixtures of colonial design by Boston craftsman. Switches, plugs, etc. painted in with field; they are in same color and in general to be as inconspicuous as possible. Hot air registers as inconspicuous as possible, yet serviceable.
General Notes: This room, except for partition under stair presents its original appearance. Cornice is slightly problematical.
ROOM: LIVING ROOM. #1.
Floor:Ancient; patched where necessary with old material.
Floor Nails: See Hall, page 11.
Beams: See Main Hall, page 11.
Walls and Wall Covering:Ditto.
14Ceiling: Ditto.
Baseboard: Ditto.
Chair Rail: Original chair rail backboard was retained. Slight replacements needed. These were performed with old material from job. No rail mold was applied from point of view of economy -- a round-table, restoration official decision.
Cornice: See notes under Main Hall, page 12.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: Original mantel; certain repairs performed.
Fireplace and Hearth: Here the original opening was uncovered; then fireplace rebuilt, but having splayed joints, sloping rear, to insure proper draught. Covert dampers were installed. Fireplace therefore not quite as it was originally, but convenience dictated this.
Windows (sash trim and frame and metal work): Trim and frame repaired. See North Elevation, page 4, for further notes.
Closets: None.
Door and Trim: Door #6 original door; trim and frame repaired.
Metal Work on Door (latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.): Door #6 antique iron rim lock and brass knobs from local "dealers"; new key after colonial models. Original H and L hinges.
Color:Woodwork #17 paint. Walls muresco wall coat; lighter tint of same color. Panel molds of doors picked out with 15 sample #45. Floors of two coats wax.
Equipment: See Hall, page 13.
General Notes: Except for chair rail mold, which was not replaced, this room retains its exact colonial appearance.
ROOM: DINING ROOM. #2.
Floor: Some small patching done with old material.
Floor Nails: See Hall, page 11.
Beams: See Hall, page 11.
Walls and Wall Covering: Ditto.
Ceiling: Ditto.
Baseboard: Used original. None at chimney breast; this pieced out.
Chair Rail: Back board only; this pieced out at chimney breast. No molded chair rail was placed on backboard for reasons as given under Living Room #1, page 14.
Cornice: See notes on Hall, page 12.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: New of heart of pine to detail. Precedent from 1. Page House, Williamsburg, partly, 2. best example of the "porti" is at Shirley, but in a more elaborate form. The back board, on which is cornice, bellied frieze and dog-ear trim having a type often found in the vicinity in various modifications of the Shirley "porti". New to replace mid-nineteenth century mantel.
Fireplace and Hearth: See Living Room #1, page 14.
16Windows (sash trim and frame and metal work): West window trim and frame original. South one all new. For source of sash molds see North Elevation, page 4. For notes on South window position see South Elevation, page 8. New sash to replace post colonial or modern work. South window new by demands of necessity caused by alterations; a new door at site of original colonial window.
Closets: None.
Door and Trim: Door #7, new door, frame, and trim. See notes on South Elevation, page 8. Door #8, original door, frame, and trim moved North in same wall to present location. This caused by alterations to South Hall for kitchen space. Door #7 new by demands of convenience porch and access thereto.
Metal Work on Door (latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.): Door #7, antique iron rim lock and brass knobs from local "dealers". H and L hinges. Door #8 ditto.
Color: Same as for Living Room #1, page 14.
Equipment: Ditto.
General Notes: This room originally had two windows and two doors. One door has been inserted in south wall; door and east wall moved north and new window inserted at a position east of original south window. Thus the room has three doors, two windows, one each of which is in original position. New mantel of colonial form; lack of chair rail and alterations in openings change the colonial appearance somewhat form what it was originally. Still, the 17 colonial flavor is carefully preserved.
ROOM: PANTRY.
Floor: Original floor; patched slightly in spots with old material.
Floor Nails: See Hall, page 11.
Beams: See Hall, page 11.
Walls and wall Coverings: Ditto; except finish coat is brought to a smooth finish for better serviceability.
Ceiling: Ditto.
Baseboard: Original baseboard pieced out.
Chair Rail: None. Original Hall leaf back board throughout.
Cornice: None. Main hall had one originally, which included this portion. For reasons of economy (restoration round-table decision) none was replaced.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: None.
Fireplace and Hearth: Chimney was rebuilt at south east corner and turned around. No fireplace nor hearth.
Windows (sash trim and frame and metal work): Small four light windows inserted new. For further notes see East Elevation, page 9. New because alterations to provide convenience necessitated a window.
Closets: None.
18Door and Trim: Door #9, new door, frame, trim copied in heart yellow pine from original doors in house. Door #4 ditto. Door #3, original door moved to second floor, to linen closet door #17. New door inserted here in original frame and trim which was repaired. See front Hall, page 12 for door #4 also. Door #8, original door moved. See Dining Room #2, page 16. New doors because alterations to provide convenience necessitated such.
Metal Work on Door (latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.): All doors: iron rim look brass knobs modern manufacturing after colonial models. H and L hinges by local craftsmen after colonial models.
Color: Woodwork paint #41. Walls oil color paint #47. Floor two coats wax.
Equipment: See notes, Hall, page 13. Glazed cabinet with cupboard under counter provided as modern convenience. Cabinet made up of heart yellow pine.
General Notes: New stair to basement inserted with door #3 as entrance. This was originally not there but was merely a closet. All new architectural work necessitated by demands of alterations for convenience.
ROOM: KITCHEN: #3.
Floor: See Pantry, page 17.
Floor Nails: See Hall, page 11.
Beams: Ditto.
Walls and Wall Covering: See Pantry, page 17.
19Ceilings: Ditto.
Baseboard: Ditto.
Chair Rail: Ditto.
Cornice: None, but Hall originally had one which included this portion. See notes under Pantry, page 17.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: None.
Fireplace and Hearth: Thimble to new chimney in north east corner. This chimney concealed by furring on interior and was inserted as a flue for any possible future kitchen stove requiring flue and draught.
Windows (sash, trim and frame and metal work): See East Elevation, page 9. Frame and trim were repaired and patched. New sash, see reference. New sash to replace post colonial or modern work.
Closets: None.
Door and Trim: Door, #5, see South Elevation, page 8. Interior trim and frame repaired and patched. Door #9, see Pantry, page 18.
Metal Work on Door (latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.): Door #5, iron handlatch by local draftsman after antique models. Modern Yale lock. Antique H and L hinges from local "dealers".
Color: Woodwork paint #41. Walls oilpaint #1. Floors two coats wax.
Equipment: For electric, etc. see Hall, page 13. 20 Power plug inserted near chimney. Sink, drainboard, small cabinet of shelves inserted in South east corner.
General Notes: This room purely convenience room. No attempt was made to make "colonial" anything but new doors, trim, etc.. Equipment remaining perfectly modern.
FLOOR: SECOND.
ROOM. HALL.
Floor: Original, some patching.
Floor Nails: See First Floor Hall, page 11.
Beams: Ditto.
Walls and wall Covering: Ditto.
Ceiling: Ditto.
Baseboard: Original used but pieced out at few places.
Chair Rail: None.
Cornice: None.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: None.
Fireplace and Hearth: None.
Windows (sash trim and frame and metal work): None.
Closets: Small linen closet accomplished by stealing somewhat on Bedroom #7. Shelves were inserted and floor blocked up to flush with top of base. New work due to demands of modern convenience of living.
Door and Trim: Door #17 moved from first floor under stair. New trim and frame supplied to detail of heart yellow pine. For other doors, see rooms into which they open. See notes under 21 closet above.
Metal Work on Door (latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.): Door #17 to Closet. Iron hand latch by local craftsman after colonial model. Antique "butterfly" hinges from local "dealers".
Color: As in first floor Hall, page 13.
Equipment: Ditto.
General Notes: This room presents its original colonial appearance with the exception of door #17 to closet.
ROOM: BATH #4.
Floor: Original flooring considerably patched.
Floor Nails: See Hall, first floor, page 11.
Beams: Ditto.
Walls and Wall Covering: See Kitchen and Pantry, first floor, page 17, page 18.
Ceiling: Ditto.
Baseboard: Partially not original. This was pieced out.
Chair Rail: None.
Cornice: None.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: None.
Fireplace and Hearth: None.
Windows (sash trim and frame and metal work): Interior trim not all original; this was repaired, patched and restored to detail copied from existing originals elsewhere on house. New sash inserted. 22 For further notes see East Elevation, page 9. and North Elevation, page 4. New sash to replace post colonial or modern work.
Closets: None. Closet of Bed Room #7 has its space stolen from this room.
Door and Trim: Door #13, original door, trim and frame. Small repairs and patching. Lock nails of all second floor doors in bad condition.
Metal Work on Door (latch, hinges door knob, fastenings, etc.): Iron hand latch and bolt by local craftsman after colonial models. Antique H and L hinges from local "dealers".
Color: Woodwork paint #15. Walls and ceiling oil paint #49. Floors two coats wax.
Equipment: Medicine cabinet over lavatory, toilet and 5' - x 2' - 6 tub all new; but also fixtures purchased at low cost. Electric equipment as stated First Floor Hall, 13.
General Notes: This is a convenience room, but doors, windows etc. have been restored to original character as is base, etc, space around closet of Bed Room #7 being another exception.
ROOM: BED ROOM #5.
Floor: Original with some repairs and patching.
Floor Nails: See First Floor Hall, page 11.
Beams: Ditto. Except finish plaster coat is smooth.
Walls and Wall Covering: Ditto.
Ceiling: Ditto.
Baseboard: Original for most part. Modern portions 23 replaced to match originals.
Chair Rail: None.
Cornice: None.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: None.
Fireplace and Hearth: Chimney in North East corner from Kitchen is furred around.
Windows (sash trim and frame and metal work): Same as for Bath #4, page 21.
Closets: Small closet depth of reveal caused by chimney in North East corner. Shelf, pole and hook strip inserted. All of new material and erected purely for convenience.
Door and Trim: Door #14, original door, frame and trim repaired and patched. Door #19, new door, frame and trim. Door sheathed batten door, necessary to seal closet which in turn, is a convenience necessity.
Metal Work on Door (latch, hinges door knob, fastenings, etc.): Door #19, latch by local craftsman after colonial model. Antique H and L hinges form local dealers. Door #14 ditto, with iron bolt by local craftsman after antique models.
Color: Woodwork paint #47. Walls oil paint #54. Floors two coats wax.
Equipment: See First Floor Hall, page 13.
General Notes: This room stands in its original condition as restored except for furring around closet and chimney and new closet door.
ROOM: BED ROOM #6.
Floor: See Bed Room #5, page 22.
Floor Nails: See Hall, first floor, page 11.
Beams: Ditto.
Walls and Wall Covering: Ditto, except finish plaster coat is smooth.
Ceiling: Ditto.
Baseboard: As in Bed Room #5, page 22.
Chair Rail: None.
Cornice: None.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: Original mantel gone; new one designed to have small cupboard beside it. This is a modification of treatment of some of the corner fireplaces at Marmion; but on a smaller scale and with moldings more typical of this locality. The segmental arch has been treated as at Belle Farm, Gloucester County, Virginia, but modified somewhat. New to replace post colonial or modern work.
Fireplace and Hearth: Fireplace rebuilt along modern lines with covert damper, in order to insure good draught, thereby assuming a shape somewhat unlike a typical colonial form. Original hearth was raised. A simple colonial molding was used as enframement, therefore, and the raised feature retained. Since no detailed precedent was known for this, a modified bed mold was used.
Windows (sash trim and frame and metal work): See Bath #4, page 21.
25Closets: Small closet in North wall, space being stolen from Bed Room #7. Shelf, pole and hook strip inserted also new door. The north wall of closet and sides are new work but door #18 to closet is cut into an original partition. The closet was made because of demands of necessity.
Door and Trim: Door #16, original, repaired and patched. Same also for frame and trim. Door #18, door, frame, and trim new, copied from existing originals, in heart yellow pine and made new because of necessity to seal new closet.
Metal Work on Door (latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.): Door #18, see door #19, page 23. Door #16, see door #14, page 23.
Color: As in Bed Room #5, see page 23.
Equipment: Ditto.
General Notes: This room retains its original appearance as restored except for the closet door and alterations at fireplace.
ROOM: BED ROOM #7.
Floor: See Bed Room #5, page 22.
Floor Nails: See First Floor Hall, page 11.
Beams: Ditto.
Walls and Wall Covering: Ditto, except finish plaster coat is smooth.
Ceiling: Ditto.
Baseboard: Original except in few parts where it 26 was pieced out.
Chair Rail: None.
Cornice: None.
Panelling or Wainscot: None.
Mantel: New mantel, in heart pine, precedent Belle Farm, second floor mantels, Gloucester County, Virginia. New to replace post-colonial or modern work.
Fireplace and Hearth: See Bed Room #6, page 24.
Windows:(sash trim and frame and metal work): See Bed Room #5, page 23.
Closets: Small closet; space stolen from Bath #4. Door was cut thru original partition; and other walls of closet new. New shelf-pole and hook strip. Closet all of new materials; floor is old, however and part of base and west partition was built as an essential necessity.
Door and Trim: Door #15 original door, frame and trim repaired and patched. Door #12, new door, frame and trim copied from old doors. New necessary to seal closet.
Metal Work on Door (latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.): Door #12 see door #19, page 23. Door #15, see door #14, page 23.
Color: Woodwork paint #47. Walls oil paint #15.
Equipment: See first floor Hall, page 13.
General Notes: This room retains its original appearance as restored except for closet and closet door. Although mantel is carefully authenticated, whether this type was in this room is 27 problematical.
FLOOR: FIRST TO SECOND. ROOM: HALLS.
Stairs: Note: This sheet to be pinned or clipped to record sheet of room the stairs are in.
Risers and Treads: Originals repaired and patched.
Newell Post and Handrail: Ditto.
Balusters: Originals for the most part, but where some were missing they were replaced with exact copies from originals.
Stringer, String Board and String Board Ornament: Original; some repairs and mending.
Closed or Open String: Closed.
Landing (if any) (Floor - windows or openings on, if any - posts -hand rail and balusters - "gallery board".): Original; repaired and patched.
BASEMENT.
Original brick walls were patched and mended. A concrete floor was laid and in order to get clearance for hot air unit and rises, a 1' - O" deep section was built below original brick walls. An indirect heater for hot water as well as a hot air furnace were installed close to the chimney. A pier was built below the center of the hall portion to make framing at this point sound; another pier was built on east wall to support the kitchen chimney. A rough carpentry stair within a partition was built to the kitchen. Also a fuel line was constructed in South West corner, along with new 28 concrete steps and brick foundations for new bulkhead at North West corner.
In general all old work was retained and patched and repaired. A new metal lath and plaster ceiling was inserted to protect first floor from dust and fumes from the furnace.
A new flue was cut to take furnace vent.
OUTHOUSES.
NOTE:
See outhouse sheet of Montague House in sample Record. In general give approximate age of outbuilding, record-character and its former site if moved to its restoration location from another place. If "original" on the site, record it briefly as you would a house. If new, give authority or precedent for its design. If new, or Moved from some where else, but standing on an old foundation, mention the fact and also note what formerly stood there.
There is no documentary evidence regarding outbuildings, other than the Frenchman's map which indicates a structure south west of main house. Part of the foundations of this building, were uncovered by Shurcliff excavators and by inspection a frame kitchen, chimney to the south, ridge north and south. This building was not restored. A service garage was built south of south west corner of the main house, following general character as shown in carriage houses of this vicinity. 1. Original one at Van Garrett House, 2. Tuckahoe, Goochland County, Virginia.
The one outbuilding to this house, therefore, has no relation to the original colonial layout, but insofar as the expression of a colonial flavor, may be considered as forming it satisfactorily.
A.P. Please make a note of this change in the archt. record of the house [illegible]
From: E. M. Frank
Re: Orrell House - Block 2 - Building 38
Please furnish us with a bona fide estimate to remove the east chimney of the above noted building to below the roof rafters and patch the roof and tie the plumbing vent now in this chimney to other existing vents.
E. M. F.
Copy to
Mr. Green
Circulating Copy to
Mr. Swartz
Mr. Bullock
Mr. Jenkins
Mr. Drewry
PB:[illegible]