Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

GENERAL NOTES:

References:

• Tyler, Lyon G., Williamsburg, p. 138, 140, 168.
• William and Mary Quarterly, Second Series, Vol. 8, 1928, p. 240, 246, 256.
• Magazine of American History, September 1881, p. 207-209.
• Humphrey Harwood's Ledger.
• Archaeological Photographs - files, Perry, Shaw and Hepburn.
• Bodleian Engravings.
• Frenchman's Map.
• Rochambeau's Map.

The restoration of this structure was begun on April 1, 1931 and the work completed on the eighth of September of the same year. The work embraced a complete exterior and partial interior restoration as of 1786, certain minor alterations being made in the plan to adopt this to modern standards of living.

It will be remembered that portions of the building were destroyed by fire in 1781 and were rebuilt in 1786. In this report the term "original" refers to work remaining from this rebuilding, rather than from the 1732 work.

Other fires?

NORTH ELEVATION.

SHINGLES: Ludowici Celadon Tiles are used on all roof surfaces. These were installed in the restoration of the building as a fire precaution. These are made to simulate aged wood shingles in color and texture.

DORMER WINDOWS: Dormer windows were found to have original sidewalls, frames, and sills. Modern cornice and pediment mouldings were removed and colonial precedent and paint marks followed in the design of new. New sash, following the detail of the colonial sash existing in other parts of the building were installed.

CORNICE: The main cornice was reused in its entirety with the exception of the crown moulding and facia. These were modern stock and were replaced in the restoration with those of colonial design.

GUTTER AND LEADER: Modern gutters and leaders were removed. These were not replaced, but brick gutters as found at the main building and the Palace were installed around the building for drainage.

WALL SURFACE: Brick wall surfaces are all original except for small areas of patches which replace modern or semi-modern repairs which were not harmonious in the ancient walls.

PORCH: Original. ^{Steps - stone _____}

FRONT DOOR: Hood original. Frame, trim and door new, replacing modern work. The detail of these follow local precedent.

WINDOWS: Frames, sash and sills, original. Trim is new, replacing modern blind strips which were removed. The interior treatment of the windows was dictated by fragments of original work found in the windows on the first floor, south west room.

(Windows had exterior blinds of late origin and were held to architrave by added wood block in place of cyma of architrave which was removed to allow for blind "stop" or wood block. G. S. C.)

SHUTTERS: Exterior shutters found on the building were not original, and so were removed in the restoration. There being no local precedent for shutters on a building of this character, none were included as a part of the work.

BASEMENT WALL: Original. New frames, sash, and trim on grilles. Detail of original grille east of doorway on south elevation was followed for the design.

(Grilles were designed from existing example found in south wall. This old grille was too far decayed to be of any use except for duplication. G. S. C.)

CHIMNEYS: The chimneys have been rebuilt above the roof line. Those stacks existing prior to the restoration were not original. The detail of the new caps was taken from the Jones photographs of Brafferton Hall, it having been assumed that these details were originally similar.

BARGE BOARDS (END BOARDS) CORNER BOARDS: None.

GENERAL NOTES: The original grade was restored on this elevation.

SOUTH ELEVATION.

SHINGLES: See North Elevation.

DORMER WINDOWS: North Elevation.

CORNICE: North Elevation.

GUTTER AND LEADER: North Elevation.

WALL SURFACE: North Elevation.

PORCH: New Portland stone steps were installed as shown in the Bodleian Engraving and following the dimensions of the original steps as determined by archaeological excavation.

FRONT DOOR: Hood new as shown in Bodleian Engraving. See door notes on North Elevation. (Hood copied from that on North Elevation which was presumed to be from the 1786 restoration. Also shown on Engraving. G. S. C.)

WINDOWS: North Elevation.

SHUTTERS; North Elevation.

BASEMENT WALL: North Elevation. Three grilles new in old openings. Grille east of entrance door is original with new sash and hardware. (Old grilles disappeared. M. S.) (North Elevation. G. S. C.)

CHIMNEYS: North Elevation.

BARGE BOARDS (END BOARDS) CORNER BOARDS: None.

GENERAL NOTES: Original grade as shown by the ancient step foundation was restored.

EAST ELEVATION.

SHINGLES: North Elevation.

DORMER WINDOWS: North Elevation.

CORNICE: North Elevation.

GUTTER AND LEADER: North Elevation.

WALL SURFACE: North Elevation.

PORCH: None.

FRONT DOOR: None.

WINDOWS: North Elevation.

SHUTTERS: North Elevation.

BASEMENT WALL: Original.

CHIMNEYS: None.

BARGE BOARDS (END BOARDS) CORNER BOARDS: None.

GENERAL NOTES: Original grade restored.

WEST ELEVATION.

SHINGLES: North Elevation.

DORMER WINDOWS: North Elevation.

CORNICE: North Elevation.

GUTTER AND LEADER: North Elevation.

WALL SURFACE: Brickwork under two first floor windows replaced to close up two modern doorways which were removed. Other minor patches.

PORCH: None.

BASEMENT DOOR: Marks on the brickwork, racking on the walls, archaeological excavation, gave the general outline of the raw brick entrance way. Ludowici Tile roof is used. The segmental door-head was so shaped to correspond with the door-head beyond in the basement wall which was discovered.

WINDOWS: North Elevation. First floor windows entirely new in original openings. (Original window sash had disappeared. H. R. S.) (Window to dining room is entirely new to detail discovered in building. Window to kitchen has new frame and sill. Interior trim and part exterior cyma. Note: from this latter window was discovered the only remnant of exterior cyma for window architrave in the building. This was used to duplicate for other windows throughout as this cyma had been removed in each case to allow for exterior window blinds which had been added. See note, North Elevation. Window to kitchen when being converted into a door as mentioned was only destroyed from the meeting rails down to the sill; as regards the woodwork, the top was complete. G. S. C.)

SHUTTERS: North Elevation.

BASEMENT WALL: Original.

CHIMNEYS: None.

BARGE BOARDS (END BOARDS) CORNER BOARDS: None.

GENERAL NOTES: Due to topographical conditions west of the building, it was necessary to raise the original grade approximately one foot.

GENERAL NOTES:

Of the interior very little trim and woodwork of a Colonial nature was discovered. With the exception of one door and some frames and architraves on second floor, the building had been treated with modern detail - dado, doors, and architraves, etc. The floors on the first floor had been covered with modern matched boarding. The flooring on the second floor was as restored after the fire of 1781 A. D..

The mantels were all of modern design except one which was in north west bedroom (origin not known but of colonial design). The fireplaces were mostly bricked up to suit mantels, but upon removal of brickwork original fireplaces were discovered in very good condition. Unfortunately, on examining the chimneys, it was discovered that both east and west chimneys were leaning badly towards each other, due chiefly to inroads made on breasts at intersection of first floor by fire in 1781 and cutting of floor beams into the breasts at this point in 1786; also general deterioration of breasts at the basement through long disuse and damage by fire. (Note; the basement had been filled to approximately half its height by a former occupant of the house in an effort to exclude water from the basement. Removal of debris, etc. disclosed paved floor in good condition). It was decided to take both chimneys down completely due to their faulty condition and danger of collapse at basement and rebuild them exactly as in original house. Execution of this work will give the building great strength,as second floor main beams and roof which had to be re-enforced have their bearings to a great extent on these newly built chimneys.

The main walls were found to be in good condition, except in places where warps may be noticed, especially along cornice line. The west wall seems to be most out of line and leans perceptibly. It is assumed that this was caused by thrust from roof beams, and as the load is minimized through partial transfer to newly built chimneys, it was deemed unnecessary to interfere with this wall, which does seem necessary at least from the string course up.

The general plan is much the same as when originally completed, with the exception of minor alterations for inclusion of baths and closets which occur only on second floor. On the first floor, it was necessary to remove south porch and supply new steps and door, etc.. To remove west porch to kitchen door, remove door and build up into original window form. To remove stone steps to door to dining room, west elevation, and build up door into window as in original form. Brick up modern china closet in dining room. Reduce the size of door opening between two east rooms; this opening is not considered a restoration, but its size was dictated by the President.^{(?) See 1979 renovation.} It is trimmed with slightly later architrave to indicate a later opening. The entrance steps to north door are believed to be possibly from the rebuilding at 1786 or about the year 1800. The north door itself is new to colonial design.

The stairs are as set forth elsewhere in this report. Slight alterations in the second floor comprise. Rebuilding of brick partition walls of hall and arched opening to passage which divides two west rooms. This passage is not original but was there at time of restoration and was left intact for utilitarian purposes. South wall of this partition is considered not in original location. Bathroom in north west corner is as discovered at time of restoration. Closets in this section are as developed 10 during restoration. Bathroom at northeast corner is as discovered during restoration. Closet in this area is new.

In the attic, due to roof re-enforcing and introduction of new and stronger hip rafters, the ceiling and side walls have been slightly altered, but no great attempt at restoration was made here. The fire places were restored and the mantel shelf in each case is new, to detail. (G. S. C.)

It is to be remembered that the interior restoration of this building was not undertaken as fully as might have been done had the means been available. The original restoration was only intended to comprise the exterior and plans were made accordingly, but due to the assistance of the President (Dr. Chandler) funds were made available from another source, which though not adequate enough were sufficient for a restoration of simple character. Hence the lack of panel work or other extensive interior decoration, as the building probably did have when originally built. (G. S. C.)

FLOOR: FIRST. ROOM: HALL.

FLOOR: Original, repaired and patched.

FLOOR NAILS: Original and reproduction hand wrought.

BEAMS: Original, strengthened where necessary.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: New plaster, painted. (Original plaster disappeared. H. R. S.)

CEILING: New plaster, painted. (Original plaster disappeared. H. R. S.)

BASEBOARD: New to detail following detail of ancient base found elsewhere in house.

CHAIR RAIL: New following a local colonial pattern. Original disappeared.

CORNICE: New following a local colonial pattern. Original disappeared.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL:

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: None.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): None.

CLOSETS: None.

DOOR AND TRIM: See exterior front door. Doors #2, #12, #6, and #8, new doors in old frames.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): All new; reproduction work.

COLOR: Woodwork #49s - orange. Walls #89s - yellow orange. Base - black.

EQUIPMENT: Reproduction electric fixtures.

GENERAL NOTES:

FLOOR: FIRST TO THIRD. ROOM: HALLWAYS.

STAIRS: (NOTE: This sheet to be pinned or clipped to record sheet of room the stairs are in.)

The existing stair carriage frame work was retained, it apparently having been installed as a copy of the original which was destroyed by fire.

RISERS AND TREADS: New of new wood. Original disappeared.

NEWELL POST AND HANDRAIL: New of new wood, following that at the Paradise House, Williamsburg. Original and replacement had disappeared.

BALUSTERS: Existing, not original. Retained though not original, because it looked as though they followed original precedent.

STRINGER, STRING BOARD AND STRING BOARD ORNAMENT: See handrail.

CLOSED OR OPEN STRING: Closed and new. Original disappeared.

LANDING (IF ANY), (FLOOR, WINDOWS OR OPENINGS ON, IF ANY, POSTS, HANDRAIL AND BALUSTERS, "GALLERY BOARD".): Antique flooring. Gallery board new. Transom over door opens on gallery and is new following detail of ancient sash.

FLOOR: FIRST. ROOM: LIVING ROOM.

FLOOR: See Hall.

FLOOR NAILS: See Hall.

BEAMS: See Hall.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Hall.

CEILING: See Hall.

BASEBOARD: See Hall.

CHAIR RAIL: See Hall.

CORNICE: See Hall.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: New, designed to fit marks of old mantel found on brickwork.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: Original repaired.

WINDOWS: (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): New sash hardware. Old sash, frames. New interior trim designed to fit plaster and paint marks found on site.

CLOSETS: Closet new to fit needs of occupant.

DOOR AND TRIM: Door #10 made wide trimmed opening to fit convenience of occupant. Original opening of any size had disappeared.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): New reproduction hardware.

COLOR: Woodwork #140s. Walls, same 25% lighter. Baseboard - black.

EQUIPMENT: New reproduction lighting fixtures.

GENERAL NOTES:

FLOOR: FIRST. ROOM: PARLOR.

FLOOR: See Living Room.

FLOOR NAILS: See Living Room.

BEAMS: See Living Room.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Living Room.

CEILING: See Living Room.

BASEBOARD: See Living Room.

CHAIR RAIL: See Living Room.

CORNICE: See Living Room.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: See Living Room.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: See Living Room.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): See Living Room.

CLOSETS: None.

DOOR AND TRIM: None.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): None.

COLOR: None.

EQUIPMENT:

GENERAL NOTES:

FLOOR: FIRST. ROOM: DINING ROOM.

FLOOR: See Living Room.

FLOOR NAILS: See Living Room.

BEAMS: See Living Room.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Living Room.

CEILING: See Living Room.

BASEBOARD: See Living Room.

CHAIR RAIL: See Living Room.

CORNICE: See Living Room.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: SEE Living Room.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: SEE Living Room.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): SEE Living Room.

CLOSETS: SEE Living Room.

DOOR AND TRIM: SEE Living Room. Original doors to kitchen.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): SEE Living Room. Original doors to kitchen.

COLOR: Woodwork #141s. Walls, same, 25% lighter. Base, black.

EQUIPMENT:

GENERAL NOTES: A modern cupboard was removed from the north wall of this room.

FLOOR: FIRST. ROOM: KITCHEN.

FLOOR: Linoleum to fit use as kitchen.

FLOOR NAILS: None.

BEAMS: See Living Room.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Living Room.

CEILING: See Living Room.

BASEBOARD: Existing ancient base repaired.

CHAIR RAIL: None.

CORNICE: None.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: None.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: Original fireplace bricked up after being restored to original form to suit modern needs of kitchen use.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): See Living Room.

CLOSETS: See Living Room.

DOOR AND TRIM: Door #13, original. Otherwise, See Living Room.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): See Living Room.

COLOR: Woodwork #144s. Walls #141s, 25% lighter. Baseboard, black.

EQUIPMENT: New sink; existing cabinet reused; new lighting fixtures.

GENERAL NOTES:

FLOOR: SECOND. ROOM: HALL.

FLOOR: See first floor hall.

FLOOR NAILS: See first floor hall.

BEAMS: See first floor hall.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See first floor hall.

CEILING: See first floor hall.

BASEBOARD: See first floor hall.

CHAIR RAIL: None.

CORNICE: None.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: None.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: None.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): See Living Room.

CLOSETS: None.

DOOR AND TRIM: See Living Room.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): See Living Room.

COLOR: See first floor Hall.

EQUIPMENT: See first floor Hall.

GENERAL NOTES:

FLOOR: SECOND. ROOM: BEDROOM #1.

FLOOR: See Living Room.

FLOOR NAILS: See Living Room.

BEAMS: See Living Room.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Living Room.

CEILING: See Living Room.

BASEBOARD: Original existing.

CHAIR RAIL: None.

CORNICE: None.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: New, of local colonial pattern. Original disappeared.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: Repaired.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): Existing, second period (see preface) frames and sash, new hardware, new interior and exterior trim. New lower sash on east window.

CLOSETS: Existing modern wardrobe allowed to remain at request of occupant.

DOOR AND TRIM: New doors, old frames and trim.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): New reproduction hardware.

COLOR: Woodwork, #147s. Walls, white to simulate whitewash. Baseboard, black.

EQUIPMENT: New reproduction lighting fixtures.

GENERAL NOTES:

FLOOR: SECOND. ROOM: BEDROOM #2.

FLOOR: See Living Room.

FLOOR NAILS: See Living Room.

BEAMS: See Living Room.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Living Room.

CEILING: See Living Room.

BASEBOARD: Existing.

CHAIR RAIL: None.

CORNICE: None.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: New, design inspired by one on second floor of Bassett Hall. Original disappeared.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: Repaired.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): See Living Room.

CLOSETS: One added for convenience.

DOOR AND TRIM: See Living Room.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): See Living Room.

COLOR: See Bedroom #1.

EQUIPMENT: New reproduction fixtures.

GENERAL NOTES: Bath added in north east corner for convenience.

FLOOR: SECOND. ROOM: BEDROOM #3.

FLOOR: See Bedroom #1.

FLOOR NAILS: See Bedroom #1.

BEAMS: See Bedroom #1.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Bedroom #1.

CEILING: See Bedroom #1.

BASEBOARD: See Bedroom #1.

CHAIR RAIL: None.

CORNICE: None.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: Original.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: Repaired.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): See Bedroom #2.

CLOSETS: None.

DOOR AND TRIM: See Bedroom #2.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): See Bedroom #2.

COLOR: Woodwork #150s. Walls, white to simulate whitewash. Base,black.

EQUIPMENT: New reproduction fixtures.

GENERAL NOTES: See Bedroom #2.

FLOOR: SECOND. ROOM: BEDROOM #4.

FLOOR: See Bedroom #1.

FLOOR NAILS: See Bedroom #1.

BEAMS: See Bedroom #1.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Bedroom #1.

CEILING: See Bedroom #1.

BASEBOARD: See Bedroom #1.

CHAIR RAIL: None.

CORNICE: None.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: See Bedroom #1.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: See Bedroom #1.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): See Bedroom #1.

CLOSETS: See Bedroom #1.

DOOR AND TRIM: See Bedroom #1.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): See Bedroom #1.

COLOR: Woodwork #149s. Walls, white to simulate whitewash. Baseboard, black.

EQUIPMENT: See Bedroom #1.

GENERAL NOTES: See Bedroom #1.

FLOOR: THIRD. ROOM: HALL.

FLOOR: Original existing.

FLOOR NAILS: Original existing.

BEAMS: Existing strengthened where necessary.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: New Plaster.

CEILING: New Plaster.

BASEBOARD: Original existing.

CHAIR RAIL: None.

CORNICE: None.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: NONE.

MANTEL: None.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: None.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): New sash in old dormer frames. New stools. New hardware. Original disappeared.

CLOSETS: None.

DOOR AND TRIM: Existing.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): Existing.

COLOR: See first floor Hall.

EQUIPMENT: Existing.

GENERAL NOTES: Note that the third floor was considered as a renovation rather than a true restoration.

FLOOR: THIRD. ROOM: BEDROOM #5.

FLOOR: See Hall.

FLOOR NAILS: See Hall.

BEAMS: See Hall.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Hall.

CEILING: See Hall.

BASEBOARD: See Hall.

CHAIR RAIL: None.

CORNICE: None.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: None.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: None ?

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): See Hall.

CLOSETS: None.

DOOR AND TRIM: See Hall.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): See Hall.

COLOR: Woodwork #53w. Base, black. Walls #18w.

EQUIPMENT: See Hall.

GENERAL NOTES: Bath attached to this room due to needs of occupancy. Also see Hall.

FLOOR: THIRD. ROOM: STORAGE.

FLOOR: See Hall.

FLOOR NAILS: See Hall.

BEAMS: See Hall.

WALLS AND WALL COVERING: See Hall.

CEILING: See Hall.

BASEBOARD: See Hall.

CHAIR RAIL: None.

CORNICE: None.

PANELLING OR WAINSCOT: None.

MANTEL: New to fit plaster and paint marks found.

FIREPLACE AND HEARTH: Fireplaces were found bricked up in this room and Bath #3. These were opened up, repaired and used.

WINDOWS (SASH TRIM AND FRAME AND METAL WORK): See Hall.

CLOSETS: Existing.

DOOR AND TRIM: See Hall.

METAL WORK ON DOOR (LATCH, HINGES, DOOR KNOB, FASTENINGS, ETC.): See Hall.

COLOR:

EQUIPMENT: See Hall.

GENERAL NOTES: See Hall.

GENERAL NOTES.

The building now the garage to the Presidents House was built some years after the civil war. There is a great amount of colonial brick in the walls but the bond is irregular and carelessly laid.

In reconditioning the building as a garage new openings were inserted in the North elevation, and a new doorway was cut in the West elevation.

The existing louvre windows were relocated and another window added on the east elevation.

The former door ways on the south elevation were bricked up and a smaller door was inserted.

Shingles—

Leudowici tile shingles

Dormer Windows—

Existing dormers repaired where necessary of new material existing dovecotes remain in both east and west dormers. Framing in dormers strengthened to receive tile shingles.

Cornice—

Existing cornice repaired of new material.

Gutter and Leader:

Wall Surface:

The wall surfaces of all elevations are of white washed brick.

PORCH:

No porch.

Front Door:

The doors are in the north elevation and are two pairs of Garage doors new Random width plush beaded braids used. These doors are in new location in original wall surface.

Windows:

The two existing wood louvre windows remain but are relocated. A new window to detail was added. New casement sash added to all windows.

Shutters:

No shutters.

Basement Wall:

No Basement.

Chimneys:

No chimneys.

Barge Boards (End Boards) Corner Boards:

No Barge boards nor corner boards.

General Notes:

The new doors are batten, flush beaded boards. A new brick floor in garage and tool houses were added.

CROSS REFERENCE:

See also WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE RESEARCH NOTES- 5 volumes bound & indexed in Book Cabinet.