Ewing House Architectural Report, Block 2 Building 28/28B Lot 604Originally entitled: "Ewing House and Forge (Reconstructed)"
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1027
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
ARCHITECTURAL REPORT EWING HOUSE
Block #2, Building #28
EWING HOUSE AND FORGE
(Reconstructed)
Block 2, Buildings 28 and 28B
The Ewing House and outbuildings were restored and reconstructed under the direction of the Department of Architecture, Colonial Williamsburg.
A. E. Kendrew, Resident Architect
S. P. Moorehead, Chief Designer
Perry, Shaw and Hepburn Architects, Consultants
Ewing House (#28)
Restoration started April 23, 1940
Restoration completed October 18, 1940
Ewing Forge (#28B)
Restoration started April 24, 1940
Restoration completed November 7, 1940
Architectural Drawings made by Washington Reed and Ernest M. Frank.
All drawings were checked by Washington Reed.
The material in this report was retyped December 28, 1950 under the direction of A. Lawrence Kocher and Howard Dearstyne. The report was unsigned and undated. The illustrations were added at this time.
EWING HOUSE — AS RESTORED
| House: | Ewing | Record By: |
|---|---|---|
| Location: Block #2 | Date of Record: |
EXTERIOR
General Notes
The following data was used in determining the exterior appearance of this structure:
- 1Archaeological Report. Architectural Department September 1, 1939. Note: Contains reference and tracing of early insurance policy. Showing present house except for modern additions to be same as described on policy of 1806.
- 2Folder of field note: - Now on file in Architectural Department. These relate to architectural and archaeological investigations.
- 3Graphic Data:
- aThe Frenchman's Map on file, at full size reproduction, in Research and Record Department.
- bInsurance Plot of 1806. Reproduction on file in Research and Record Department.
- cA series of progress photographs interior and exterior taken during architectural and archaeological investigations. These are all on file by Colonial Williamsburg Inc. with notations on the back fully explaining the subject matter contained in each part.
In general much of the original structure was intact. Certain modern additions were removed such as a large front porch and a series of wings on the rear containing a shed, kitchen, pantry, Bath Room, etc. The periods of the various additions above were easily determined from the data listed above. There enough data was available to perform an accurate restoration of the exterior.
The archaeological excavations of the general Ewing Lot were begun on July 12, 1939 and continued until July 24, 1939 and were resumed again during back filling operations, November 28 to December 1, 1939. Study and research for preparation of sketches 2 commenced in July 1939. Preparation of working, cleaning, details and specifications began in December 1939 and were completed in February 1940. Wrecking at the building to remove modern work and explore old work, framing, etc. was carried on during archaeological excavations.
The drawings and specifications prepared for the reconstruction of this building should be read by anyone seeking complete information about the materials, scope of work, type of work involved. The drawings themselves are in great detail. A list of these is given below. Also the general correspondence files should be consulted to get the background of the work, its costs, approvals, policies of maintainance, practical considerations of plumbing, heating, etc.
List of New Materials used in Restoration is given to save repetition later:
- Exterior Wood-work - Heart Cypress.
- Interior Finish - Southern Yellow Pine - Heart.
- Exterior doors - Heart White pine.
- Window Sash - Heart White pine.
- Window Frames - Heart Yellow Pine.
- Framing - Common Pine.
EXTERIOR
North Elevation
Shingles
The shingles on the building at the time of restoration investigation were of a square butt wood type. As investigations continued a seemingly old hand split cypress shingle with round butt was found laying in back of the facia board of the cornice on the North Elevation. With this evidence and that of recent research by the architectural department the type of shingle developed for the Wythe House was used.
The roof boarding being in poor condition was replaced with modern yellow Pine boarding.
DORMER WINDOWS
The sash, frames, sills, interior trim, etc., proved on investigation to be of a modern type of various periods. The rough framing was however, apparently original. Thus details of 18th Century type dormers were adapted to the original rough openings.
CORNICE
The cornice on the North Elevation at the time of investigation was original except for the top member or crown mould. Therefore except for repairs and replacement of rotted portions and the addition of a new crown mould the original cornice has been retained.
GUTTERS AND LEADERS
None. Since hung gutters or concealed gutters were not used in the 18th Century locally, a brick gutter was built at grade adjacent to the brick basement wall. This gutter is sloped from the steps at the center to inconspicuous modern cast iron chains dr(?)-drains 4 at the ends. In order to make as permanent an installation as possible this gutter was laid on a reinforced concrete bed. Since this feature is hidden below grade it was permissible. Precedent for this feature has been found at the Wren building, Governors Palace, etc.
WALL SURFACES
See South Elevation.
PORCH
The archaeological investigation disclosed a solid block of brick foundations under the front door. With these indications and the uniform simplicity throughout the building. A simple paving brick platform with a wood nosing and brick steps with wood nosings was used. Precedent for similar features has been found at the Wythe House, the Governors Palace, etc.
FRONT DOOR
The door, door trim, transom sash and sill proved on investigation to be of modern type. The rough framing was, however, original. Therefore a new door of typical 18th Century type was installed. See also page #18.
WINDOWS
Here again the frames, sash and sills were modern but the original rough framing and the interior trim for these windows was original. Thus the original sash opening was easily determined and typical 18th Century details were adapted to these conditions. An 18th Century double hung sash with top sash fired was used.
SHUTTERS
No traces or indications of the original shutters could be found, but shutters were more or less universal in this district on frame buildings during the 18th Century. Since the records mentioned above date this building as late 18th Century a louvred shutter was used. This type of shutter is known to have been used during the latter part of the 18th Century.
BASEMENT WALL
The original basement wall was entact except forthe presence of modern openings under the windows. These openings were bricked up using a brick and mortar similar to the original. The original bond also was carried through these windows. The original well under the west half was under-pinned to give a more usuable area in the basement. Since this feature is below grade it is permissible.
CHIMNEYS
None.
BARGE BOARDS, END BOARDS, CORNER BOARDS
Since the original corner boards were not present. A corner board typical of 18th Century Gambrel Roofed buildings was used.
West Elevation
SHINGLES
None.
DORMER WINDOWS
None.
CORNICE
None.
GUTTERS AND LEADERS
None.
WALL SURFACES
See South Elevation, Pg. # 8.
PORCH
None.
FRONT DOOR
None.
WINDOWS
See North Elevation, pg. # 4. for 1st floor window. The rough framing of the window on the second floor was the only original evidence remaining. A 15 lt. century sash typical of the 18th Century and similar in detail to the 18th Century window developed for the first floor was used.
West Elevation
SHUTTERS
See North Elevation, Pg. #5.
BASEMENT WALLS
See notes on North Elevation, pg. #5. A new Basement Grille was added near the North corner to provide light and ventilation to the basement. This was made the same size and shape as an original basement opening found on the South Elevation. This was a concession to modern conveniences and since it was small and inconspicuous and similar to an original opening it seemed permissable.
CHIMNEY
This chimney proved on investigation to be original. Therefore after the practical addition of fire clay flue linings it was rebuilt following the original lines, and brick bound:
BARGE BOARDS, END BOARDS AND CORNER BOARDS
No original traces of these pieces remained. Therefore details of 18th Century character were developed for the above pieces.
General Notes
South Elevation
SHINGLES
See North Elevation, page #3.
DORMER WINDOWS
See North Elevation, page #3.
CORNICE
Due to the various modern wings and additions to the South of Building only parts of the original cornice remained. Investigation indicated a much simpler cornice than on the North Elevation. The projection of the facia was found to be the same as on the North, but no evidence of modillions was found. Thus a cornice incorporating the indicated feature was used.
GUTTERS AND LEADERS
None. For disposal of the roof water the brick paving was sloped sharply away at the basement wall or a brick spatter was installed under the cornice projection of typical practice on 18th Century buildings.
WALL SURFACES
At the time of investigation a small portion of the exterior on the east of this wall several original beaded weather-boards were found. With this conclusive evidence and the almost universal use of this type of wall covering during the 18th Century, beaded weatherboards, of random widths 5" to 6" to the weather were used throughout.
PORCH
While porches were not the rule of 18th Century houses and archaeological excavations revealed no evidence of such a feature, as a concession to convenience and comfort a screened porch was built here. Since it is not visible from the street and was built after the fashion of 18th Century porches its appearance here is not objectionable. In general character it follows a porch "On the Strand" at New Castle, Delaware.
FRONT DOOR
The rough framing here was again the major pant of the original door remaining. See North Elevation
WINDOWS
See North Elevation, page #4.
SHUTTERS
See North Elevation, page #5.
REAR OF EWING HOUSE, SHOWING EWING FORGE AND KITCHEN
BASEMENT WALL
The original basement wall was entact except for the presence of a modern opening under the door on the East. This opening was bricked up using a brick, brick bond and mortar similar to that of the existing walls. An original opening for a basement grille was found near the East end of this wall. Following details of the 18th Century, a basement grille was installed in this opening.
BULKHEAD ENTRANCE
Archaeological investigation revealed the original walls of a bulkhead entrance to the basement. Following the lines of these walls a new basement entrance was constructed. This entrance is similar in detail to many known entrances of this kind of the 18th century. Holes were found in the original brick wall giving precedence for wood nosings used.
CHIMNEYS
None.
BARGE BOARDS, END BOARDS AND CORNER BOARDS
See West Elevation, page #7.
General Notes
East Elevation
SHINGLES
None.
DORMER WINDOWS
None.
CORNICE
None.
GUTTERS AND LEADERS
None.
WALL SURFACES
See South Elevation, page #8.
PORCH
None.
WINDOWS
The rough framing was all of the original of these windows that remained. Since these were approximately the same as for corresponding windows on the North and West Elevations. See notes pages #4 and #6.
SHUTTERS
See North Elevation, page #5.
BASEMENT WALLS
The original basement wall was entact and except for repairs where necessary is the original wall.
CHIMNEYS
Investigations proved the existing chimney here to be modern. The items leading to this conclusion are: The existing 11 brick work did not bond into foundation walls and was not of the identical type of brick. There was no original leader construction around the chimney or hearth. The large room on this side of the first floor was an unplastered room originally with the rough studs, and the back of the weatherboards whitewashed with the ceiling joists and the underside of the flooring painted. All of this evidence proved conclusively that this side of the building had no chimney and that the large room was used probably as some sort of a store room.
BARGE BOARDS, END BOARDS, CORNER BOARDS
See West Elevation, page #7.
FRAME OF EWING HOUSE SHOWING BRACING, ALSO ORIGINAL FOUNDATION AND CHIMNEY. THE HOUSE WAS FACED WITH NEW WEATHERBOARDING.
INTERIOR
General Notes
Because of the decision to make this house primarily an "exterior Restoration" certain liberties were taken with the interior in order to make the house habitable to the standards of the present day. The disposition of the main features of the house remain substantially as investigation proved them to be, originally, except for the addition of modern plumbing, lighting and heating systems, and a few conveniently located closet spaces. These are enumerated in detail in the following notes:
All existing antique materials in good condition have been retained or reused. This includes the floor joists, stud walls, stud partitions, floor and ceiling joists, roof rafters, etc., stair treads, risers, balusters, handrails, etc., interior window trim, doors and door trim and other minor features. Some new materials have been used both for practical and structural reasons. See plans and specifications. All new work was done in modern technique of carpentry work, etc., but at exposed surfaces colonial profiles, methods, etc. were simulated. See detailed notes following.
FIRST FLOOR - Living Room
FLOOR AND FLOOR NAILS
Original floor is reused and nailed in 18th Century manner with large, stock cut nails which simulate hand wrot colonial ones. The floor was raised to accomodate an underfloor floor of practical purposes.
First Floor Plan
SCALE ¼" = 1'-0"
BEAMS
The original joists remain with repairs and replacements where necessary due to rotted condition. Modern bridging was added to the old work to reduce deflection.
WALL AND CEILING COVERING
This room is the same size and shape as the original room in this position but in order to make it more habitable the walls and ceiling are plastered on metal lath, laid up in modern methods except that the skim coat is brought to a slightly uneven texture to simulate 18th Century plaster finish.
BASE BOARD
A simple beaded member copied after the original in other parts of the house. Laid up to receive plaster in typical colonial manner.
CHAIR RAIL
A chair rail of typical 18th Century type was used. Laid up in colonial manner.
CORNICE
A simple cornice of typical 18th Century type was used.
PANELLING OR WAINSCOT
None.
MANTEL
None.
FIREPLACE AND HEARTH
None. See East Elevation, page #10.
WINDOWS (Sash, trim, frame and metal work)
See North Elevation, page #4. Simple moulded trims as existed on windows on North wall. Bottom sash on cord and metal pulleys. Top sash fixed. Small iron peg hung on cowhide string to plug into meeting rail to lock windows. This has no colonial precedent but is a very simple method to fix sash when closed and has a colonial appearance.
CLOSETS
None.
DOOR AND TRIM
Door No. 102, west wall. This door opening was moved slightly to the north from its original location to accomodate a closet, etc. in the Hall. The trim is a simple moulded trim after that of the original opening. The door is a raised 6 panel door similar to existing antique doors from this building.
METAL WORK ON DOOR (Latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.)
Door No. 102 - H and L hinges made by local craftsmen after antique models from this building. Lock is an iron rim lock with brass knobs made by modern manufacturer after colonial models.
COLOR
EQUIPMENT (Electric)
Several base plugs and switches comprise the electric equipment. This was inserted as a modern convenience only and as inconspicuously as possible - for this reason no wall or ceiling fixtures were used.
EQUIPMENT (Heating)
Inconspicuous grilles in the base board constitute the only visable equipment for the airconditioning system.
General Notes
Investigations revealed this room to have originally been unfinished - see notes on chimney, East Elevation, page #10.
FIRST FLOOR - Front Hall
FLOOR AND FLOOR NAILS
As for Living Room, page #12.
BEAMS, WALL AND CEILING COVERING, BASEBOARD, CHAIR RAIL, AND CORNICE, also as for Living Room, pages #12 and #13.
PANELLING AND WAINSCOT
None.
MANTEL
None.
FIREPLACE AND HEARTH
None.
WINDOWS
None.
CLOSETS
None.
DOORS AND TRIM
Door No. 100 North wall, see North Elevation. This is a six panel door similar to existing antique doors from this building except that since it was an exterior door both exterior and interior sides were panelled after 18th Century practice. Doors Nos. 102, 103, 104, see Living Room, page #14.
METAL WORK ON DOOR (latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.)
Door No. 100 - H and L hinges made by local draftsmen after antique models from this building. Lock is an iron rim lock with brass knobs, key escutcheon and large iron key made by modern manufacturer after colonial models. Doors Nos. 102, 103, 104, see Living Room, page #14.
COLOR
EQUIPMENT (electrical)
See Living Room. A small ceiling fixture copied by modern manufacturer from colonial model.
EQUIPMENT (heating)
See Living Room.
FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS - Stairs
STAIRS TO 2ND FLOOR
Original antique stair is reused in its original location with necessary new material and repairs.
RISERS AND TREADS
Reused where possible. New pieces installed where required by poor condition of antique work.
NEWEL POST, HAND RAIL AND BALUSTERS
Original newel on first floor and one at top of stairs. Others new after originals.
Baluster between 1st and 2nd Floors original. 2nd floor balusters after originals. Same for Hand rail. Both rail 2nd floor new.
STRING, STRING BOARD AND STRING BOARD ORNAMENT
All original except where patched or repaired.
CLOSED OR OPEN STRING
Stair is all enclosed.
LANDING
None.
FIRST FLOOR - Rear Hall
FLOOR AND FLOOR NAILS, BEAMS, WALL AND CEILING COVERING, AND BASEBOARDS
As for Living Room, pages#12 and #13.
CHAIR RAIL
None.
CORNICE
None.
PANELLING AND WAINSCOT
None.
FIREPLACE AND HEARTH
None.
MANTEL
None.
WINDOWS
None.
DOORS AND TRIM
Door No. 101 see Front Hall Door No. 100. Door No. 105, 106, trim same as note for Living Room. Door 105 original and 100 after original, 2 pan. doors. Door No. 108, see Living Room, 102.
METAL WORK ON DOOR
Door No. 101, see Living Room. Door 105, 106, same except no locks, but have iron latches from same source as hinges from door 102.
COLOR
FIRST FLOOR - Dining Room
FLOOR AND FLOOR NAILS and BEAMS
See Living Room.
WALL AND CEILING COVERING
Plaster on metal laid up in modern methods except that skim coat is brought to a slightly uneven texture to simulate typical 18th Century plaster finish.
CEILING, BASE BOARD, CHAIR RAIL, CORNICE, and PANELLING or WAINSCOT
See Living Room.
MANTEL
New mantel after 18th Century type was used.
FIREPLACE AND HEARTH
Medium large opening same as original with rubbed brick surround, side and back same as original. New material replaced old in unusuable condition, otherwise fireplace and hearth are original.
WINDOWS
See Living Room.
CLOSETS
None.
DOORS AND TRIM
Door Nos. 103 and 107. See Living Room and Front Hall.
METAL WORK ON DOOR
Same as for Living Room.
COLOR
EQUIPMENT -(electrical)
Same as for Front Hall.
EQUIPMENT (heating)
Same as for Living Room.
FIRST FLOOR - Kitchen
FLOOR AND FLOOR NAILS, BEAMS, WALL AND CEILING COVERING, and BASEBOARD
See Living Room.
CHAIR RAIL
None.
CORNICE
None.
PANELLING OR WAINSCOT
None.
MANTEL
None.
FIREPLACE
None.
WINDOWS
Same as for Living Room Windows except top sash movable. 18th Century windows.
CLOSETS
Small closet on North Wall, with very simple door and trim after colonial models.
DOOR AND TRIM
Doors 107 and 108, see Living Room. Door 109, door of beaded boards and bottoms. Trim simple flat beaded board.
METAL WORK ON DOOR
Doors 107 and 108, see Living Room door 102. Door 109, see Rear Hall doors 105 and 106.
COLOR
EQUIPMENT (general)
Modern stainless steel sink and drain board, with storage cabinets over, necessary electric equipment for range, refrigerator, and lighting; exposed radiator on north wall.
Second Floor Plan
SCALE ¼" = 1'-0"
GENERAL NOTES
This room is entirely a room of modern conveniences. The main architectural details, however, follow colonial character. The insertion of modern equipment has been done frankly and to afford the most practical arrangement for present living purposes.
SECOND FLOOR - Hall
FLOOR AND FLOOR NAILS
Same as for Living Room.
BEAMS
Same as for Living Room except new 2" x 12" joists were added between existing joists for more rigid construction.
WALL AND CEILING COVERING and BASEBOARD
Same as for Living Room.
CHAIR RAIL
None.
CORNICE
None.
PANELLING OR WAINSCOT
None.
MANTEL
None.
FIREPLACE AND HEARTH
None.
WINDOWS
See South Elevation. Interior trim simple beaded wood strip and wood stool. This is typical of 18th Century dormers.
CLOSETS
In South End of West Wall a small linen closet was installed for convenience of modern living.
DOORS AND TRIM
Door 201 - original door shifted slightly from original position to accomodate modern bath. A pan. door. Simple moulded trim same as original. Doors200, 202, 205, 206, new after original model #201.
METAL WORK ON DOOR
See Living Room Door #102.
COLOR
EQUIPMENT (general)
Small ceiling light and switches. For ceiling fixture see Front Hall. Closet equipment; shelves for modern convenience. In ceiling is an access door to attic space. It is a convenience and is made up of colonial detail arranged to be workable for the purpose.
SECOND FLOOR - Bath Rooms Nos. 1 and 2
FLOOR
Linoleum floor on mastic base. Merely for modern convenience.
FLOOR NAILS
None but brass housing for linoleum at door, an absolute necessity to protect edge of linoleum from injury.
BEAMS
See Living Room and 2nd fl. Hall.
WALLS AND CEILING COVERING
Same as 1st floor rooms except that to walls adjacent to modern bath tub tile has been used as a modern convenience.
BASE BOARD
See Living Room, 1st floor.
CHAIR RAIL
None.
CORNICE
None.
PANELLING AND WAINSCOT
None.
MANTEL
None.
FIREPLACE AND HEARTH
None.
WINDOWS
See Hall, 2nd Floor.
CLOSETS
None.
DOOR AND TRIM
Door 208 an original door, 6 pan. Door 205, new door after original model 201. Trim simple beaded band. See general notes on doors, Living Room.
METAL WORK ON DOORS
See Living Room, 1st fl., and doors 105 and 106, rear hall, 1st floor.
COLOR
EQUIPMENT
Bath Tub, W. C., Lavatory, Medicine Cabinet, and appropriate lighting fixture over Cabinet. All frank concessions to modern living convenience.
GENERAL NOTES
Although the architectural details of this room are reaccording to colonial precedent, there has been no effort to disguise the use of this room.
SECOND FLOOR - Bed Room No. 1
FLOOR AND FLOOR NAILS
See Living Room, 1st Floor.
BEAMS
See Living Room, 1st Floor and Hall, 2nd Floor.
WALLS AND CEILING COVERING
See Dining Room, 1st Floor.
BASEBOARD
See Living Room, 1st Floor.
CHAIR RAIL
None.
CORNICE
None.
PANELLING AND WAINSCOT
None.
MANTEL
See Dining Room.
FIREPLACE AND HEARTH
Smaller opening than Dining Room. Brick on face, sides and back are of face brick, the front being plastered. See Dining Room.
WINDOWS
For Dormer seeHall, 2nd Floor. Window 15 lt. similar to 1st Floor Living Room.
CLOSETS
Clothes closet in South Wall. Same treatment within as in bed room. This feature is inserted as a convenience.
DOOR AND TRIM
Door 200, see Hall, 2nd Floor. Doors 207, 208, original doors shifted to these new locations. See 1st Floor Living Room.
METAL ON DOOR
Door 200, see 1st Floor Living Room. Doors 207, 208, see Living Room and door 105 and 106, Rear Hall.
COLOR
EQUIPMENT
Ceiling light, see Front Hall, 1st floor and Living Room, 1st floor, for other electrical features. Hanging pole and shelf in closet. Radiator grille in stool of dermer window. All of these features are concessions to modern living convenience.
FIRST FLOOR - Bed Rooms No. 2 and 3
FLOORS AND FLOOR NAILS
See Living Room, 1st Floor.
BEAMS
See Living Room, 1st Floor, and Hall, 2nd Floor.
WALLS AND CEILING COVERING
See Dining Room, 1st Floor.
BASEBOARD
See Living Room, 1st Floor.
CHAIR RAIL
None.
CORNICE
None.
PANELLING AND WAINSCOT
None.
MANTEL
None.
FIREPLACE AND HEARTH
None.
WINDOWS
For Dormers, see Hall, 2nd Floor.
WINDOWS
15 lt. similar to 1st Floor Living Room.
CLOSETS
Clothes closets in North Walls. Same treatment within as in Bed Rooms. These features are inserted as a modern convenience.
DOORS AND TRIM
| Door 201 Original, 4 pan. | 1st Floor Living Room |
| Door 202 New, 4 pan. | 1st Floor Living Room |
| Door 203 and 204, 4 pan. | See doors 105 and 106, Rear Hall, 1st Floor. |
METAL ON DOORS
Doors 201, 202, see Living Room, 1st Floor. Doors 203, 204, see Doors 105 and 106, Rear Hall, 1st Floor.
COLOR
EQUIPMENT
See Bed Room No. 1, 2nd Floor.
REPORT ON
EWING FORGE
BLOCK #2
BLDG. #28B
1a
| Building: | Ewing Forge | Record By |
|---|---|---|
| Location: | B1. #2—28B | Date of Record |
Exterior
General Notes:
The archaeological excavations revealed several different periods of building on this site see archaeological report of the Architectural Dept. Sept.1, 1939. Also progress photographs taken during archaeological investigations, now on file by Colonial Williamsburg Inc.
Careful analysis of the above indicates the first building to have been a kitchen which may have been used in connection with the earlier house on this site. The unusually large chimney foundation adjacent, but to the south, is somewhat later and in view of the greater number of iron fragments found in this vicinity the use of this building seemed to have been changed from a kitchen to a forge. It was assumed that the originally unfurnished room of the present ewing house* and the forge were related in use. Therefore it was decided to restore this building on the original foundation as a building originally a kitchen with later additions adapting it for use as a forge.
It was decided that the exterior of the building should be an authentic restoration while the interior could be made as habitable to modern standards as these limits would permit.
Materials:
All materials with the exception of the exposed brick are new and wrought to their shapes by modern methods of construction and milling. Materials used are as follows:
Brick all exposed brick is hand made after the manner of 18th brick.
Exterior wood-work - Heat Cypress
Interior Finish - Southern Yellow Pine Heart
Exterior doors - Heart White Pine
Window Sash - Heart White Pine
Window Frames - Heart Yellow Pine
Finished Floors - Yellow Pine flat grain—window width
Framing - Common Pine
North Elevation
Shingles - none
Dormer Windows - none
Cornice - none
Gutter Leader - none
Wall Surface - Beaded Weather boards 5" to 6" to Weather as used almost universally locally in 18th century.
Porch - See east elevation
Front Door
Windows - The double hing windows is a prevalent type of this vicinity during the 18th century. Although the frame is built up the exposed portion follow precedent closely. For practical modern convenience the lower sash moves on sash cord and pulleys while the upper sash departs from colonial precedent by being movable on stock pulleys and cord. Building up the frame was an economy. The glass is a low grade commercial mfg. to simulate bubbly 18th century hand made glass.
The A light casement window was inserted because such gable end fenestration was common practice in small A-roof buildings in colonial period. Precedent at (1) Outbuildings Warrique" near Ivor, Virginia. (2) Outbuildings "Tuchkahoe" Goochland Co.
Although the windows of above precedent were commonly fixed sash—necessity of ventilation and modern convenience caused these sash to be made casement.
3aShutters - Solid shutters of random width beaded boards on battens. Nails thru boards have hand hammered heads and are clinched to battens.
Basement Wall - None of the original foundation of this wall remain and is of English bond as are other walls of building, following existing original wall. See note on material for Brick Work. Vertical joint at pach to show it to be later addition.
Chimney - none
Barge Boards, End Boards and Corner Boards -
Barge Boards after typical practice of 18th century
End Board after Tuckahoe Goochland Co.
Corner Boards after typical practice fo 18th century corner board at beginning of pach wall to show it to be an addition.
General Notes - Lean to portion was added to original kitchen under the usual practice of Forgees to have a sheltered exterior work space. Precident for this may be found on an outbuilding at Warrique, near Ivor. Paving fragment in this area indicated some sort of work space here.
East Elevation
Shingles - Round Butt Mowhawk Asbestos shingles as manufactured by this company for this project and similar to those developed for the Wythe House Restoration. The shingles are laid in the usual fashion on wafers felt which covers roof sheathing of common pine.
Dormer Windows - none
Cornices -
Porch Cornice - This cornice was made of a simple top member or crown mould and a beaded facia board after typical 18th century practice on lean to shed roofs.
4aCornice on South Wing - Here again simplicity was made the keynote for this detail. With hipped roofs, however, a full three member cornice was common in 18th buildings. Precedent for this roof at Gebe House, Gloucester Co., and various smoke houses.
Gutter and Leader - none
A row of bricks were laid flat at grade to form a spatter for roof drip under the south wing. Under the porch the brick paving was pitched to carry off the roof water. Since hung gutters on concealed gutters in 18th century were not used locally, some provision must have been made to prevent washing away of the ground below eaves. Precedent though fragmatory was found at Pleasant Hull, Kingsville, Va.
Wall Surface - Random width flush sheathing was used on this fare. On the assumption that when the building was altered for use as a forge the material used on the added portions was uniform. This type of wall covering was common on 18th century out-buildings such as smoke houses, dairys, etc.
Porch - Paving fragments found in this area and the common practice of having sheltered exterior work spaces led to the addition of this lean to porch. Precedent for such a unit can be found in an Outbuilding at Warrique, near Ivor, Va.
Front Door - This is a door of beaded vertical boards with battens on the inside. Iron nails with hand-hammered heads are clinched on the inside to the battens were used. Precedent for this can be found on an outbuilding at Botetourt house Gloucester Co., Va.
Windows - The 20 lt. d. H. window here was used on the asumption that when the kitchen was adapted for use as a forge this large window replaced one similar to those now in the north portion of the building. It is similar in all respects to the other D.H. windows.
See windows north elevation for a lot casement sash.
Shutters - see north elevation.
Basement Walls - Except for the porch walls these walls follow the lines of the original foundations. Since all additions were built after the original the brick bond does not tie in and vertical joints distinguish the various periods.
Chimneys - see South Elevation.
5aBarge Boards, End Boards, Corner Boards -
Corner Boards follow 18th century practice for outbuildings.
General Notes -
South Elevation -
Shingles - see east elevation
Dormer Windows - none
Cornice - see east elevation
Gutter and Leader - see east elevation
Wall Surface - see east and north elevation
Porch - none
Front door - see east elevation
Windows - none
Shutters - none
Basement Walls - see east elevation
Chimneys - The original foundations indicated an unusually large and deep structure probably a forge. With this in mind for the exterior restoration a chimney of large proportion in 18th century character was developed. Since the best disposition of the interior spaces did not warrant the use of this chimney as a fireplace it was supported on a reinforced concrete slab, steel beams and columns all concealed in order to use to better advantage the space normally required for brick work. The chimney does however serve the very practical purpose of ventilating the kitchen and the attic space below the roof.
Barge, End, and Corner Bds. - see east and north elevation.
General Notes -
West Elevation
Shingles — see east elevation
Dormer Windows - none
6aCornice - 3 member cornice typical of 18th century out buildings.
Gutters and Leader - see east elevation
Wall Surface - see east and north elevations
Porch - none
Front Door - see east elevation
Windows - see north elevation
Shutters - see north elevation
Basmt. Wall - see east elevation
Chimney - see south elevation
Barge, End and Corner Bds. - see east and north elevation
General Notes -
Interior
General Notes -
Because of a decision to make this building an exterior "Restoration" only the interior became therefore extremely simple. This was made as simple and habitable as to modern standards as the exterior limits would permit. The actual details of the interior follow 18th character.consisting of plain wood trim, plaster or wood sheathed walls. Electric, plumbing and heating facilities were installed and arranged as inconspicuously as possible.
No antique material was used, see page #2 for list. All work was done in modern technique of carpentry etc. —at exposed surfaces, colonial profiles and methods were simulated.
The interior consistists of one large room, a small kitchen, a Bath Room and closet spaces. In order to conserve space a concealed bed and closet was installed in the living room.