Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1101
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
INT COLORS
1ST FL
WOODWORK GRAY #460
BASEBD & DOORS DARKBRN #168
PLASTER FIRE PL DARKBRN #168
2ND FL
ALL WOODWORK GRAY #302
BL.F.P. FACE BLACK
THE FOLLOWING Data were used in determining the exterior appearance of this structure:-
ARCHAEOLOGICAL crosstrenching and excavation was begun on FEB 16, and continued until April 26, 1950
A complete study of the lot could not be made at this time because of the existence of a modern residence and several large trees. This house was removed in the early part of 1953 as were the large trees Cross trenching and excavation of the balance of the foundation was completed Aug 3 thru Aug 7. Study and research for preparation of sketches had been going on prior to this time. Work on preliminary plans and
2
elevations began on Aug 31 of 1953. This was followed by preparation of working drawings which wereWORKING DWGS WERE begun Nov 2 1953 and completed Nov. 1,DEC. 28, 1954. Construction was begun in Dec, 1954 and the building was opened to the public on March April 16 1956.
For complete information on materials used, scope of work, and details, the drawings and specifications should be consulted. The drawings were made in great detail as there were many complications encountered due to air conditioning, kitchen, and food service layout and equipment. A list of drawings is given below.
A great amount of Time was devoted to research in developing the exterior of this building. Since it's location is a rather important one, being opposite the capitol, the architects tried to make its, exterior appearance very pleasing? All houses of the gambrel roof Type found in Williamsburg and vicinity were studied as were many found, in other sections of Va, Mary land and North Carolina. Features such as roof pitch, type of dormers, window sizes, and cornices were compared and analyzed. Many chimneys were studied for size, shape, relationship of haunches to chimney and ceiling levels, and brick pattern. The porches were a prominent feature of the original building and a great deal of thought was given to the precedent for their design. It might be said that the exterior is a composite design of the appreciable features good features of the 18th century gambrel roof house of Williamsburg.
Round butt cement asbestos shingles. These shingles were manufactured by Hampton Institute, Hampton, Va. from a special formula & process developed by Johns Manville. After these shingles have weathered for several years they give the appearance of round butt, hand split, cypress shingles used in the 18th century in Williamsburg and vicinity.
The Dormer windows are similar in shape and size to those of the Powell-Hallam. The profiles of moldings used in dormer cornice and gable were copied from measured drawings made for the restoration of above mentioned house. The window sash sizes are a little smaller, but follow details of the Powell-Hallam dormer sash closely. Sash were glazed with antique salvaged glass.
The gambrel cornice of necessity had to be the same as those of the dormer cornice.
The main cornice, only a portion of which shows under the porch, was copied from the main cornice of the Ewing Ho.
A brick drip was laid at grade under the porch cornice to prevent erosion by water dripping from Porch roof. [was there any archaeological evidence of the brick drip course?]
Wall is covered with tapered, beaded weather boards, laid about 6" to the weather. with profiles typical of 18th century weatherboards in Williamsburg or, like those on the porch following
The length of the porch roof is broken by a center gable. Precedent? The general term and proportion Roof of the roof was adapted from the porch porch on BURGWIN-WHITE Ho, Willington, N.C. The cornice mould is the same as the mould at the gambrel. The precedent for arches between porch columns came from a picture of a similar porch PL 17, in FERME ORNEE by John Plaw, ARCH. London 1795 The type of arch & Post was copied from arches in the courtyard of the White Hart Inn, Coggeshall, Eng. Similar Arches were also used found on porch of Frank Smith Ho. St. Marys Co. Md. The rail of porch was adapted from rail of porch at Van Cortlandt Manor Ho. N.Y.
Stone Steps were used here because the foundations indicated that the building originally had stone steps. of thin size and shape.Several fragments of stone steps were found in the well on the property. See ARCHAEOLOGICAL LAB REPORT p 22 & Pl XVII. The profiles of the stone were similar to those of stone steps known to have been constructed in 18th cent. These fragment were assumed to be original step fragments so the profile and measurements were used for the reconstruction. The handrail on the steps was adapted from a rail used on a House in the close, SALISBURY, Eng. The foot scraper is similar to FIG #4 PL. 20 C.W.I. Hardware folder.
The few remains of porch piers still existing seemed to indicate wide piers with windows, louvers or lattice between. In order to make use of all areas under the porch for machinery space & rest rooms it was 3 decided to use wide piers and louvered openings of a type typical in 18th cent. basement windows. Glazed cash were placed behind the louvers in order to prevent loss of heat in winter & cool air in summer. (steps to bsmt)
insert on Page 2.
Porch ceiling is arched as were many porch ceilings of the 18th century it is of cement plaster painted to look like white wash.
Louvered doors
The exterior trim was copied from the trim of the N. Entrance door of the Benj. Waller Ho. The design of the door itself follows that of an entrance door from Four Mile Tree, SURRY Co The sill is typical of 18th cent molded door sills.
The exterior details such as sill, sash, & shutter stop follow closely those of the POWELL-HALLAM or ARMISTEAD Ho. The size of sash and glass was reduced slightly so that they would be in scale with the building. The sash were glazed with antique glass.
The details of shutters were copied from shutters on the Strachan Ho. in Petersburg, Va.
See Porch
None
No BARGE BDS or END BDS.
Corner Bds are typical 3½" wide beaded boards.
Since there is a large expense of roof, which is a gray color it was decided that the weather boarding should be painted white, shutters, door, and louvers, were painted dark green. It was felt that this combination of gray roof, white weatherboards, dark green trim color and brick chimneys contrasted with the colors of the other buildings on Waller street would make this building stand out.
Modern methods and materials of construction were used throughout. But all details of construction which were visible to the eye of the visitor follow 18th century examples. Nails which were used for weather boards were boat nails whose heads had been altered to resemble 18th century hand made nails. Nail patterns were worked out so that stud spacing would follow that used in 18th cent. All flashing which is visible is lead coated copper to Simulate lead flashing.
See W.Elev.
None
The only cornice which occurs on this side is that which is on the lean-to on the E. side of the chimney. This is the same crown mold which is used on the porch.
None.
See W. Elev.
None
None
Second floor windows are the same size as the dormers on E & W. Elevs. Their exterior details such as trim and sill follow the 1st fl. windows on W. Elev.
First fl. window to west of chimney, See W. Elev. Window in lean to. This is a 2 light by 4 light window whose details are typical 18th century details for windows of this type Basement windows see W. Elev. [casement?]
Shutters on 2nd fl. windows and 1st fl window to w. of Chimney.
See W. Elev.
Shutters on lean-to window. Typical board and batter shutters of 18th cent.
The actual basement walls are of concrete because of waterproofing, maintenance, and construction reasons. The outside of the walls is veneered with brick to duplicate their appearance in the 18th century. using hand made brick burned in CW kilns and mortar within a mixture of oyster shell.
The chimney base dimensions follow exactly those of the original chimney as determined by archaeological investigation. These studies showed a large basement fireplace and what appeared to be a warming oven on the w.side. Assuming that there were fire places on the first & second floors, all these factors determine the general shape of the chimney. Many pictures of 18th century chimneys were studied and numerous sketches made the final design used a cap which was found on chimney at Blandfied, Charles City Co, general shape of Chimney at Moore House, Yorktown; brick bond patterns of Greenway, & Wynne Ho.
The Rake Board follows the typical 18th century pattern, being wider at the eaves than at the ridge. The End board at the Gambrel break is also typical.
Gen Notes see W.Elev.
Because of the fact that it was decided to use this porch as an eating space it was necessary to screen it in. Although there is no precedent for screened porches in the 18th century, moldings and forms of this period were used for making the screen frames.
See W. Elevation
See W. Elev.
See W. Elev.
See W. Elev.
See W. Elev.
In general the E. Porch follows the design of the W. Porch However there are several differences. Because it faces the back of the lot, it was not thought necessary to use the center gable [no evidence of foundation for] feature. For this same reason the steps were probably of wood and wood was used in the reconstruction. For the rail and newel, details found at Mabry's Mill [where]? were followed. No remains of piers were found in the archaeological investigations. So it was assumed that these piers were much smaller than those on the west porch. Also a different treatment between piers was probably used. Due to the fact that it was necessary to provide fresh air intake ducts for heating and air conditioning it was decided to fill in between piers with a simple lattice which [when may examples be seen?] could have been used in the 18th century This lattice together with metal louvers behind it shields the ductwork from view. (insert above water)
The general design of the door follows that of the door on the W. Elev but does not use the curved top panels.
See W.Elev.
See W.Elev.
See Porch.
None.
See W.ELEV.
See W.Elev.
See W.Elev.
None.
None
None.
See W.Elev.
None.
None
See N. Elev.
See N. Elev
See N. Elev.
This chimney as reconstructed follows dimensions as [below the first floor] determined by archaeological investigations. However there were no indications of an oven found. This eliminated the need for a large sloping surface or haunch as is found on the N. Chimney.
2Otherwise the same general design and characteristics were employed as on the North chimney.
See N. Elev.
See W.Elev.
When sketches for preliminary floor plans were began there were two courses of action open. The house could be reconstructed as a residence or it could be reconstructed as a tavern or restaurant. The former course would not be in strict accord with its 18th century use. The house was built prior to Dec 1757? In APR 1765 Mrs. Vaube was keeping tavern at this location, Mrs. Campbell opened a tavern here in Oct. 1771 and probably operated it as a tavern until about the middle of 1788sometime in 1782 or 1783 At other times it was used as a residence. Either course would be in accord its 18th century use. The need for additional eating restaurant facilities in Williamsburg was present and there were none at in this end section of town. If the building were to be reconstructed as a restaurant many difficult problems had to be studied and solved. Modern facilities for food service and handling require a great amount of space. Not enough room for these services would be available in basement or on first floor and still have enough usable dining space, to make operation profitable. Sketches were made showing how an underground kitchen between the house and the quarters could be used. Studies were made of Kings Arms Tavern service facilities area requirements andin ratio to area of dining space. These figures were compared to space available at Mrs. Campbells. Finally the decision was made to go ahead with plans for Mrs. Campbells as a restaurant. It was decided to retain a portion of the original basement area as a Bar Since Harwood's Accounts Henry Harwood 17__ to 17__) showed that there was a bar in the original house.
The balance of the basement would be given over to food preparation and service and mechanical equipment spaces at a lower level. The original basement level in the reconstructed building is known in CW records as the Intermediate Basement
A study of still existing foundations exposed by [illegible] excavationsindicated a central hall in the center of the house. At the front of the house on each side of the hall were large rooms with. Small rooms were on each side at the rear. The central hall may why? have been divided into two parts. Because of fire & service requirements the decision was made to divide the first floor hall into an entrance hall and a rear passage. At first it was planned to take a portion of the second floor hall for rest rooms. But these were later taken omitted out to provide more dining space. In order to meet fire safety requirements what would have been in the 18th cent. an openthe stair well is enclosed with vertical flush beaded boards. This indicates what would such treatment mighthave been a later constructionduring the 18th cent.. On both first and second floors the small rear rooms are used for service pantries.[since we have no record of what the actual room [illegible] were [illegible] we should say that although such [illegible] only two rooms and a hall on the second floor [illegible] etc etc
Archaeological investigations showed that a stair from the W. Porch to the basement existed. It was decided that this stair should lead to a small entry to the Bar area and also to public rest rooms. The north portion of the original basement is given over to the bar proper and a public room. The balance is taken up by mechanical equipment and service area. [at what level?]
[illegible]
Salvaged Antique tongue & grooved pine boards.
No Nails visible?
Floor Construction of first floor was dictated by safety and maintenance requirements. The pine floor is laid over sleepers on concrete slab construction.
Walls are of stud construction covered with plaster on metal lath. On wall next to Stair Hall ins. Plaster is painted to simulate white wash. is placed behind all wood work to comply with fire regulations
Plaster on metal lath, painted to simulate whitewash.
Wood base with profile copied from Tayloe house 1st fl. hall.
The selection of a cornice was dictated by modern considerations. A cornice in which air conditioning ducts could be located was needed. The Cornice in Randolph-Peachey Stair Hall was copied. The width of beaded board was increased slightly to accommodate A.C. grilles.
The wainscot in this room follows the general 2 design of the wainscot in the Tayloe Ho Living Rm. The Panel mold was shortened about ¼" in width.
Profile of trim and general design of doors was taken Taylor Ho. Interior Details.
There is no mantel in this room. The stone facing of the fireplace follows the design of the old facing found in Robertson-Galt Parlor fireplace.
The fireplace size was determined by studying 18th century fireplaces in relation to room sizes. The back and jambs are exposed ground brick with lime putty joints. The hearth is paved with bricks in a typical 18th century pattern. Fireplace is not open but acts as AC return.
The sash and trim are copied from the Powell-Hallam Ho. The width of the trim is ¼" narrower than the original. The top sash is fixed, but the lower sash is equipped with weights. The windows in Public Spaces are equipped with Venetian blinds.
H & L hinges are C.W. reproductions. Lock is a brass rim lock.?
Color
There are four basebd elec. outlets, two AC. Grilles, and 3 one antique chandelier
See Rm # 2
See Rm # 2
See Rm # 2
See Rm # 2
See Rm # 2
See Rm # 2
Cornice was copied from that in Tayloe Stair Hall.
General Design & arrangement of Wainscot in Tayloe Ho Stair Hall was followed. Panel mold was narrowed about ¼"
No mantel in this room.
None in this room.
See Room # 2
4The door to the rear passage is similar in general to the door in Chiswell Ho. Hall. Here again design and arrangement was controlled by fire safety regulations.
Closets - None.
Trim was copied from Entrance door in Tayloe Ho. Doors to Public RMS 2 & 3 are similar in design to doors in Tayloe Ho 1st Fl.
H & L hinges are C.W. reproductions. The lock is one taken from Entrance door of The Travis Ho. Because of fire safety regulations requiring exterior doors to open out, these doors doors are fastened open. The louvered doors which represent screen doors are the real exterior doors. The latch on these doors is an antique spring latch. [source known?]
None
Two AC. Supply grilles, one return grille, one base elec. outlet
The risers & treads are of pine. The treads are finished natural and the risers are painted. Nosing of treads from Brush Ho
Profiles of Newel Post and Handrail are copied from Brush Ho Stair. Handrail at wall is a variation of the handrail at base of stair
Balusters are copied from Brush Ho. Stair.
Wall strings are typical beaded strings. String board and ornament are similar in form to that of Tuckahoe.
Floor, Floor Nails, Beams, Wall and Wall Covering, Ceiling, Baseboard, Chair Rail, Cornice, Paneling & Wainscot, see PUB.RM #2
The mantel was copied from that of. Ryland Ho Dining Rm
See PUB RM #2
See Pub RM #2
Locks are
There are six basebd elec. outlets, two AC. Grilles, and an antique chandelier. How about sconces etc.
See Pub Rm # 2
West, South, and East walls are of plaster painted to simulate whitewash. The North wall is vertical beaded board painted. This space was not needed as a service area and it was felt that it could be used as dining space. The vertical board were used to indicate that the long narrow room had been divided into two parts.
See RM # 2
This is a typical 4½" beaded base.
This is a typical chair board used in the 18th Cent. It is 5½" wide & has beads on both sides.
None
None
None.
None.
None
See Pub Rm #2
See Pub Rm #2
There are four electrical base outlets and one grille in this Room.
A part of this room is in the lean-to whose foundation were still existing when archaeological studies were made The lean-to was probably a closet originally. But because of modern usage conditions it was decided to make this lean-to space a part of this dining space.
See Pub.Rm.#2
East, West and South Walls are Plaster on Metal Lath 8 painted to simulate whitewash. The North Wall is Vertical beaded boards, painted. See General Notes on this room.
See Public Rm #2
The base board is a typical 4½" beaded baseboard.
The cornice of this room is made of the crown mold of the cornice of the Entrance Hall with a beaded Fascia bd.
None.
Modern Conditions made it necessary to put a closet in this area. There are no indications that it existed originally
The doors in the North wall are concealed flush beaded board doors. This was done in order to carry out the idea of a wall put in after the house was built. For door in the S.Wall See Pub. Rm. #2. For door in W. Wall See Entrance Hall.
H & L hinges are C.W. reproductions, Locks —
See Pub.RM #2
All second floor Construction is of frame, new beams, since the building is a reconstruction.
See PUB. RM #2
Typical 4½" beaded base.
Typical 5½" chairboard beaded on both sides.
None.
None.
The mantel in this room was copied from the mantel in the RYLAND Ho. Rm. #1.
See PUB. Rm.#2
(Sash, Trim & Frame)
The profiles of all moldings were copied from the Powell-Hallam Ho. The paneled Jambs & Head are Similar in design to those of the Powell-Hallam Ho. 10 The sash sizes and other dimensions were made to fit in with the building and room dimensions.
None.
The East wall of this room follows the pattern of a room in Tettington. The dividing wall of a large room and a small room was a series of folding doors which when open would throw both rooms into one. One door was arranged so that when the doors were closed, circulation between the two rooms was possible. This arrangement was ideal for conditions which prevailed on the second floor plan. Access to a small dining room and a serving pantry was needed. Folding doors provided this and concealed the entrance to the serving pantry. The other door in the room followed the design set-up by the folding doors. The trim is a typical two-member trim using the backband of the first floor door trim. Trim on false folding doors was made a little wider than a typical trim in order to put in AC. supply grilles.
H & L hinges, H. hinges, and surface bolts enfolding doors are C.W. reproductions. Locks are —
There are four base electrical outlets and four AC. supply grilles
Floor, Floor Nails, Beams Walls and Wall Covering, Ceiling Baseboard See Pub.RM #2 See Pub.Rm.#4 See PubRm#3A except Vert boards on S. Wall
See Pub.Rm #3-A None None. None None.
See Pub Rm #4
There is one base elec outlet and one supply grille. sconce—
Where should cabinet go? See Pub. Rm #4
The North, West & South walls are of stud construction covered with plaster on metal lath. The plaster is painted to simulate whitewash. The East Wall is vertical beaded boards. Since it was necessary to enclose the stairway to meet fire safety regulations we used this type of wall. It was used frequently in 18th century to create partitions after the house had bee completed.
See Pub. Rm. #4 None None
None
Sash Trim and Frame Profiles were copied from Powell-Hallam Ho
There is a Janitors Clos. in this room which was necessary for service considerations
See Pub. Rm 4 for N.E.S. Doors. Design of door to stair hall is based on a door found in the Nicholson Shop.
H & L hinges are C.W. reproductions. Lock —
There are four baseboard elec.outlets and four AC.Grilles.
See Int. Gen. Notes. See also HALL.
See Pub RM # 4
The design of this mantel was copied from an antique mantel which was installed in Burdette's ordinary.
See Public RM # 4
There are three baseboard elec.outlets and four AC supply grilles. Sconces— PUB.RM. # 5-A See Pub.Rm 4-A.
Brick paving which follows the pattern and brick size of the original floor as found in archaeological investigations.
None
All the walls in this room are of exposed brick.
The first floor beams probably were exposed in the original building, in the reconstruction, concrete slab construction was used for this. Due to low ceiling height it was not possible to put in false ceiling beams. A coat of plaster was put on the slab and painted to simulate white wash. This would indicate a plastered ceiling.
None
Fireplace design follows typical pattern of 18th century kitchen fireplaces. with oak beam lintel. It is similar to 15 the fireplace in Powell-Waller Kitchen. The width and depth of the fireplace and the hearth pattern follow the original fireplace as shown by archaeological investigations, An antique crane was installed in the fireplace. The foundations showed an oven adjacent to the fire place. This was restored as a warming oven with a wooden door. Door is similar to one on an oven at Monticello. This is the only fireplace in the building in which a fire can be built.
None
Doors are typical double sheathed doors which were often used in basements in the 18th century. Trim is built up to represent the typical solid jamb and head construction of the period used in basements.
H&L hinges are C.W. reproductions and the locks are antique wood rim locks. Because of fire safety requirements the door to the basement has a modern door closer.
There are six electrical outlets and nine AC. supply grilles in this room.
See Pub.Rm # 1
None
See Pub.Rm # 1
None
See Pub.Rm # 1
H&L hinges C.W. reproductions Lock door to stairs is antique? wood rim lock. Fire Safety requirements made it necessary to install a modern closer on this door.
The Counter and grille of the bar follow the forms of a Bar in George Washington's Inn, Madison,Va. Behind the counter, modern refrigerators and bar equipment is located. This equipment has been masked as much as possible by 18th century methods and forms.
Leroy Philips