Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

General Notes

The following data were used in determining the original or early exterior appearance, of this structure:

• 1.Colonial House No. 133, Architectural Notes, Department of Research and Record, Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., dated _____________.
  Note; Contains tracing of insurance plot of 1306 the original of which was consulted by Architectural Department, in photostat form.
• 2. Archaeological drawings and photographs.
• 3. Folder of field notes, now on file in Architectural Department.
• 4. Graphic Data
  • a. The following maps on file in Research and Record Department: Enlargement of Rochambeau maps, enlargements and reproductions of Frenchman's map.
  • b.Several photographic views of the exterior taken prior to June 1941 before and immediately after the removal of a large porch on the south side of the build. These views are in the files of Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. A complete photographic record inside and out of the building was made during the archaeological investigation. These are also in the files of Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. with notations on the back explaining the subject of each.

The removal of certain modern features such as North porch and lean-to, and an examination of the original framing and other features, revealed with the above mentioned data adequate information to proceed with an accurate restoration of the exterior.

The archaeological excavations of the general Ryland Lot were begun in June 1941 and continued periodically until September 1941. Study and research for preparation of sketches commenced in July, 1941, followed by preparation of working drawings, details and specifications, which were completed in November, 1941. Wrecking at the building to remove recent additions and to expose old framing, etc., was carried on during the period of study. Wrecking preparatory to actual restoration work began in January 1942 and restoration work itself followed in continuing through to ________ when it was essentially completed.

Of the specifications and drawings prepared for the restoration of this building the specifications should be read by anyone seeking complete information about the materials, scope of work, and type of work involved. The drawings themselves are in great detail. These, too, should be consulted. A list of these is given below. Also, the general correspondence files should be consulted to get the background of the work, its cost and approvals, policies of tenure, maintenance, and the practical consideration of construction, plumbing, heating, etc.

The drawings are as follows:

Measured Drawings:

South Elevation:

Shingles: The shingles on the building at the time restoration investigation started were of wood with square butts. Since they were fastened to the sheathing of the roof with modern nails they ware obviously not the originals. An early insurance policy mentions the building as being covered with wood. During investigation several pieces of round-butt, hand split, cypress shingles were found in various locations under the roof and 1n other out-of-the-way places, These were nailed in place with hand-wrot W.I. nails of fairly early date. Recent research by the Architectural Department reveals that the common type of shingles used in 18th century Williamsburg and vicinity were of this kind. With this data shingles similar to those developed for the Wythe house were used in the restoration.

All numerous joints between these narrow shingles made it necessary to overlay the roof boarding with a built up asphalt impregnated felt, before applying thecae shingles.

The roof boarding was original, but was badly rotted. It was therefore replaced with modern Yellow Pine boarding upon which the membrane roof was built to receive the shingles.

Dormer Windows: The five dormer windows on this elevation proved to be the originals except for a few late changes and additions. The rake boards, flush tympanum boards. On these original members distinct impressions on the paint work marked the traces of an original back band on the frames and of a moulding across the head and up the rake, forming a pediment. Within these limits, moulding of unknown 18th century Williamsburg profile were installed. The check boards although possibly not original were of similar character, to known 18th century Williamsburg types.

The sash, frames, sills, etc, were original and with necessary repairs were retained.

Cornice: Investigation of the cornice revealed the top or crown mould to have been modern replacement of the original. The remaining members; fascia, soffit, bed mould, modillions, etc., were for the most part original and with necessary repairs were retained. The modern crown mold was replaced with a new moulding of similar profile to that of known 18th century Williamsburg mouldings.

Gutter and Leader: There were no metal gutters or leaders. To take care of the roof water there was a modern brick gutter at grade along the building. Archaeological investigation in this area revealed fragments of an original brick gutter under the modern gutter. A gutter similar to the original was installed and in order to make as permanent an installation as possible this gutter was laid on a reinforced concrete slab. This slab since hidden was permissible. This brick gutter was sloped with the grade from the front portio to the ends of the building where small inconspicuous modern cast iron catch basins were installed. These are so unnoticeable and necessary as to be permissible.

Wall Surface (Weatherboards): Modern weatherboards cover the building. These were replaced with beaded weatherboards similar to originals on an area of the North Elevation, found after the removal of a late porch.

Wall Surface (Brickwork): The condition of the original basement walls both above and below grade was very poor. The exterior face above grade had a heavy coating of modern cement plaster which was impossible to remove without scarring and cracking the already badly weathered and patched face brick. The walls throughout were extremely unstable and the bottom of these walls were much too high to provide a floor allowing headroom under necessary modern plumbing and heating equipment. Therefore it was decided to renew the basement walls throughout. In accordance with standard practice the building was shored and the original basement walls were replaced with a concrete wall to grade and a brick wall from grade to the line of the old sill. The bricks used in the facing of this wall and the new face brick used throughout the job was made by bond to match the existing antique brick in size and color.

South Portico (First Period): The archaeological foundations found in this area indicated a solid, masonry platform or porch floor. The dimensions of this were 7'3" by 12'-9" long, The early insurance plot above mentioned showed a portico 8'0" x 13'-0", since these insurance plots were often inaccurate as to dimension in actual inches it was felt that these foundations were those of the portico mentioned. Since the insurance plot called this a wood portico. A porch with a stone masonry floor, wood post and asbestos shingle roof was developed. Below the center dormer on the old roof sheathing a definite line of a porch roof was found. Within the limits of the above information and using as a guide photographs and measurements of a porch on a late 18th or early 19th century house in Surry County Virginia, a design for this porch was studied and developed. The floor paving reuses existing antique paving blocks found in the vicinity. Necessary new stone steps and paving was made to match as closely as possible the antique material, The nosing on the stone steps was made to a profile similar to that on a fragment of old stone found during the archaeological excavations in the vicinity of the kitchen.

The archaeological excavations revealed a later stoop similar to the one existing at the time of investigations. Although these foundations were old it was decided the earlier porch above mentioned would be the most logical one to restore. This is upheld in the research record which first mentions this site in the last half of the 18th century.

Front Door: The existing door, frame and trim were modern, installed by the present tenants. This assembly and time erased any definite evidence of the original door. This led to a decision to use an existing antique door from the Bucktrout-Chiswell House, which had the same placing of its box panels as did the antique interior doors of this house, as well as a panel mould similar to the existing rear exterior door of this building.

Interior architraves for this door and transom were made similar to those of existing interior doors, and after the usual lath century practice in Williamsburg the exterior architraves were made similar to those of the interior. A beaded sill [was] used to complete the ensemble.

Windows - 1st Floor: Indications in the framing of the roof, second floor, first floor and In archaeological excavations revealed the Western portion approximately 10'-0" of the building to have been a colonial addition. This coupled with the fact that all four windows in this elevations were modern; and the different types of windows on the east and west elevations led us to make the west window similar to the existing antique window on the west elevation and the remaining windows similar to the existing antique windows on the east elevation.

The framing indicated clearly the original positions of these windows.

Basement Grilles: The basement grilles were for the moat part original except that the original W. I. bars and pins on all but the west grille of the north elevation had been removed and replaced with modern sash. With necessary repairs and the replacement of the W. I. bars, pine, washers, etc., and the addition of simple glazed sash behind the W. I. bars, the existing grilles were reused whenever condition of preservation allowed.

Shutters: No existing antique shutters remained anywhere on the building. The life tenants of the building requested louvred shutters, and since louvred shutters were known to have been used on late 18th century buildings they were thought to be satisfactory. Shutters similar to the antique ones of the Taliaferro-Cole house were designed and used throughout.

Chimneys: The much altered original chimneys were in an unsafe condition structurally. The caps did not appear to be original and all fireplaces except the one in the north west room, first floor, had been altered and rebuilt. See basement walls for condition of chimney below first floor.

These facts and the necessity of adding modern terra cotta flue lining brought about the decision to entirely rebuild the chimneys.

The new chimneys were made to follow the lines of the originals only in the rooms with fireplaces and above the roof with exception of the cap which was made more typical of the known 18th century ones than the modern cap existing at the time of investigation.

Where the chimneys meet the roof lead coated copper flashing was installed to make this juncture water and weather tight.

Barge Boards: See east elevation.

End Boards: See east elevation.

Corner Boards: The existing corner boards like the weatherboards were modern. Investigation revealed the original to have been 4½" wide. The usual beaded corner board of this width was therefore used.

General Notes: Painting investigation of the paint colors on the east portion of the cornice revealed. the following: 1st coat white, 2nd gray green, 3rd gray; on the west portion, 1st gray green, 2nd gray, 3rd yellow. The basement grilles under the corresponding section of the cornice had the same sequence. Vague indications of the same were found on the dormer windows except for the sash on which traces of white and gray only were found.

East Elevation

Shingles: None.

Dormer Windows: None.

Cornice: None.

Gutter and leaders: None.

Wall Surface: Weatherboards and basement walls. See South Elevation.

Porches: None.

Second Floor Windows: The two windows in this elevation were apparently old but not original. The framing of this wall was much altered. Indicating a change from the original On each side of the chimney were two studs notched to receive a window lights high while the existing windows were 5 lights high and the framing for these bad no semblance of typical 18th century framing of studs for windows. The wall plate heal numerous notches and bar shifting the notched studs into the old notches a reasonable spacing for the original windows was found. The two new windows were made 12 lights and similar in all respects to the originals in this elevation on the lot floor.

First Floor Windows: The two windows were original in all respects and with necessary repairs were reused.

Basement Grilles: See South Elevation.

Shutters: See South Elevation.

Chimneys: See South Elevation.

Barge Boards, End Boards and Corner Boards: Since no evidence of the originals of these were found a design similar to a known 18th century building was adopted to this house. This building was the West House, at Yorktown, Virginia.

General Notes: Painting: Investigation of the paint color on the antique portions of this elevation revealed the following: Basement Grilles, 1st coat Window frames and sills, 1st white, 2nd gray, 3rd buff or yellow; window sash, 1st white, 2nd gray, 3rd yellow.

North Elevation

Shingles: See South Elevation.

Dormer Windows: See South Elevation.

Cornice: All of the cornice of this elevation that existed at time of investigation was original. The top member or crown mould was missing. A crown mould the same as was used for south cornice was used here. Necessary new sections were made to match antique counterparts.

Gutter and Leader: See South Elevation. Except no evidence found here of brick gutter.

Wall Surfaces: See South Elevation.

North Porch: (First Porch) The archaeological excavations in this area revealed several periods and types of porches. An early insurance plot indicated a porch on this elevation. This plot calls for a porch 20'-0" x 8'-0" on the east end of this area. Excavations show walls of these dimensions but their location is east of the location shown on the plot, but since these early insurance plots were frequently incorrect graphically it was assumed that these foundations were those of the porch shown on the plot. Of the various periods of foundations these appeared to be the earliest and since on the south portico the earliest period was used, it was decided to also restore the earliest period here. On the exterior face of original studs directly above and to the west of the foundations of the east wall of this porch were notches indicating the slope and position of the roof for this porch. Fragmentary foundations of steps, presumably from grade to the porch floor, were found to center on the existing rear door. Studies anal details of a porch within the above limits produced a design with irregularly spaced posts and a hipped roof, the character of the whole having much interest. The details post — rails, etc. were made similar to known 18th century Virginia examples.

Second Porch: (For record only, this was not restored; Centering on the existing antique north entrance door were walls indicating a stoop or porch approximately 8'-0" deep by 12'-0" wide. Nothing was foul above the foundations to indicate the appearance of this porch.

Third Porch: (For record only, this was not restored) This consisted of an enclosed unit 8'-0" x 8'-0" at the east end of a 20'-O" x 8'-0" porch. A photograph of the framing for this porch is on file in the Architectural. Department. The enclosed portion existed at the time of the investigation.

Fourth Porch and Lean-to: The fourth porch was the modern porch that existed at the time of the investigation. It was more or less an extension to the west end of the building and the third porch. Part of this was enclosed providing a pantry for the north west room used as a kitchen. The lean-to was modern and was removed along with the third and fourth porches.

North Doors: Except for the sill the existing door from the Hall was original and with necessary repairs was reused.

To the east of the original door and just west of the beginning of the original porch the framing of the studs indicated the rough opening of a low door. Since this was probably a late 18th century feature a door and trim was designed to appear similar to known late 18th century examples as at the Keeling House in Princess Anne County, Va.

Windows - 1st Floor:

West Window: The frame and sill although much altered were original. The sash, interior trim, and exterior blind steps were modern. The original parts were in such poor condition that they were replaced with a new unit similar in all respects to the windows on the west wall, 1st floor.

East Window: The original stud framing of the north wall of the north east room revealed the rough uprights for a window notched for and with fragments of the original sill in place. A new unit similar in every respect to the original windows of the east elevation, 1st floor, was installed in the location.

Basement Grilles: See South Elevation.

Chimneys: See South Elevation.

Barge Board, End Boards: None. See East Elevation.

Corner Boards: See South Elevation.

Basement, Entrance: (Bulkhead): The archeological excavations in this area revealed foundations of several periods of basement entrance. The reason for this unit having been rebuilt so many times was probably due to the evident continued settlement of the north and west corner portions caused by a soggy damp area of fill found in this vicinity of the basement. Within the limits of the walls found a bulkhead cover similar to old evidence found at the basement entrance to the Taliaferro Cole Shop was developed. The exterior of this feature was the only item made, to follow 18th century appearance. The steps themselves were made of reinforced concrete, this being more durable than the probable colonial wood nosings with birch treads and risers.

General Notes - Painting: The paint colors on the antique portions of the building were.: Cornice^*, east portion, 1st gray, 2nd white, 3rd white; cornice, west portion 1st Gray, 2nd yellow, 3rd white; basement grilles, 1st whitewash; Window frames and sills, 1st white, 2nd gray, 3rd yellow; weatherboards 1st whitewash -

West Elevation

Shingles: None.

Dormer Windows: None.

Cornice: None.

Gutters and Leaders: None.

Wall Surface: See South Elevation.

Porches: None.

Windows: Second Floor: Both of the windows were original except for modern shutter stops anal sills. The exterior of the frames had indications, in paint lines and weather lines, of a width the same as the typical back-band used in the interior of the house also the marks of pintels from the original shutter hinges were evident. With necessary repairs to the original sash, frames, etc. and the additions of a back band and new sill the windows were retained in their original locations.

Windows: First Floor:

South Window: except for modern shutter stops this was original. The exterior face of the frame clearly showed marks indicating the width of the original stops. Thus with necessary repair and the new shutter stops this window was retained.

North Window: Of this window the sash was the only part in sufficient state of preservation to be reused. A new unit similar in all respects to the South Window was made to fit this old sash.

Basement Grilles: See South Elevation.

Shutters: See South Elevation.

Chimneys: See South Elevation.

Barge Boards: See East Elevation.

End Boards: See East Elevation.

Corner Boards: See East Elevation.

General Notes: Painting: The antique portions here showed the following: Windows, frames and sills, 1st coat white, 2nd grays 3rd buff or yellow.

Basement Grilles:

General Notes

Followed the usual policy of restoring the exterior exactly and the interior as closely as possible at the same time providing modern conveniences such as kitchen, baths, heating, plumbing and electric systems.

At the start of the archaeological investigation it was found that with numerous alterations and changes the interior retained many original features. Various conditions encountered are recorded and set out in detail with this report.

Framing: The framing throughout the house was for the most part original. Following is an outline of the procedure followed on the restoration of the framing: First Floor framing being in reasonably good condition was retained with necessary repairs, replacements, and the addition of some new joists at excessive spans.

The existing framing for the second floor was according to modern standards entirely inadequate, and in order to strengthen it new joists of sufficient strength were put in and nailed to the existing joists. The depth of these joists required the raising of the second floor approximately three and one-half inches. (3 ½"). Since a change was necessary this was much less vital than lowering the ceiling height of the first floor rooms.

The roof framing was also weak and insufficient to hold the additional load of the heavy asbestos shingles used. To strengthen the roof two large wood beams were put in directly above the second floor ceiling. These beams were set into notches in the existing rafters and were in turn supported on wood posts in the exterior walls and in the hall partitions.

The framing for the dormers was in such poor condition that it was entirely renewed.

The stud framing between the first and second floors was in fair condition and with necessary, replacements was retained.

Between the second floor and second floor ceiling the existing stud partitions were in very poor condition and was entirely replaced with new 2" x 4" studs.

After the removal of the modern lean-to and Porch on the north side of the building the original layout was apparent and in general the plan was altered but slightly from this original layout. The hall which runs from south to north through the center of the building contained a modern stair which on investigation closely followed the location and direction of the original. The doors, except for the south entrance doors and the vestibule doors and partition, were for the most part original including jambs, architraves and hardware. The hall also contained a modern wood wainscot which was removed.

The Hall cornice was original to a spot about 15'-6" from the outside face of the south exterior wall. At this point impressions on the paint work indicated the cornice to have originally returned across the hall. The cornice beyond this point was for the most part made of modern materials. Since the cornice at this point returned across the hall it seemed obvious that either a partition or an arched opening of some sort originally occurred here. The floor and ceiling showed no indications of a partition so the feature under the cornice was assumed to be an arch, a feature of many known 18th century Williamsburg residences, An arch somewhat similar in character to the one at Mulberry Fields at St. Marys Co., Maryland, seemed most adaptable to the above limits. The mouldings used were similar to existing antique mouldings found elsewhere in this building and in other 18th century Virginia houses.

Hall Flooring: Original pegged butt joint pine boards were repaired and reused.

Wall Coverings: Plaster on metal lath.

Ceiling: Plaster on metal lath.

Baseboard: Wood beaded base duplicated from original on second floor.

Chair Rail: Wood chair rail on beaded board, duplicated from impression on paint work on antique mantel originally in dining room. The edge of the door architraves indicated the height and size of the beaded board.

Color: From ancient existing evidence the antique colors were as follows: Woodwork 1st color, buff, primer #1003 but darker; 2nd dark brown #893; 3rd greenish gray #69, Baseboard brownish black #545. Doors, Dark brown #288.

Stair: The existing stair at the time of investigation was modern. Close examination of indications of the original revealed the following: Under the first tread on the antique floor was found a notch and a paint line indicating the size of newel and the location of the bottom of the first riser of the original stair. The landing between the floors under modern flooring, nosings, plaster, etc. was the original and with necessary repairs was retained. The gallery at the second floor was also in its original position. The original board at the west edge of the gallery revealed in the paint work a clear impression of the hand rail, baluster and bottom rail of the original. stair. A new stair using the details found and within the limits indicated was designed. Unknown details were made similar to known 18th century Williamsburg and Virginia types.

The door under the landing on the first floor was original. The basement stair was modern and indications in the first floor framing showed that originally the house did not have an interior stair to the basement, and originally this door opened to a closet. Since convenience of arrangement for the Interior was of importance a new stair of simple modern construction was installed to the basement.

Color: Original paint colors were found on a section of old newel used as a framing member for the modern stair and on the board at the end of the stair gallery at the second floor. These colors were as follows: 1st color, buff primer #1003, but darker; 2nd colors dark brown #893; 3rd color, greenish gray #69.

Second Floor General

For the most part the second floor retained most of the original detail the exception being the windows in the east wall, dormer aprons and corner strips throughout, fireplaces and mantels throughout, and a modern bath in the north west room and hall. Details of each space are as follows:

Miscellaneous Items

Heating System: The important rooms of the first floor are heated with conditioned air entering the rooms and spaces through inconspicuous ducts in the baseboard.

The kitchen of the first floor and all of the second floor is heated with exposed radiators distributed in the rooms for the maximum heating efficiency. The space required for duct work makes a conditioning air system for the second floor impractical as well as the fact that direct radiation is much more efficient for heating bed rooms and bath rooms.

Plumbing System: No attempt was made to conceal the modern plumbing fixtures. The convenience of these features justifies that presence. The pipes leading to them were, however, concealed in the stud partitions and floor construction.

Electrical System: In the important living rooms an attempt was made to conceal where possible the electric equipment. In both the living room and dining room no modern wall or ceiling fixtures were used. The switch and base receptacles were throughout the house painted with the adjacent surfaces. In the Hall the features used were reproductions and adaptations of known antique types used and modernized as necessary. The ceiling fixture used in the study was installed at the request of the life tenants. The fixtures used in the bed rooms were the fixtures used in the house at the time of investigation. While these fixtures were modern they were of good lines and character. The fixtures used in the kitchen, pantry, closets and bath rooms were simple modern fixtures and were chosen for their convenience and simplicity.