Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1255
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
Market Square Tavern was restored under direction of Perry, Shaw and Hepburn, architects during 1931 and 1932.
Restoration dates for the Tavern and its Outbuildings follow:
| Started | Completed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block 12 | #13 | Market Square Tavern | May, 1931 | Feb., 1932 |
| Block 12 | #13C | Market Square Tavern Garage | June, 1931 | Sept., 1931 |
| Block 12 | #13F | Market Square Tavern Kitchen | Aug., 1931 | Feb., 1932 |
| Block 12 | #13G | Market Square Tavern Privy | April, 1936 | June, 1936 |
| Block 12 | #13E | Market Square Tavern Tool House | July, 1931 | Dec., 1931 |
| Block 12 | #13B | Market Square Tavern Wellhead | June, 1931 | Dec., 1931 |
| Block 12 | #13A | Market Square Tavern Woodshed | June, 1931 | Dec., 1931 |
Edited and revised by A. L. Lawrence Kocher and Howard Dearstyne, May 10, 1951 Department of Architecture, Colonial Williamsburg.
The site of the Market Square Tavern was occupied before Restoration by the Raleigh Hotel, a semi-modern structure built upon the foundation walls of the original 18th century building, and incorporating in its construction much of the ancient framing, timbers and brickwork. Many of the doors and windows in the Raleigh Hotel were of a colonial pattern contemporary to and presumably original with the first building. These have been reused wherever possible in their original locations and supplemented wherever missing by new work of similar detail.
From examination of the framing the original building appears to have been the size of the sheathed portion of the Parlor. The first alteration (chronicled by the Virginia Gazette Sept. 26, 1771) apparently extended the east wall to its present location and built on addition to the width and depth of the present Main Building. At this stage the building was storey and half with a steep gabled roof pierced on the front by seven dormers.
This first change converted the original building into a tavern and probably the out-houses and two small buildings which comprise the present west wing were built at this time. The grade at 2. the building was much higher than it is now. Later when the grade was lowered the first floor stood some six feet from the grade (according to Mr. Charles Recollections) so in order to decrease this height the operator of the Raleigh Hotel lowered the building 2'-0", leaving the chimneys stationary and blocking up the fire-places. At the same time the second floor height was increased to a full storey at this time and the whole topped by a very flat, tin, gabled roof. Also at this same time (189-?) a two-storey wing was erected in the rear along the east prop. line, a porch was built across the rear of the building and another across the front. At the time of the Raleigh Hotel the two small "west wing" buildings had disappeared and a long, modern shed barn stood in their places. This barn was razed and subsequent digging located brick foundation walls for two small frame structures of approx. the size indicated on an insurance map of the property dated 1809. In restoring these small buildings they were joined to each other and to the main building by closed connections. Although no such connections were evident from the research the intended functioning of the group as hotel accommodations rendered such protected communication between the buildings essential.
The Restoration is intended to portray the first Market Square Tavern at the status of its growth, in 1771, from a one room cabin.
New composition asbestos shingles of the "Williamsburg tapered" type made by the Mohawk Slate Co., applied with copper nails 3. and treated to imitate weathered wood shingles.
All dormers are new to typical local colonial detail for 15-light dormers with hipped roofs similar to dormers on Lee house, Williamsburg.
The original dormers were not in existence at the time of the restoration as they had been removed at the time the second floor was altered over into a full story which was about 1890. See General Notes.
New wood cornice with block modillions to local colonial size and profile. similar to cornice on Geddy (Neal) House, Williamsburg. Original cornice had disappeared when house was altered into a full two story house about 1890. See above. The cornice of the Geddy (Neal) House was chosen as a model because it was about the same size and same general period.
Although no evidence of colonial porch footings was uncovered the height of the First Floor from the grade necessitated steps or a stoop of some kind. A simple platform and steps similar to those of the Galt Cottage were considered appropriate for the approach to the existing original entrance to the "Parlor" since the original building was about the size of the Galt Cottage and a more pretentious porch with turned posts and a shed roof was provided to shelter the main entrance to the building through the "Hall."
There are no roof gutters or leaders; drainage being obtained by sloping brick drip-gutters along the eave walls with 4. drains at the lowest points connecting with the sewer.
The existing antique beaded weatherboards on all sides of Main Building moved to front and new boards detailed to match old used used to complete weatherboarding. New Random-width, flush, beaded boards in connection with double scallop and chamfered post treatment to suggest an open porch that had later been closed with boarding; similar to the open scalloped porch at Norge, Va. Balance of original or old weatherboard was missing.
A new door of eight-panel local colonial detail with new trim to match the original trim found in the "Parlor" was provided for the original framed opening to the "parlor" from the street. The new double three-panel doors with transom to the "Hall" were made to a simple local colonial detail with trim to match the existing original trim of the house. Original door was missing.
All windows new on Front Elevation (North) first floor windows in Main Building are to detail of existing original windows on south and east elevations and are located in their original windows on south and east elevations and are located in their original openings which were indicated by mortise marks on studs. The west wing windows are to a local colonial detail similar to the windows in the Barlow House. Original window sashes missing.
New three-panelled blinds on first floor windows of Main Building to local colonial detail similar to blinds on Barlow House. Original shutter - if any - are missing.
The bond lines with closers indicating corners of first building (before 1771) have been carefully preserved. The basement grilles are new to detail of existing original grille now located in East basement wall. They replace modern windows in the original grille openings. Sash was added to make these openings rodent and weather proof. The west wing foundation walls have been built directly over the ancient walls (as located by diggings) with antique face brick furnished by architects. Headers omitted in connection foundation and these opgs. screened to vent space under first floor. New grilles of the original model used in places where original grilles are missing.
East and northwest main building chimneys rebuilt above second floor ceiling using antique brick furnished by architects. This work replacing modern alterations. Chimneys terminated in caps to local colonial detail similar to chimney caps on Montague house.
West wing gable trimmed with simple tapering, beaded barge board terminating in end board shaped to west wing cornice profile. Beaded corner boards of widely used local colonial detail seal all corners and similar corner boards have been introduced on North elevation to mark corners of original first building. West wing gable original barge boards missing. same is true of end board. Original corner board which presumably remained at former corner of building after it was added to is missing.
Second floor main building and entire west wing new work. 6. A projecting brick course on the N.W. chimney indicated the pitch of the gable roof and, as many of the framing studs were original in height and location, the eave line was easily determined by the selection of a typical cornice.
Except for traces of original brickwork in the foundation walls the west wing is entirely new work.
Original second floor and entire original west wing missing.
New composition asbestos shingles of the "Williamsburg tapered type made by the Mohawk Slate Co., applied with copper nails and treated to imitate weathered wood shingles. Original shingles missing. See general notes.
all dormers are new to typical local colonial detail for 15-light dormers with hipped roofs similar to dormers on Lee and Blair Houses. Original dormer windows missing. See general notes.
New wood cornice to local colonial detail, size and profile. Similar to cornice on North Elevation without modillions. Original cornice missing. See General Notes.
New brick drip gutter along eave wall of Main Bldg. with drain to sewer at lowest point. Hung copper gutter along eave of Rear Porch with copper R. W. copper gutter along eave of Rear Porch with copper R. W. conductor leading to T.C. sewer connection.
New beaded weatherboards to match antique beaded weatherboards on North elevation of Main Building. What ever original weatherboarding was left on this surface was chamferred to wall surface of North Elevation.
New lean-to type porch connecting Main Building to West wing with asbestos shingle shed roof supported by chamfered posts. Similar in detail to colonial porch on the Gloucester Glebe House. Original door missing.
New six-panel door with transom, to local colonial detail similar to door at Barlow House. Frame and trim new to match existing original work. Original door missing.
The windows second from the right and second from the left on first floor of Main Bldg. are original. Other first floor windows of Main Bldg. are new to same detail as existing windows and located to suit the requirements of the plan as no indication remained of their original locations.
The dormers are to the same detail as those on the North elevation.
All west wing windows are new to local colonial detail similar to the windows on the Barlow house.
New windows installed only in openings where original windows sash etc. was missing.
Main Building brick basement wall is original with new screened vents provided to toilets by omitting headers. The bulkhead is new to local colonial detail similar to bulkhead at the Blair house.
The brick steps with oak nosings were made necessary by the new Basement floor level. They are new and occur at the exact location or the original brick steps and the few remaining evidences of these original steps have been carefully preserved. The brick walls under the porch and the west wing foundation walls are new of antique brick furnished by the architects.
Original bulkhead missing.
The west wing chimney is new faced with antique brick furnished by Architects and is built directly over the remaining foundation of the original chimney in that location. The S.W. main bldg. chimney is entirely new faced with antique brick furnished by Archts. and replaces a modern chimney of poor construction. See North Elev. notes for main bldg. east chimney details. Original chimney missing.
West Wing gable trimmed with a simple, tapering beaded barge board terminating in an end board shaped to W. wing cornice profile - a practice typical of colonial gable treatment. Corners scaled with new beaded corner boards to local colonial detail. Original barge board missing. Same for original end board and corner boards.
A new copper deck conducts rain water from the ridge of the connection roof to the porch roof. Metal was substituted for the usual 9. shingles because of the shallow pitch of this roof section and the necessity of having this area water-tight. Except for traces of original brickwork in the foundation walls the west wing is entirely new work.
New composition asbestos shingles etc. Same as north and south elevations.
New dormers to typical local colonial detail for twelve-light gabled dormers. Similar to the dormers on the Emily Christian house.
The west wing buildings and connections are provided with new wood cornices of a simple profile to local colonial detail similar to the cornice on the Blair House. Original cornice missing.
New brick drip gutter along eave wall of west wing with drain to sewer at lowest point.
West wing buildings have beaded weather boards to match antique beaded weatherboards on main building. The connection is faced with random width flush boarding; the change in wall treatment suggesting the original unconnected condition of the W. wing bldgs. Original weatherboarding missing.
According to an 1809 Insurance map the W. Wing buildings were shops and probably had doors onto the Market Square. the altered status 10. of the Square and the intent to convert the interior to hotel purposes was considered justifiable grounds for substituting windows of an appropriate size and detail for the doors.
New to local colonial details; similar to the windows on the Barlow House. Original window missing.
New brick walls faced with antique brick furnished by Architects; built directly over remains of original walls as located by Archaeological excavating dept. Under floor space provided with screened vents by omitting headers. Large part of original wall missing.
Chimney new faced with antique brick furnished by architects, and built directly over remaining foundation of the original chimney in this location. Original chimneys missing.
Described elsewhere. See North and south elevation notes.
Except for traces of original brickwork in the foundation walls the west wing is entirely new work. Original structure with exception as notes above was missing.
New composition asbestos shingles etc., same as on other three elevations.
New dormers to typical local colonial detail for twelve-light gabled dormers on West wing; similar to the dormers on the Emily 11. Christian House.
See Cornice notes on North & West Elevations.
New brick drip gutter along base of Main Bldg. eave walls sloping to drain at lowest point connected to sewer. Similar to brick-drain section dug up at rear of west wing byb Archaeological Excavation Dept. New hung copper gutter along rear porch eave with copper R.W. conductor to carry water to C.I. to T. C. sewer drain.
New beaded weatherboards to match antique beaded weatherboards on North Elevation. Flush random width boards on west wing wall of rear porch - a typical local colonial practice in porch treatment similar to the porch at _________.
Whatever original weatherboarding was left on this surface was transferred to wall surface of north elevation.
See notes on South elevation
Doors to rear porch from west wing are new to local six-panel colonial detail similar to the doors on the Barlow House. Original doors missing.
Southeast first floor window of Main Bldg. has original sash and frame. New trim added to this window to same detail as original existing trim of main bldg. New panelled blinds added similar to those on 12. North Elevation.
Northeast first floor window of Main Bldg. is entirely new to same detail as existing original windows, and located in original opening.
Second floor windows of main bldg. are entirely new to local colonial detail as are all windows of west wing.
Wherever new window sash trim etc. installed the original material was missing.
New three-panel wood blinds on first floor windows of main building to local colonial detail similar to blinds on Barlow House. There are no shutters or blinds on any other windows.
Main bldg. basement walls original. West wing foundation walls new, built directly over remains of original walls and faced with antique brick furnished by Architects. Modern opg. to trunk storage bricked up and existing original grille with modern W.I. bare spied to frame moved from N. Basement wall to E. Basement wall centering under window above as new grilles to detail of existing original (without W.I. bars) were needed in N. wall and it was desirable they be similar.
East chimney of Main Building new brickwork above second floor ceiling faced with antique brick furnished by architects replacing modern alternative and crowned by a cap of local colonial detail similar to that on chimney of the Montague house. Original brickwork above second floor missing.
See notes on other elevations.
The modern rear wing and connection along the Eastern Property line were entirely removed as were the modern second floor and Roof of the Main Building.
In restoring the main bldg. and west wing suitably for hotel accommodations provision for toilets, bath-rooms, kitchenette, closet space etc. necessitated taking certain liberties with what probably would have been the original Tavern lay-out.
Because of the change in floor levels (described in another section of this report) new fireplaces had to be built into the original chimneys for when the walls were stripped and the original fireplaces opened they were found to be 2'-0" above the floor line. The new openings were in all cases made the exact size of the old.
Whenever original work of any kind was discovered thru-out the building it was carefully preserved as a model to which the new work was made to conform.
Such original panelling, doors, windows, grilles, frames and trim flooring, studding, cornices, fireplaces and all other original interior work as is existant and re-used in the present Restoration is noted and described in the following pages of this report.
Original random width floor boards re-used, cleaned, sanded, stained and waxed.
New "Antique Cut" nails. Original nails had become useless.
All original beams and floor framing reinforced wherever necessary.
Original beaded wood sheathing carefully replaced marking size and location of first building. Remainder of N. and S. walls and E. wall plastered above panelling.
Modern sheet tin coffered ceiling and plaster ceiling under it were removed and a new plaster ceiling applied over metal lath.
Original moulded baseboard reused.
Original dado cap reused.
Original cornice with moulded crown and beaded facia-board reused.
Original panelled wainscot carefully repaired and reset according to original openings.
Original mantel missing. Modern mantel replaced by antique mantel furnished by Architects (purchased from C. P. Holland).
Fireplace and hearth rebuilt to size of originals as noted in another section of this report using antique brick furnished by Architecture. Original fireplace and hearth missing.
New windows, sash, trim and frames set in original openings as indicated by mortise marks on studs to detail of existing original windows in S. E. corner of main building. All windows furnished with one spring catch to each sash. Top sash hung with Pullman sash balance; bottom sash hung with pulleys and sash weights.
West door (to Hall) and trim original. South door new to same detail as west door in original frame and opening. North door is new to local colonial detail in original frame and opening with new trim to match original trim of west door. Original south and north doors missing.
North door has 1 pr. antique HL hinges by Architects, 1 reproduction H hinge and an antique brass rim lock by Architects. South door has 1 pr. reproduction HL hinges and a reproduction lock. West door has 1 pr. reproduction HL hinges and an antique iron rim lock by Architects. Original metal work missing.
White plaster wall; natural finish on all woodwork (stain & wax.)
All floor outlets, switches, radiators etc. installed by Restoration.
The existing original built-in corner cupboard in N.E. corner cleaned and fitted with reproduction H hinges as the original hardware was missing.
New random width pine boards laid edge-grain over existing modern flooring. Surface cleaned, sanded, stained and waxed. Original floor boards missing.
Floors blind-nailed "Antique" cut nails driven into surface. Original nails missing.
Existing original beams and floor framing reused and reinforced wherever necessary.
New plaster walls on metal lath replacing plaster walls removed to allow studding to be studied for original framing, openings etc.
New plaster ceiling on metal lath replacing old plaster ceiling which was in very poor condition.
New 4" beaded base of typical local colonial detail. Original baseboarding missing.
New casement window in South wall similar in detail to colonial casement at President's House, with new moulded trim of simple colonial detail fitted with modern hardware.
New closet in hall to west wing to accommodate brooms etc. provided with relocated existing original door with new frame and trim to match existing original detail.
Doors to Bed Rooms #1 Kitchenette, West Wing, Broom closet and Basement stairs are existing original doors re-located. Doors in South and North walls are new to local colonial detail.
Door to Broom closet was in the south wall of Bedroom #2 but as it was occupying an original window opening the door was moved to its present location and the window restored.
Door from the Hall to Bedroom 31 was originally in the West wall of Bedroom #3 (formerly the living room of the Raleigh Hotel.)
Door to Bed Room #2 is original and in its original location.
Door to kitchenette led from the kitchen of the Raleigh Hotel to the pantry. As the pantry was of modern construction the original location of this door is unknown.
Door to Basement stairs was taken from one of the Raleigh Hotel second floor closets and its original location is unknown.
All latches, hinges and locks on above mentioned doors are modern reproductions of colonial hardware of a local detail.
Base painted black; rest of trim red-brown; white plaster walls and ceiling.
All electric equipment (lights, switches etc.) and radiators were installed by the Restoration. The control desk is new and simply constructed of random width boards with beaded stiles and a moulded counter shelf with drawers and shelves under.
See stair sheet #8 for notes on main stairs.
This stairway, made up of antique material throughout (except rough framing) was installed to replace a modern flight of stairs in the same location. Because of the many and varied alterations to the framing it was impossible to determine the location of the original stairs to the 2nd floor.
Made up of antique material supplied by the Architects.
The newell post (lengthened by a splice of antique material), handrail and balusters came from an eighteenth century house in Gloucester County.
Made up to detail from antique material supplied by architects.
Closed string with a wall below of sheathed boards - the joints between being sealed with moulded battens and all of antique material supplied by architects.
New random width pine boards laid edgegrain over existing modern flooring. Surface cleaned, sanded, stained and waxed.
Floors blind-nailed. "Antique" nails driven into surface.
Existing beams and floor framing reused and reinforced wherever necessary.
New plaster walls on metal lath replacing plaster walls removed to allow studding to be studied for original framing openings etc.
New plaster ceiling on metal lath replacing old plaster ceiling which was in very poor condition.
New 4" beaded base of typical local colonial detail.
New to local colonial detail similar to mantel in the Travis House and one originally at Belle Farm.
Fireplace and hearth rebuilt as noted in description of chimneys.
Window in east wall and southwest window have original sash and frames in original openings with new trim to match existing original window trim. Southeast window entirely new to match existing work.
Doors to Bath #1 and Hall are original doors relocated with new trim to detail of existing original trim. Door to parlor is new door in original opening to same detail as original parlor door to Hall with trim to match. Door to Bath #1 was taken from one of the Raleigh Hotel second floor closets and its original location is unknown. Door to Hall notes on Sh. #7 of Hall notes.
Door to Bath #1 has modern butt hinges and lock. Door to Hall has 1 pr. reproduction HL hinges and a reproduction lock. Parlor door hardware noted in "Parlor" section of this report.
Black base; buff yellow trim; white plaster walls and ceiling. Adjoining bath has grey painted walls and ceiling and buff trim; black base.
All electrical equipment, radiators etc. were installed by the Restoration.
This room was used as the kitchen of the Raleigh Hotel.
Same notes as for Bedroom #1. regarding floor, floor nails, beams, walls, ceiling, baseboard, chair rail, cornice and wainscotting.
New to local colonial detail similar to mantels in the architects warehouse which are of colonial origin.
Rebuilt as noted in description of chimneys.
East window, frame, sash and trim entirely original. West window entirely new to same detail as existing original east window.
Closet original with relocated original door. Bath new with relocated original door. Door to closet originally in this location; relocated when new trim was installed to replace modern work. All doors in this room are relocated originals. All trim new to detail of existing original trim of Main Building. All original trim missing. Door to Bath #2 originally in closet space now occupied by Bath #2.
1 pr. reproduction HL hinges and one stock lock provided for each door.
Black base, light grey trim; white plaster walls and ceiling. Adjoining Bath has black base; light grey plaster walls and clg. and dark grey trim.
All electrical equipment, radiators etc. were installed by the Restoration.
There originally was no Hall between bedroom #2 and bedroom #3 and these two rooms were connected by a door in the center of the North wall of bedroom #2. This opening was blocked up (as it was not necessary 22. to the restored condition of the building) and the door used to replace a modern door from the Hall to Bedroom #3.
Floor, Floor Nails, Beams, Ceiling, Baseboard, Chair rail, Cornice, and Panelling - see notes for Bedroom #1.
South wall is entirely new providing a hall communication with the West Wing. It is a stud partition plastered on metal lath as are the other walls of the room.
New to local colonial detail similar to mantel in the McCandlish House.
Rebuilt as noted in description of chimneys.
New in original openings to same detail as existing original windows in Bedroom #1 and parlor.
New in location of one side of original closet which extended from chimney to North Wall and was cut down to provide means of access to Bath #3.
All doors relocated originals. New trim for all openings to detail of existing original trim. Door to Hall was originally in the south wall of bedroom #3 see notes of S.W. Bedroom #2. Door to Bath #3 was originally in the closet (which has been removed) on the south side of the fireplace in this room. Door to closet was taken from the second floor hall of the Raleigh Hotel and its original location is unknown.
Reproduction of HL hinges and locks on all three doors of this room.
Black base; apple green trim; white plaster walls and ceiling.
All electrical equipment, radiators etc. are installed by the Restoration.
New random width pine boards laid edgegrain over new underflooring.
Floor Nails, Beams, Walls, Ceiling, Baseboard, Chair rail, Cornice, and Panelling have the same notes as for Bedroom #1.
New to local colonial detail similar to mantels in the architects warehouse which are of colonial origin.
New to shape and size of original as indicated by existing original brick chimney foundation. Antique facing bricks furnished by Architects.
New to local colonial detail. Sash hung with sash weights and fitted with modern fasteners.
New built directly over existing original brick foundation walls of original lean-to.
New to local colonial detail. Doors similar to doors in Barlow House. Trim similar to trim in Barlow House.
1 pr. modern butt hinges on bath-room door. Reproduction HL hinges on other two doors. Modern locks on all doors.
All electrical equipment, radiators etc. installed by the Restoration.
New random width pine boards laid edge-grain over new underfloor.
Floors blind-nailed, with "Antique cut" nails driven into surface.
New
Plaster on metal lath.
Plaster on metal lath.
New 4" beaded basgs. in all rooms; to typical local colonial detail.
New 1st fl. windows to local colonial detail similar to windows on Barlow House. New dormers to local colonial detail similar to dormers on Emily Christian House.
New.
New doors and trim to local colonial detail similar to those at ___________.
1 pr. reproduction HL hinges and modern locks on all doors.
All rooms have white plaster walls and ceilings. Trim is painted either blue, buff, grey or green and base black.
All electrical equipment, radiators etc. installed by Restoration.
All work on West Wing entirely new except for existing original brickwork in foundation walls.
New Mastic tile over wood sub-flooring.
None exposed
Same as for Bedroom #1
Plaster on metal lath
Plaster on metal lath
New 6" black composition rubber base.
Keene cement wainscot 4-0" high. (6'-0" high around tubs where showers occur.
All new; to detail of existing original windows in 1st floor of Main Bldg. and to typical local colonial detail in West Wing and on 2nd Fl. thruout.
Medicine cabinet in each Bath Room.
New to local colonial detail, except as noted elsewhere in this report.
Modern butt hinges and modern locks.
Plaster walls and ceilings painted light grey. Trim painted same color as trim of adjoining room. Black base.
All plumbing fixtures, electrical equipment, radiators etc. installed by Restoration.
The existing piping and plumbing fixtures in the Main Bldg. were in such poor condition an entirely new system was installed and all existing fixtures replaced by new equipment thruout.
Same notes as for typical West Wing Bedroom with the exception of:
New mantels in Bed Rooms #8, 11 and 12 to local colonial detail similar to the mantels at the architects warehouse which are of colonial origin.
Fireplaces reopened and rebuilt 2'-0" lower with new hearths to conform to condition of building being lowered 2'-0" at the time the fireplace openings were blocked up.
New dormers to typical local colonial detail similar to dormers on the Lee House, Williamsburg.
New T. and G. cedar flooring
Concealed nailing.
All new construction
New cedar boards on pine sheathing.
New cedar boards on pine sheathing.
New casement window to local colonial detail.
New cedar-lined door. No trim.
1 pr. 7" HL reproduction hinges and one modern look.
Natural finish.
New shelving.
The basement space before Restoration was under the original (or Eastern) end of the Main Building only. A small portion of this space had been scooped out sufficiently to accommodate a heating plant.
This former boiler room space is now occupied by the trunk storage and linen sorting room, the walls of which are new.
The toilets and showers for the help are new and a new boiler room has been excavated under the southwest portion of the Main Building.
The brick walls on the north and east sides of the boiler room are new, and the space north of the boiler room has been left unexcavated.
There is no basement under the west wing; the space under the floor joists having been excavated only to 3'-0" to allow crawling.
(NOTE: See outhouse sheet of Montague House in sample Record. In general give approximate age of outbuilding, record-character, and its former site if moved to tis restoration location from another place. If "original" on the site, record it briefly as you would a house. If new give authority or precedent for its design. If new- or moved from some where else- but standing on an old foundation, mention the fact and also note what formerly stood there.)
The framing of this building is completely new except for certain remains of the original brick foundations, the location and size of which check with those of a building occupying the site in 1809 as shown by an insurance map of that year. The existing brickwork clearly defined the size of the fireplace opening and the original existence of Dutch oven on the South and a lean-to closet on the North side of the fireplace.
The interior treatment is conjectural as to reproduction of its original character -- only the Dining Room being an attempted 28. "Restoration" such details as the types of doors and windows, the sheathed stair-case etc. are authentic characteristics of the period. The kitchen and bath were, of course, necessary diversions from the original plan to make the house practical as a modern dwelling.
The stairs, fire-lace trim and the finished floors of the Dining Room, Bed Room and Hall are of antique pine material supplied by the Architects.
The exterior weatherboarding and flush board siding on dormers are of antique material supplied by the Architects as is also the stone step at the front door.
All the doors are antique and were salvaged by the Architects from out-of-town eighteenth century houses.
All exposed brickwork in chimneys and fireplace is of antique material supplied by Architects.
All the upper sash and two lower sash for the 15-light windows was supplied of antique material by the Architects. The remaining sash was made up of new material to identical detail of the antique sash. All window and door frames and trim are of new material made up to a typical local colonial detail.
The original brick-lined well (3'-0" inside diameter) was located by the Archaeological excavating department and the shaft cleaned out to the water line. A new, square wood platform was erected around the well and supported at the four corners by brick piers which also gave foundation to new wood corner posts supporting in their turn a hipped roof of asbestos shingles crowned by a wood finial of Colonial pattern. 29. A box frame was built around the aperture and fitted with hinged leaves thru which the bucket rope passed up and over a pulley wheel hung from the roof framing.
The location of this building was approximated from its position on the Insurance map of 1809 as the only vestige of former building on this site was a narrow strip of brick wall and a bit of brick paving of no known date.
In restoration, the building (probably a barn stable or coach-house) was provided with doors of ample size and number to accommodate five small cars within the building.
All of the work on this building is new and the window, cornice and dormer details to typical local colonial detail for this work.
A space typifying a hay-loft was provided over half the garage space and access provided from below the means of ladder rungs nailed to the framing studs and leading up to a scuttle in the loft floor. This space is pierced on the court side by a sheathed dormer with a projecting pulley-beam as is common to most barns.
The only vagary of colonial detail is the concrete floor which might conceivably have been installed if the building had been converted from a stable to a garage. This concrete flooring is concealed from the outside by a brick ramp leading into the building.
This building as indicated on the Insurance map of 1809 was probably the privy originally and of a similar size to the privy of Brooke's Bank in Essex County, Va. As restored the building is very similar to the above mentioned Brooke's Bank outhouse having a 30. board and patten door flanked on either side by small casement windows; the walls sheathed on the exterior with random-width flush boards and plastered on the interior. As at Brooke's Bank, the roof is hipped at the ends. The differences between the two buildings are:
This building is entirely of new material.
Upon the original brick foundation as located by the Archaeological Excavating Dept. and checked by the insurance map of 1809 was built a square frame building designated as a wood shed but probably originally a laundry or dairy as the building was originally equipped with a brick drain.
The design is of a typical local colonial type similar to that of the Van Garrett Smoke House, with hipped roof of asbestos shingles terminating in a pointed wood finial.
The only opening in the random width flush boarding is a board and batten door, and the eave is trimmed with and simple box cornice of typical local colonial mouldings.
The insurance map of 1809 indicated a small structure in this location with a shed or porch on the North side. The restoration provided for a building of similar size and location as shown on the map, 31. with the North porch occupied at either end by a bathroom and an entrance in the center. An outside stair to the second floor was employed to segregate the white chauffeurs from the colored and an outside entrance to one of the baths serves the same purpose. The outside stair has ample precedent in the similar stairs on the small building at the Warwick Poor Farm and the stable at Mt. Vernon. The windows, dormers, cornice and doors are all to typical local colonial detail and the work on this building is entirely new.