Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Attached is a copy of Mrs. Goodwin's comments on the Pasteur-Galt Shop Architectural Report.

I am returning the Research Department copy of the report so that the corrections noted by Mrs. Goodwin can be made.

I have just found time to read the Architectural Report on the above building, which covers only one of the three buildings (Scrivener Shop, Pasteur-Galt Shop, and Nicolson Shop) which were on Colonial Lot #56.

The report does not go into the research information on the Pasteur-Galt Shop as far as ownership and operation is concerned, but it does quote Mr. Ferguson's statement concerning the site (see pages 4-5).

"It is known that the two shops (Nicolson and Pasteur) were probably built together or at most within a year or so of each other. They both operated as shops, one selling dry goods, under Miller and Company and later under Nicolson-Galt…Since the Tetterell Shop was found to be close in plan dimensions to both Pasteur's and Nicolson's shop…" &c.

We have nothing to say concerning the architects' reasons reconstructing the buildings as they did, but it seems unfortunate to quote Mr. Ferguson's incorrect interpretation of the research information on the sites.

Robert Miller & Company occupied the shop which was subsequently the "Nicolson Shop," ca. 1761. It was purchased by Robert Nicolson, tailor and merchant, in 1773, who deeded it to his son, William Nicolson in 1779. William Nicolson continued on the site for a number of years, insuring his store and shop behind it (doubtless his tailor's shop) in 1796. Nicolson did not conduct a shop with Galt, as Mr. Ferguson states. Also, "Teterel's" name is misspelled in Mr. Ferguson's paragraph.

William Pasteur, Surgeon, purchased a portion of lot 56 from Henry Wetherburn in 1760; sold off the portion on which Robert Miller & Col. was located (later the Nicolson Shop) a few days after he purchased it - in two portions; and operated an apothecary shop on the central part of the lot. Pasteur went into partnership with Dr. John M. Galt in 1775; they dissolved the partnership in 1778; and Galt continued on the site for some years thereafter. (See research report on Block 17 — Colonial lot 56, Oct. 1947.)

EXTERIOR

GENERAL

The appearance of the Pasteur-Galt Apothecary Shop was based on the exterior form of conventional Virginia store buildings and shops of colonial times. Here and there in places such as in inaccessible Tidewater counties and on the Eastern Shore of Virginia there are old shops that have continued for a century or more, as modern store buildings. These reveal the common low-sloping gable and narrow end facing the street. The size of the Pasteur-Galt Shop was clearly established by excavation of the brick foundations, partially hidden beneath a later frame superstructure. The nature of the foundations and the continuous occupied history of the site indicated a frame structure. The foundation was too slight for a brick building and there was no indication that a superstructure of brick had ever existed.

The size of the Pasteur-Galt Shop was discovered to have been 20'-1 ½" wide by 32'-0" long.

Since most buildings as planned for shop purposes were two stories in height, this reconstruction was therefore built in that manner.

FORM OF THE SHOP

The hipped roof at the front (gable at rear) was without the basis of direct evidence for this specific building. However, its roof followed precedent as at Wales, Dinwiddie County, Virginia. (See architectural records files, also photograph book in the drafting room and HABS measured drawings and photographs [in Department Files] ). These supply evidence for an assortment of shop 2 shapes, roof forms and street windows. An attempt was made by the designers to develop the building as a story-and-a-half shop. However, the two story scheme seemed to be more suitable for a traditional Virginia store building, also that the appearance of the lower building did not appear well in its relation to the adjoining Scrivener House. Then too, the building was found to be without a basement. This fact led to the supposition that more ample storage space would be provided by a full two stories.

COMPARISON WITH THE NEIGHBORING NICOLSON SHOP

The neighboring Nicolson Shop scheme was followed in the general design of the front (south) elevation and in the placement of window and door openings. In its exterior details, as we shall see, the Pasteur-Galt differed from its companion shop.

It is natural that the two buildings be compared for their dissimilarities. The chimney of the Pasteur-Galt Shop, as an instance, is centered on the north gable and its partitioning was supposed to have been suited to a specialized shop. It was decided by the architects in charge of its design "to incorporate wood rustication as facing for the house, following particularly well known examples" of this imitative wood-stone work as at the Merchant's House Dumfries Virginia, also at Mount Vernon.^*

An old photograph in the Coleman Collection (Architectural Files) shows a late view of what is thought to be the old Virginia Gazette building. Some idea of commercial building appearance was gathered from this photo, particularly the design of its two shop windows.

The wide stone steps were-prescribed by the wide steps foundations and some stone fragments discovered in the excavations.

In reconstructing the "Pasteur-Galt Shop" very little was known of the building and of its varied uses.

The following facts were known: The size of the foundations, 20'-0 ½" x 31'-11 ¾" with a chimney centered at the north end and a rather large foundation for steps on the south, was determined by Archaeological investigations. It was known that the shop did not have a basement. There are no known existing insurance records relating to this structure, perhaps because the building had been altered before the year 1796, when the first known existing insurance policies were issued. Insurance policy #645 of the adjacent lot west, May 12, 1806 seems to locate a shop on this foundation at the beginning of the 19th century.

There is an interesting reference to the adjoining Nicolson Shop in 1761-advertisement in the Virginia Gazette of that year, with mention of Miller and Company, merchants, then operating in the Nicolson Shop, "at their store in Williamsburg, next door to Dr. Pasteur."

It is believed that the Scrivener House and the Pasteur-Galt Shop stood attached to one another. It is also believed that the shop was demolished early in the 19th century in order to make changes to the Nicolson Shop, which took the form of the Lee House.

The following observations were made by Finlay Ferguson, Jr. who compiled data for the preliminary work on the reconstruction of the Pasteur-Galt and Nicolson Shops: 4

"The only data available on the Scrivener House is a photograph taken in the early years of the 20th century which shows this house with weatherboards at the east end, badly patched and carelessly nailed on its facing. The front elevation, on the other hand indicated its weatherboards in very good repair and they were repainted. From this, and knowing the Scrivener House to be 18th century in character from the aforesaid photograph, the inference is that the two structures might have been tied together in the 18th century, and later the Pasteur Shop was demolished, necessitating new weatherboarding on the eastern gable end of the Scrivener House. The weatherboarding might conceivably have rotted through the years and fallen into disrepair as it is shown in the early photograph. This theory is strengthened by the indication of the house on this lot on the Frenchman's Map, 1783."^*

The two story solution for the shop design was influenced by the neighboring Nicolson Shop and by the facts that led to the Tetterell Shop. It was thought that the two stores were probably built within a year or so of each other., if not at the same time. It was determined that both were of almost the same size in width and length., and that it seems probable that they were quite similar in design.

The two story form was decided on for the following summary of reasons, again quoting impressions of Finlay Ferguson who handled the first interpretation of discovered facts.

1. "It is known that the two shops (Nicolson and Pasteur) were probably built together or at most within a year or so of each 5 other. They both operated as shops, one selling dry goods, under Miller and Company and later under Nicolson-Galt . . . . Since the Tetterell Shop was found to be close in plan dimensions to both Pasteur's and Nicolson's shops and since the Terrerell and Nicolson Shops are known to have been two stories high, it is suggested by Ferguson, that they represent a conventional shop form, without deviation from the developed standard for the locality."

Paint Colors
(Exterior and Interior)
Pasteur-Galt Apothecary Shop

HARDWARE

All hardware in the Pasteur-Galt Shop to consist of authentic reproductions of eighteenth century locks, hinges, hasps, latches, door bolts, shutter holdbacks, etc. Hinges are mostly HL or H, as specified. Modern hardware occurs in rooms, such as baths, kitchen, closets and other non-authentic additions.

The following is a listing of hardware as copied from Palladio Londinensis, by William Salmon, published in London, 1745.

• "Locks and their keys
• Shutter hinges
• Door hinges
• HL hinges
• HL hinges with rising joints
• Pew hinges
• Dove-tailed hinges
• Strap hinges
• Scuttle Hinges
• Chest hasps and hinges
• Garnet Hinges
• Hooks and hinges
• Hinges and Hooks
• Lancashire hinges
• Balcony hinges
• Holdfasts and wall-hooks
• Deck hinges
• Hooks and eyes for gates
• Long-tinned latches
• Varnish Latches
• Rimmer latches
• Spring and Thumb-latches
• Gate locks
• Latches with brass knobs
• Hanging Locks
• Pad Locks
• Slit key'd locks
• Bridged and secret padlocks
• Cabinet locks
• Box locks
• Cupboard locks
• Till locks
• Scrutore locks
• Closet locks
• Plate Closet locks
• Single spring locks
• Bastard Banbury stock-locks
• Livery stock-locks
• Spring stock-locks
• Spring bolts and sash bolts
• 25
• Shutter bolts

[and of course] nails of the general sorts:

• Bill brads
• Plain brads
• Lead nails
• Scuffed nails
• Rose nails
• Flat-head nails
• Flat-point nails
• Sharp nails
• Prigg nails
• Square nails
• Spike nails
• Clasp hobbs
• Clout nails
• Batten nails
• Dog nails
• Ribbing nails
• Round head nails
• Glazier's springs
• Timber nails of several sorts
• Joiners rivets
• Carement hooks
• Tenter hooks
• Curtain hooks, etc.

This listing of hardware is included here as indication of the wide choice of such ironwork that existed before 1750 and that was the stock or types from which builders could select and order from London.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Files of Department of Research and Records, Colonial Williamsburg.
• Research Report on Colonial Lot #56, the site of Nicolson Shop, Pasteur-Galt Apothecary Shop and Scrivener House (Lee House location) by Mary A. Stephenson, October, 1947. 24pp.
• Report on Design-Sources for the proposed Reconstruction of Pasteur-Galt Apothecary Shop, April 6, 1949 by Singleton P. Moorehead. 5 pp.
• Proposed Restoration of Nicolson and Pasteur Chops and Outbuilding, Lot 56 by Finlay F. Ferguson, Jr. No date. 7 pp.
• Archaeological Report on Scrivener Site, Colonial Lot 56 by James M. Knight, March 2, 1940. 17 pp.
• Archaeological Report, Lot 569 Block 17, Area J. Victoria Lee Lots June 23, 1943 by James M. Knight.
• The Frenchman's Map, c. 1783.
• Files of photographs and collected drawings in the Department of Architecture, as precedent for design of Virginia shops.
• Handbooks of eighteenth century architecture with illustrations of plans, elevations, construction details, etc.
• Progress Photographs taken as a record of the site, during progress of construction and finish of the building.
• The General Correspondence Files were consulted for the period when the building was built.
• An Essay Upon the Government of the English Plantations on the Continent of America, 1701. San Marino, California, 1945.

There were artifacts collected from the digging on the sites on and near the shop location, also on the site of the Little Shop and of the Storehouse. Glassware, bottles, etc., were examined to seek support for the uses to which the shop was put.

The literature on shops of the eighteenth century is not extensive but photographs and references to buildings of this nature do exist. In 1736 it was stated in Builder's Dictionary, London, that shop fronts and shop windows were "afforded by the builder at the same rate as plain or battoned doors, besides 28 ironwork." An account of a "pastrycooks shop" was written by Daniel Defoe in The Complete English Tradesman, 8 vo., 1732 in which the fitting up of the interior is discussed. See also account of 18th century shops, in Architect's Journal, London, July 31, 1885, p. 71. A photograph of what was called "oldest shop in London," Macclesfield, St. Soho, built about 1690 in collection of Society for Photographing Old London, British Museum, date 1883.

Blanton, Wyndham B. Medicine in Virginia in the 18th Century. This work offers a good description of the Virginia Apothecary Shop of the 18th century.

• Curator's File on Apothecary Shop Equipment.
• Swem's Index of Virginia History, Newspaper files of 18th century.
• Cappon and Duff Index to Virginia Gazette.
• Apothecary MS. notes of James Carter.
• Insurance maps from period 1796-1830.
• Old 18th century apothecary shops studied as plans for the Pasteur-Galt Shop were being developed.

• Stables Leadbeater Apothecary at Alexandria, Virginia
• Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Washington, D. C. This shop is of special value for its Phamacentical collection.
• Simon Rau Apothecary, first started in operation in 1713. Main Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

PASTEUR-GALT OUTBUILDINGS
Block 17, Bldgs. 31-A. B & C

The following outbuildings comprise the related dependencies of the Dr. Pasteur-Galt Shop:

See plot plan for location of buildings.

STOREHOUSE -- BUILDING 31-A

This building was a small storage house used probably for the safe keeping of goods imported from abroad. It could also have been the storage place for supplies for the shop. From container fragments found in the excavations it is assumed that such goods as herbs, medicines, medicine bottles, pill cups, mortars, etc. were kept there.

The building size is approximately 12'-3" x 16'-1 ½". Two doors were located on the eastern side, leading to the theory that one part was intended for storage of goods, the other part for the drying of herbs.

A small shallow fire box was found in the northwest side but no evidence of a chimney was found. It is this firebox that it was supposed, may have been used for the drying of herbs. Some light is thrown on this fire panel in the Pasteur-Galt archaeological report, page 2.

Two types of brick paving were found. These lead to the supposition that the shop was divided into two separate rooms. The two doors supported that idea.

The building is faced with random width, beaded edge flush boarding, applied with galvanized wrought iron nails with hammered heads.

At each end there is a louvered ventilator, believed to have been required for the drying of herbs. The roof is of the A shape., having gables at each of the narrower ends.

The building cornice consists of a crown molding, fascia, and beneath the seven inch overhang there is a supporting bed mold. The cornice end is stopped by an extension of the weatherboarding., as at the gable end of Captain Orr's Dwelling. Both doors are of diagonal batten type. There are cross battens on the inside.

The foundation, as almost always in the locality, are laid (in brick) with English bond and oyster shell mortar. Precedent for the general design of the storehouse was the stable at the Catlett Place at Port Royal, near Fredericksburg.

SMALL SHOP - BUILDING NO. 31-B

The size of this small building was determined by excavation of the old foundations, namely 12'-1" x 20'-1". There is an outside chimney at the center of the long side.

Here too were found fragments of pill cups, medicine bottles, glassware, etc. No insurance policies describe this or the other varied outbuildings. It is thought that this small shop was also used as a drying shed for herbs, sedge, etc. The fireplace, it is believed, served the purpose of drying the stored goods., samples, etc. It may also have done supplementary service in keeping the liquid contents of bottles from freezing in winter.

SMALL SHOP EXTERIOR

The exterior of the small shop was designed with use of typical 18th century Virginia details, such as precedent for kitchens, quarters and laundries. The interior was not restored to any colonial arrangement. It is, however, a service building doing duty for modern living. It has a bedroom with bath and a possible kitchenette.

FACADE

The facade has two windows and a center door. The windows have batten shutters.

WINDOWS

The windows have 15 lights. This same window occurs on the north elevation. At the south side there is a single small window with 4 lights, operating as a casement.

The west elevation is without windows and is punctuated by its wide-based projecting chimney.

The house is faced with beaded weatherboarding as were most of the local outbuildings of Williamsburg.

8 ¾" corner boards, with narrow edge at the gable end give an interesting finish to the wall facing. Precedent for the wide corner board is found at the Travis House.

The steeply sloped roof (52 degrees) is surfaced with round butt asbestos cement shingles. These serve as a substitute for wood shingles, known to have been used in colonial days. See Architectural Record's Files on Shingles and other roof coverings.

Foundations are of brick as with the Storehouse, described elsewhere in this report.

WELLHOUSE - BUILDING NO. 31-C

The general size and location of this well were taken from field measurements of the brick foundations. See Archaeological Report.

DESIGN OF WELLHOUSE

The design of the well house was derived from two sources: the well house (restored) of Captain Orr's Dwelling, and an 18th century wellhouse at Falmouth, Virginia. Photographs of both of these sources can be seen in the photograph book~ drafting room of Colonial Williamsburg.

The original round well is enclosed in a square of brick, which in turn is surrounded by a 4'-6" square wood base, 2'-9 ½" high on which seven 4 ¼" posts support an A roof. The sides of this superstructure are filled with a diagonal wood lattice. The roof is covered with round butt wood (hand split) shingles. The gable ends have tapered barge boards with a cut reverse curve at the lower ends. The gable ends above the lattice are faced with random width ship lap boarding, without beaded edge.

The rake board tapers from 4 ¼" to 3 ½" at top. The two sides, at roof edge, have the semblance of a cornice, consisting of a crown mold and beaded edge fascia. This latter member is attached to the side face of the well head. At one side, the lattice doors are hinged and operate in order to give access to the well.