Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Research Report Series - 1469
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
| HOUSE: | GOVERNOR'S PALACE LAUNDRY | Record by Whom: | Singleton P. Moorehead |
| LOCATION: | Block 20, Building 3M | Date of Record: |
The foundations for a structure were excavated showing that whatever uses the building may have had — they were in part connected with the elaborate drainage system of the west side of the Main building. Not only was a basement indicated with a brick floor pierced at intervals with ducts to the deep, main drain running from the Main building to the "Canal" — but a large brick basin likewise connected with the main drain, as well as several floor drains leading to the larger ducts from the floor to the main drain. The brick basin was found on the south side of the building, west of the brick steps to the basement. The proximity of the wall to this building is another feature which tends to indicate its' use. When the Botetourt inventories are read — a "Laundry" is itemized with all its' equipment in sequence, following the Stable outbuildings, but occurring just before the "Outbuilding Belonging to the Kitchen". Since the naming of the rooms in the Main Palace building was written in sequence along with the itemization of the contents — it seemed safe to assume that a similar procedure was followed in the itemizing of the various outbuildings. The position of the 2 "Laundry" in the "Botetourt Inventories" and the position of a building in relation to the drains and waterworks seem from study of the text to be one and the same. No other building mentioned in the inventory would be likely to have the elaborate drainage facilities of a "laundry".
By excavation research the overalls of the building were established at 30 feet long by 16 feet wide — a typical small building unit of the 18th century type. The foundations were composed of Palace Size brick. The South-West and North wall lines were expressed by existing fragments of the original cellar walls — the position of the east wall was indicated by the line of demarcation between disturbed and undisturbed earth - this line being particularly clearly defined in the "hard-pan" at the Northeast corner. For further facts on remains discovered, see comprehensive notes and archaeological drawing prepared by H. S. Ragland, Esquire for the Department of Research and Records.
New brick used in constructing "Laundry" was made by hand of local clay — burned to match existing brickwork on site. The original brick here was "Palace Size" — and the new brick copies it. No attempt was made to "fake" affects of 3 age. As far as was possible the brick was made to be like the ancient brick when this was newly made. The mortar for the face brick was made of local yellow sand and oyster shell lime — to be in color and texture etc. like that found on site. The methods of tooling and "buttering" follow actual joints in brickwork found in foundations of the main building. Age causes this type of mortar to bleach slightly, but no attempt was made in laundry to "fake" this.
See "Research and Archaeological Report on Governor's Palace Kitchen", page 1-b for remarks thereon.
In general, all exposed surfaces of building on exterior are built to simulate 18th century manner as closely as possible — in design — texture, material. Hidden portions, however, are built of modern, stock materials — best grade — by modern building methods to be as permanent as possible, since to have constructed these parts in the 18th century manner would not have been as permanent — and the cost would have been prohibitive.
Hand-split cypress Shingles — processed and hewn locally after general 18th century precedent. Roofing methods are modern for framing, sheathing and application of builders paper etc. Typical ridge-combing of local 18th century type applied. Flashing used wherever necessary — but concealed. Framing and sheathing of common — local pine.
None. Dormers are not customary in the smaller outbuildings of this period, locally. "Claremont" — Surry County — "Tuckahoe" — Goochland County — are good precedent for what is meant.
The exposed members are combined to follow closely 18th century examples: 1) "Stratford" outbuildings — Westmoreland County, 2) "Carter's Grove" dependencies — James City County, 3) "Westover" dependencies, Charles City County. The material is heart yellow Pine run to detail by modern 5 mill manufacturing. The blocking and hidden framing is of stock, modern type, built in current construction methods since hidden structure does not follow ancient precedent.
The ancient basin or gutter west of bull head entrance was rebuilt as indicated by old foundations. This feature seems to have been too deep for purposes of carrying off the roof water. The use of the building as a "Laundry" would explain such a trough as a place to throw waste water. There exists a small square foundation just west of the "Laundry" which might have been used as an added place for heating water in relation to the "Laundry" - and the trough in question could then have taken overflow water or slops from this operation. However, the trough does serve to take any roof wash - and is connected by an ancient drain at its west end to the main drain by running around the west end of the "Laundry" below the ground. Elsewhere on this elevation the general paving of brick takes roof water by 6 its sloping surfaces away from the building.
See "Brick", General Notes — p. 2 The water table is laid in Flemish bond as is the wall surface above it. The corners have the headers and stretchers ground on exposed portions. Glazed headers are random — after wall surfaces of Flanking Buildings from old photo thereof. Water table is rubbed on its exposed portions and follows in profile as well as in rubbing fragments found on the site. Laying this in Flemish bond often occurs in local brick structures of the vicinity when the wall above is in Flemish and the wall below is in English bond.
The height of basement was determined from the grade of fragments of brick paving of the original cellar floor. A reasonable clear height for it gave a first floor grade - considerably above the ground surface. This necessitated a high stoop — at whatever point the first floor entrance might come. By elimination of this elevation — the 7 location east of the cellar steps was chosen. The proximity of the Garden wall ruled out the east side of the building for its location. The foundations themselves ruled out the west as a location. It was felt illogical to place the door on the north or garden side, since the obvious place for an entrance would be on the service court side. Although this position makes for certain congestion-practical considerations customary in outbuilding groups of the 18th century would be more a determining factor. See General discussion of layout of outbuildings of Palace group. The porch leads parallel to south side of "Laundry" eastwards. Posts are after an ancient model found at "Bourbon House", Williamsburg. Rails are after those on porches (18th century) at "Kittewan"-Charles City County, and Perrin House or "Little England"-Gloucester County, Virginia. Ditto for apron and flooring. Step similar to those on porch of Colonial structure shown on Brady Civil War Photo of Culpepper Courthouse, Virginia. Stoops and porches are so exposed to weather that it is difficult, today, to find any but scattered and fragmentary examples of original 18th 8 century features of this kind. Old prints and photos, however, have proved a rich source —
The brickwork is in English Bond — following that of foundation or basement wall. The woodwork is of new, heart pine — run to detail by modern mill manufacturing. Hidden framing of modern materials constructed by modern methods for permanency. See "General Notes" in re on p.3
Frame and sill joined with mortice, tenon and pegs in customary 18th century manner - new of heart yellow pine run to detail by modern mill manufacturing. Head has concealed flashing for permanence. Likewise hidden therein are steel angles to support hidden brickwork; this a concession to permanency. See notes on hidden structure, "General Notes" p.3. The frame is typical — double molded variety as at "Carter's Grove" dependencies — James City County and elsewhere. Door six panel ditto. Of white pine to detail by modern manufacturing. White pine used for permanency. Not possible to get heart yellow of good grade for doors. See further notes under "General" p. 12.
Arch and Jamb brick, as at so-called "Debtor's Prison" — Williamsburg, Virginia. The deep gutter or trough in front of this opening provided enough space for twelve light-double hung sash. Also provides access for dumping waste from inside "Laundry". Frame and sill of antique heart pine from "Antique Warehouse", miscellaneous sources — 10 run to detail by modern mill manufacturing. It is morticed, tenoned and pegged in 18th century method. Is typical in small outbuildings of the period in this vicinity. The single backbond is ditto and made new of heart yellow pine to detail by modern mill manufacturing. Sash new to detail of white pine following local precedent for profiles and construction run by modern mill manufacturing. White pine used instead of heart yellow because of easier workability and more permanent. See remarks on "Wood", General Notes — p. 3 Top sash is fixed — lower is moveable — typical local method in 18th century.
Space between top of frame and arch is plastered — as at Main Building — College of William & Mary, Williamsburg. Behind this is modern, stock wood blocking. The rowlock arch is one stretcher deep. Remainder of brick wall is supported by steel angles — concealed from eye. This a concession to permanency — as explained in hidden structure under "General Notes", p. 3 See further notes under interiors. For glass 11 see "North Elevation", p. 20.
See "North Elevation", p. 20.
None. Since exterior shutters not used on brick buildings in this period and vicinity.
Wall laid in English Bond below water table — as indicated by ancient foundations on site. So fragmentary and in such poor shape were those that they were removed when "Laundry" was rebuilt — after having been carefully measured and recorded by Department of Research and Records. In many places excavations had disturbed the soil. So concrete footings were carried deep enough to rest on firm bearing. These are hidden and so built in modern construction methods for permanency. See notes on hidden structure, "General Notes". p. 3
None on this elevation.
See "North Elevation", p.22, and "South Elevation", p.
Trim of heart yellow pine run to detail by modern mill manufacturing. Arch is of gauged brick-rubbed on front and sides, laid in lime-putty, mortar narrow joints. This is typical of precedent noted under "Front Door", p. 9. Jamb headers and stretchers are rubbed in exposed surfaces as in above precedent.
Frame of antique heart pine from "Antique Warehouse" miscellaneous sources. But reworked to detail by modern mill manufacturing. The back bond is new to detail of heart yellow pine run by modern mill manufacturing. Precedent for profiles same as for "Basement Windows", p. 9. No sill was used here of wood, as ancient foundations indicated brick paving. Door itself made to 13 detail by modern mill manufacturing, from antique heart pine from "Antique Warehouse", miscellaneous sources. The door is a double — sheathed one — boards random widths running vertically on outside with joints beaded and running horizontally inside — without beading. Adapted from colonial model exhibited at "Powder Horn". Processed locally and preserved there. Sheathed doors are common in outbuildings of the period in this vicinity. The frame of door is morticed, tenoned, pegged in 18th century manner. The head is sealed by concealed flashing — a concession to permanency. Steel angles are hidden at head to support brick wall above, for like reason. The space between top of frame and arch is plastered. Same as for like treatment under "Basement Windows", p.9 Arch and jamb brick ditto.
These were indicated clearly by the ancient foundations which were in too poor condition to reuse — so were rebuilt new. They rest on hidden — stepped concrete slab, reinforced with steel — all a concession to demands for 14 permanency — especially since the soil bearing was poor at this point. The concrete work is hidden from eye. White oak nosings were provided as indicated by old foundations and exemplified by foundations at main Palace building. At the door a small opening is provided to drain water collecting from steps well through a concealed pipe to main (ancient) drain below building. This hidden — and a concession for sake of permanency. Brick cheeks and bonding thereof follow the ancient foundations which indicated the English Bond.
See "South Elevation". p. 4.
None.
See "South Elevation", p. 4.
None.
As for "South Elevation," p.6
None.
None.
None. Although chimney is a corner one — the extent of the fireplaces within the building precludes the use 16 of windows in this elevation — since if used, would be off center and unsymmetrical — a fenestration not employed on ends of 18th century brick buildings in this vicinity.
None.
See "South Elevation", p. 11.
By elimination, this northeast corner of the building was chosen as the location for the fireplace. Existing fragments of gutters, paving, and wall original building indicated this spot as only one possible. The structure was known to have had a fireplace from equipment itemization in "Botetourt Inventories". Although rare in the 18th century, such a corner chimney is used at "Claremont" dependency — Surry County, Virginia. The Laundry chimney follows this very closely in regards section. Ground brick 17 at corners and style of cap. A small cricket of lead coated flashing was inserted, noticeable from this elevation. A concession to practical consideration of keeping out weather. It is known that lead flashing was sometimes used in the 18th century — as at deck roof of main Palace building. The chimney was flashed at juncture with shingles. The Department of Research and Records has collected data showing use of lead flashing in this section in 18th century. Original lead flashing was found on belt courses at Main Building, College of William and Mary when structure was stripped preparatory to Restoration.
Rake and Cornice Stop of new heart yellow pine to detail run by modern mill manufacturing. Rake is typical beaded member of small brick structures in this locality of the 18 century. Cornice stop is adapted from there at "Tuckahoe" and dependencies, Goochland County.
See "South Elevation", p. 4.
None.
See "South Elevation", p. 4.
See "South Elevation", p. 5.
Ditto.
None.
None.
Frame and trim of heart yellow pine, new to detail as run by modern mill manufacturing. Frames and sills morticed, tenoned and pegged as in 18th century method. Ground brick on bevel below sills — as in "King's Mill" dependency — James City County. The narrow trim and frame was used because of small size of the building and the openings. This is typical of small brick buildings of the period — 1) "Brandon" storehouse - Prince George County; 2) "Claremont" dependencies — Surry County, Virginia; and many others. Ground brick jambs and gauged brick arch all typical of above precedent. Arch voussoirs laid in thin joints of lime-putty mortar. Sash of white pine — same as for "Basement Windows", p. 9 Method of flashing at head and concealment therein same as for the "Front Door", p. 9, under "General Notes".
For frames, trim — brickwork: see "Basement Windows" p. 9 The sash in these windows is only half as high as that for the larger basement window on South Elevation. The smaller 21 sash is same in material and construction, but is a casement sash, hinged at top. An original 18th century sash of this type was found in place during "restoration" of "The President's House", College of William & Mary.
Fenestration recalls that of South Elevation. Corner fireplace does not permit the eastern bay-however. It was customary in 18th century brick buildings in this vicinity to space windows the same on both long elevations.
English crowned glass used — to simulate typical 18th century glass in this vicinity. It was made by the ancient disc method — by which 18th century glass was made.
None. See "South Elevation", p. 11.
See ditto.
See ditto.
See "South Elevation", p. 4.
None.
See "South Elevation", p. 4.
Brick paving around building acts as gutter.
See "South Elevation", p. 6.
None.
None.
Same as for "North Elevation", p. 20.
None. See "South Elevation", p. 21.
See ditto.
None.
See "East Elevation", p. 17.
See "General Notes", p. 1. The Botetourt Inventories and those of the Dunmore mention this building. The former also mentions the laundry with a cellar adjoining indicating the fact that the laundry room was likewise a basement feature. The basement — indicated by the ancient foundations was therefore divided into two parts. Each part containing a floor drain to the main arched drain under the building running from the Palace building to the canal. The actual line of division was not indicated by the foundations. The placing of the fireplace by elimination in interpreting the ancient foundations (see also "East Elevation", p. 16, and use of same process regarding the division wall itself gave a location just west of basement entrance — also gave the room with fireplace larger than that to west. The plan of basement is thus in agreement with the "Botetourt Inventories".
To by typical of basements in brick buildings of the period in this vicinity, the first floor framing was exposed and walls left unplastered. All exposed surfaces of wood were made of antique material — see later notes thereon.
Brick-laid in same way as indicated by ancient fragments of original. For kind of brick see, "General Notes", p. 2 The brick was laid in sand with ditto for joints — in typical 18th century manner as at 1) "Stratford" dependency — Westmoreland County; 2) Old paving in Palace cellar. For sake of permanency and to space for weight of brick across disturbed earth under old floor line, a reinforced concrete slab was poured. See "General Notes", p. ? on hidden structure. The original floor drains were relaid and repaired. The opening to the main drain was likewise treated.
None.
See "Floor" for slab under.
See p. 25 for remarks on unplastered walls. All exposed brickwork was laid up with Palace size brick made as described on p. 2, General Notes". Bonding as in ancient foundations.
Composed of exposed first floor framing. For this treatment see p. 25. This framing composed of antique material (heart pine) processed from "Virginia Mill" Buckingham County, Virginia, a late 18th century structure. The woodwork was typical of the earlier 18th century methods. All pieces are joined with mortices, tenons and pegs. Colonial methods customary in this vicinity in 18th century were followed for all the joinery as evidenced in 1) "Rolfe-Warren House" - Surry County; 2) "Paradise House" — Williamsburg.
Beams rest on wood bearing strip — as in above precedent. This of antique material as rest of framing and from same sources.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
Wide and deep — typical in form of many of the period locally and in the vicinity. Segmental arched rowlock carries head. For permanency, steel angles concealed in brick work behind arch aid. See "General Notes", p. 3, on hidden structure. For same reasons a cast-iron modern, stock damper was used for throat — with the modern conventional plastered smoke chamber and wind shelf. Also a terra cotta flue leads smoke upwards from here. These features are all concessions to more permanent modern building practices since hidden from eye. Hearth made of antique stone fragments gathered from site. 18th Century hearths in vicinity when not of brick or marble were of stone.
See "North Elevation", p. 20. Stool as at "Paradise House". Williamsburg, of antique material from early Colonial Stable — "Mt. Stirling" — Charles City County, Wood Headers-ditto. No trim on window frame — frame itself, exposed as at "Paradise House". Above wood headers — hidden from eye — were put steel angles. See notes thereon "North Elevation", p. 20; "Basement Windows"
None.
For entrance door — see "South Elevation", p. 9. No trim — frame exposed — wood header as at "Paradise House" of antique material from "Mt. Stirling" — stable. Above it are steel L's — as for "Windows", above.
(Latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.)
No heating in this building. On south wall is a panel, connecting electricity with West Advance Building - Also, the circuits from the "Kitchen" and "Scullery" enter here for control. This feature is a concession to necessity of having electricity in the building and for control of the "Kitchen" and "Scullery". To conceal panel from eye a recess was built in brick wall and covered with a beaded sheathing, batten access door hung on a frame. All exposed wood parts were made to detail of antique material from old stable at "Mt. Stirling", Charles City County, Virginia. The feature has the appearance of a wall cupboard recessed into brick. Door and frame follow closely the access door at 18th century "Marlfield", Gloucester County. In this room is one bare plug - inserted as inconspicuously as possible for purposes of emergency.
As for "Laundry", p. 26. A large drain opening was repaired and patched here with its original iron grille left intact. In order to cover the large hole and to prevent tourists tripping thereon, a small batten panel of antique wood from old stable at "Mt. Stirling", Charles City County was employed. This can be removed at will to disclose the drain hole for the curious.
Ditto.
Ditto.
Ditto.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
None.
(Sash, trim and frame, and metal work)
See "Laundry or East Room", p. 29 for smaller windows. For larger window on South Wall, see "South Elevation" "Basement Windows" p.9 and "Laundry or East Room", p. 29 for interior trim-stool-head treatment, etc.
None.
Door to "Laundry or East Room". Door and frame of antique piece from Old Stable at "Mt. Stirling", Charles City County made to detail by modern mill manufacturing. Door is three battened door — boards vertical with beaded joints - random widths. Door as at "Christ's Cross", New Kent County, "Mt. Prodigal", Gloucester County, "Marmion" dependencies — King George County. The frame is morticed, tenoned and pegged with heading as at "Marmion" — "Paradise House", Williamsburg and "Shirley" dependencies, Charles City County. Cut nails with hand wrot heads — by local craftsman to simulate typical 18th century nails are driven in pattern and clinched on bottom side to hold members of door together. This method customary in 18th century batten door nailing.
A wood header was inserted at head of old material from "Mt. Stirling Stable" — Charles City County as at "Paradise House" basement doors. Above this member two steel angles were inserted to bear weight of brick and, since hidden, for permanency of structure.
(Latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.)
One bare plug — see remarks on p. 30 "Laundry or East Room".
Original 18th century flooring from "The Virginia Mill", Buckingham County, in late 18th century structure - but this type flooring typical of earlier period of "Laundry". Laid in original manner. Cutting for joists on bottom made to coincide with exposed members below.
Modern manufacturing machine cut nail — simulate the colonial type except are not hand wrot. Driven same as in 18th century.
See "Ceiling", p. 27.
Plaster — on metal lath on strapping on the brick wall. Plaster of modern type ingredients — but skin coat finished with small trowels and no "straight-edge" to simulate local, 18th century plaster surfacing. Metal lath is hidden and a concession to permanency. Strapping inserted to provide 36 air space, prevent condensation and for permanency. Overall thickness of wall kept in typical 18th century dimension by reducing thickness of brick — under customary thickness with plaster applied without air space — common in 18th century brick buildings.
Plaster on metal lath. See above note.
Antique beaded baseboard reused from "Antique Warehouse" miscellaneous sources.
None.
None.
None.
None. Fireplace has simple plaster face as was usual in outbuildings in 18th century in this vicinity. "Tuckahoe" outbuildings — Goochland County; "Mt. Vernon" outbuildings.
Smaller type of fireplace in basement. All details, the same except on smaller scale. Hearth of brick — resting on trimmer arch expressed in exposed framing below with heavy header and side pieces. All typical of colonial methods employed in like cases in this vicinity. Brick in hearth run parallel to 2" hearth strip — strip and brick pattern after hearths at "Rolfe-Warren House" Surry County, Virginia.
For material and construction.
(Latch, hinges, door knob, fastenings, etc.)