Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

GENERAL NOTES

The following data were used in determining the exterior appearance of this structure:

• 1

  George Wythe House - Architectural Notes - Department of Research and Record. Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., Sept. 1, 1938.

  Note: Containing tracings of early insurance plats the originals of which were consulted by Architectural Department in photostat form.

• 2

  Archaeological Report - Architectural Department. August 31, 1939.

  Note: Contains full reference to all photographs, measured drawings, etc., made to record the excavations at the lot in full.

• 3

  Folder of field notes - now on file in Architectural Department.

  Note: These relate to archaeological and architectural investigations. They include a complete description of the structure within and without at the time of investigation within the building.

• 4Graphic Data
  • a.The following maps on file in Research and Record Department, and Architectural Department:
    Enlargement of Rochambeau maps, enlargements and reproductions of Frenchman's Map.
  • b.Several photographic views of the exterior of the building from mid-nineteenth century to September, 1938, then architectural investigation of the structure was fully underway. These views are on file in Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., Department of Public Relations, at the present. Also, in this material are views in the Coleman Collection and Jones Collection. A complete photographic record inside and out of the building was made after it had been turned over to the Restoration by the church, and after preliminary removal of late work 2 inside and out had been got underway. Also, after construction of the restoring work commenced a series of progress photographs inside and out were made. These are all on file by Colonial Williamsburg, Inc., with notations on the back fully explaining the subject matter contained in each print.

In general the original exterior was intact. Certain modern features were removed such as front porch and wooden enframement of front door, north side porch and rear wing. Brickwork was patched. The periods of the different alterations above and evidences of earlier changes were easily determined from the data listed above. Thus enough data were available both at the building and in textual and graphic form to perform an exact restoration of the exterior.

The archaeological excavations of the general Wythe Lot were begun in January, 1938, and continued periodically until late fall of that year. Study and research for preparation of sketches commenced in July, 1938, followed by preparation of working drawings, details, and specifications, which were completed in April, 1939. Wrecking at the building to remove modern work and to expose old work, framing, etc., was carried on during the period of study. Wrecking preparatory to actual restoration work began in June, 1939, and restoration work itself followed in July, 1939, continuing through the rest of the year, and into 1940 when it was essentially completed in March.

Of the specifications and drawings prepared for the reconstruction 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 costs and approvals, etc., policies of 3 maintenance, exhibition and the practical considerations of plumbing, heating, etc.

Basement Plan	1
First Floor Plan	2
Second Floor Plan	3
North Elevation	4
South Elevation	5
East Elevation	6
West Elevation	7
Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical, Basement	HPE-1
Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical, First Floor	HPE-2
Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical, Second Floor	HPE-3
Steam Piping	H-4
Plot Plan Showing Elec. and Water lines	1-B
Plat Plan	1-A
Elevation of Wooden and Interior Trim	100
Fireplace Details	101
Revised Plan of Room No. 5	102
Details of Metal Toilet Partitions Rooms 4 and 5	103
Reinforcing Saddles for Roof Trusses	102A
Wythe Landscape - fences and gates	104
Gates latches	104A
Pasture fences and gates	105
Cow yard and chicken yard fences	106
Measured drawings:
Main Stair drawings	M100
Main Stair	M101
Glazed doors	M102
Scale Details of Trusses	M103
Details of Window G	200
Details of Second Floor Window	201
Basement Grilles	202
Typical Cupboard, Rooms 6 and 8	203
Mantel Detail, Room 8	204
Mantel for Room #6 (detail)	205
Details of mantel for rooms 9 and 10	206
4
Details of mantel for Rooms 13 and 14	207
Mantel Details for Rooms 11 and 15	208
Basement Entrance Details	209
Basement doors and Basement Stairs	210
Typical door sill and exterior Steps	211
Typical Roof Shingle Details	212
Detail of Cupboard for Automatic Fire Alarm	213
Details of Signs	214

East Elevation

Shingles

The shingles on the building at the time restoration investigation started were of slate. As investigation continued these were found not to be of the early period. The early insurance policies speak of the building as being covered with wood. In the attic space was found a small ladder leading to a scuttle through the roof which had been closed over at a later date. It appeared to be the original access to the roof for the original framing was arranged to take it. The rungs of this ladder were of old shingles set with early type hand wrought nails. These shingles were hand split cypress with round butts. Recent research by the Architectural Department reveals that the common type of shingle employed in 18th century in Williamsburg and vicinity was of this kind. Laws were set up designating an allowed minimum for shingles. With these data at hand the Mohawk Asbestos Shingle Company, 101 Park Avenue, New York, New York, developed a shingle type similar in color and texture to those used so much in Restoration work, but cut to the new pattern type.

The low roof pitch plus the more frequent joints between the narrow shingles made it necessary to overlay the roof boarding with 5 a 4-ply asphalt roof, consisting of one layer of 30 lb. asphalt felt and 2 layers of 15 lb. felt with coatings of asphalt between and over the layers of felt. The shingles were then applied over this built up membrane.

The roof boarding was original, but badly rotted. It was, therefore, replaced with modern Yellow Pine boarding upon which the membrane roof was built up to receive the shingles. The original hand wrought nails were salvaged and used as needed elsewhere in the building and outbuildings.

Dormer Windows

None.

A scuttle was in the roof centered low towards the cornice. Further inspection of roof framing proved it to be not original. It was omitted therefore in the restoration of the roof.

Cornice

In the restoration of 1927 the then existing cornice was repaired. Investigation showed it to have been a later replacement of some time in the 19th century of the original cornice. It was felt that since it was hand made and its moldings etc. 18th century in character that in all likelihood it was a true replacement. Under the circumstances it was retained and was patched and repaired, chiefly along the top member, or crown mold.

Gutter and Leader

Gutters and leaders of iron and copper had been installed in the 1927 restoration. These were removed, as the original structure was without them.

To take care of roof water a brick gutter was installed about the house at the ground line and next to the basement wall. Similar original gutters were found at the Wren Building, Governor's Palace and elsewhere. The brick was the especially burned hand made kind developed for this building solely. See notes under "Wall Surface". 6 In order to make as permanent an installation as possible the gutter was laid in a reinforced concrete bed or slab. Since hidden this feature was permissible. Archaeological evidence of surface drains from the northwest corner of the house sloping out northwards to the street were found. This indicated some form of disposal of roof water. The new brick gutter was sloped south and north from the front steps towards small, inconspicuous modern cast iron catch basins. These are so unnoticeable as to be thought permissible as installations.

Wall Surface

This was all original except for certain portions needing patching or where later patching was done. See under porch for some of patching. At several places - particularly above the arch to the front door and near it - the belt course had been broken out and patched with red mortar. These places were repatched. In order to procure proper old brick for exterior patching the chimneys were removed and the old brick in them carefully cleaned and preserved. See under chimneys. This salvaged brick was used, as far as possible, for exterior patching. Some new brick was used, also. This was made by hand specially burned to match the ancient brick in size, texture, and color. Since the ancient brick was a dark, ruddy color the burning in the kiln for this new brick had to be done with great care. A large amount of the new brick was culled out to keep the selected brick within the ranges of color of the original brickwork. Where the belt course was patched, salvaged old brick was used - ground by hand on front and sides. It was laid in the narrow joint to match old work with mortar composed of marble dust and putty.

The dimensions of brick courses (height of courses) were different from the watertable to the belt course than from the belt course to the cornice. This variation was taken into consideration 7 in patching.

In patching the brick care was likewise taken to mix a new mortar to match the old as closely as possible. The type of tooling of the joints also was studied. Several sample panels of brickwork were made until the elements of workmanship, texture, color, etc., were thought to resemble the original work as closely as possible.

Patching was necessary in varying degrees below all window sills due to the fact that as the old sills became rotted, water and weather found its way into the brick wall at such points and gradually disintegrated it. Here it was possible to reuse the old brick by removing it, cleaning out rotten mortar and resetting it in new mortar to match the adjacent old mortar.

Between the heads of the first floor windows and the poor brickwork below the sills of the second floor windows were large, irregular cracks. Here the old mortar was scraped out and repatched with new. Several areas of badly weathered joints were present along the north corner of this elevation. These were likewise patched as at the window sills.

On either side of the three center bays, or, at the center of the four center piers vertical lines of patches of later brick were found. These spots once were the holes gouged out to receive framing and blocking for the two story porch (see under porch). All such patches of later brick were removed and mended, as explained above under other patching. Some of these patches had broken into old window arches and jambs but these were replaced with all necessary ground brick.

Much of the brickwork was covered by a heavy growth of ivy which had penetrated into cracks and joints, window frames and 8 sills, arches, and through the cornice into the roof space. This was all removed and certain areas of brickwork injured by the ivy was mended by repainting broken mortar joints. The ivy tendrils fed on the oyster shell lime in the antique mortar until, at several places, the mortar had lost the binding effect of the lime and was reduced to a powdery sand content. This ivy was planted in 1927 or later. In ten years it had caused about $500.00 worth of damage, on this elevation alone.

After the patching, repainting, etc., were done and the brickwork thoroughly dried all the brickwork on this elevation was cleaned down with brushes and water by hand. This was done, first, to eliminate the dirt and staining caused by the ivy and birds nesting therein; second, to blend older portions with patched portions; and, third, to remove the remnants of a pink whitewash which had been put on the building shortly after the two story wood porch had been built.

On either side of the door was a carriage lamp installed in 1927. These were removed. On the south side of the door was a bronze tablet 12 ½" x 18 ½" located just above the sill line and between the two windows south of the door. It was removed and was turned over to Bruton Church. At present writing it is in the New Parish House. The inscription reads as follows:

Home of
George Wythe, L. L. D.,
Signer of the
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,
Chancellor of Virginia,
Born 1726, - Died 1806
Headquarters of General Washington,
September 1781

9

Just north of the door was a larger bronze tablet which was removed and similarly turned over to the Church. It was 1'-5-7/8" x 1'-11-7/8" in size, inscribed as follows:

THE GEORGE WYTHE HOUSE

This House, Erected 1755 and Restored 1926-1927
Was the Home of George Wythe, LL.D.
Born 1726 - Died 1806
First Professor Of Law in America
Teacher of Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe,
Henry Clay, St. George Tucker, Edmund Randolph, And
Chief Justice John Marshall;
Member and Clerk Of The House Of Burgesses;
Member of The Continental Congress,
And Member Of The Committee Which Prepared
The Constitution of The United States
Signer Of The Declaration Of Independence;
Chancellor Of Virginia;
Designer Of The Seal Of Virginia; And
Vestryman And Warden Of Bruton Parish Church.
The House Was Purchased By
Chapter III, Colonial Dames Of America
And Presented By Them
To Bruton Parish Church 1926, In Memory Of
The Reverend Rowland Jones,
First Rector of Bruton Parish, And Ancestor Of
Mrs. Montgomery M. Macomb, President Of
Chapter III, Colonial Dames Of America

This House Was Used By
General Washington As His Headquarters During
The Yorktown Campaign

George Wythe Committee,
Chapter III, Colonial Dames of America

Mrs. Montgomery M. Macomb	Mrs. Charles Stuart Alden
Mrs. J. Henry Covington	Mrs. Walter R. Tuckerman
Miss Eleanor Tucker	Mrs. Stokes Halkett
Mrs. William E. Fendall	Miss Florence Van Renssalaer
Mrs. Robert Giles	Mrs. Frank Anderson

The archaeological investigation, research report, and graphic data disclosed a sequence of porches:

10

First Porch

This was composed of brick treads and risers ascending from three sides to a platform on top at the level of the bottom of the front door sill. The remnants of the whole area of this first porch were still discernible in the remaining foundations - see archaeological reports and drawings. On the wall of the house at either side of the front door was a descending line of headers left out. Although filled with later brick, when this was removed and the remaining ancient mortar studied it was found that the profile of former wood nosings to the steps had been perfectly preserved in three of these holes even including the graining of the wood. The riser of the steps worked out to be 9" or three brick courses high (See under second porch). A dummy wooden porch was made and placed at the rear door and was found to be satisfactory for riser and tread relationship for ascending and descending the steps. With this data, the steps were rebuilt using the new, especially burned brick and oak nosings anchored to them. The oak was thoroughly soaked in linseed oil to have a natural finish and to be preserved against weather. Oak nosings were known to have been used on brick steps, as at Tilledge House (Purdie's Dwelling), in the 18th century.

Since the building was originally constructed some time after the middle of the eighteenth century it was felt wiser and safer to restore the first period porch or steps.

Front Door

In 1927 a large wood and composition ornamental surround was installed adapted from the stone surround at the river door of Westover in Charles City County, Virginia. There was no evidence for such a feature having been attached to the building in the eighteenth 11 century. The two story porch was installed either in 1806 or prior to it, and from then until 1927 was the only porch in evidence. Before 1806 the early brick steps were in place of such width as to preclude the added width a surround would need at the landing. The 1927 surround covered some of the original rubbed brickwork of the door jambs and arch. The surround was removed, but its installation had injured the original jamb and arch brick badly. The arch brick was removed and recut, then replaced. Before replacing the arch the original wood lintels were replaced by steel angles. Flashing was then installed after which the recut arch was put back. The flashing was then installed after which the recut arch was put back. The flashing and angles being hidden their use was permissible according to policy of modern construction methods for hidden work. Some of the jamb and all the arch brick could be salvaged and such were reused. the belt course above the door arch had been partially cut away for the surround. This was also carefully replaced, using salvaged chimney brick. Between the reveal of the surround and the door opening was a band of cement stucco. It was impossible to remove this without the loss of nearly all the original ground brick surfaces of the door jamb and arch which it covered. See photographs after 1927 and before 1938. These brick also had to be replaced. In all, therefore, the exterior jambs, head and arch and belt course above had to be rebuilt.

At the north jamb an electrical outlet was provided and then bricked up pending further research concerning a possible exterior lighting fixture.

The frame and trim of this door were mostly original. The lower portion of the frame had been replaced in 1927 including the original sill. The frame was repaired of new heart yellow pine, the 12 material of existing old frame. A new sill was designed from inspection of early photographs and conditions at the brickwork adjacent. This was made of heart yellow pine, also. The mouldings of the trim had weathered to such a degree that the mouldings on trim and frame patches were eased off with sand paper to agree in profile.

The doors were original showing many patches. These were replaced where necessary in yellow pine and blended to the weathered profiles of mouldings as needed. Most of the patching was done where former hardware cutting had been poorly patched about the lock rails, and adjacent stiles; also at the upper-middle panel in the south valve where a nineteenth century brass door knocker had been installed in 1927, and about the bottom of the door where much patching and recutting had been effected from time to time.

The transom sash was original, requiring only minor repairs and resetting. Reglazing was necessary. For glass type see under "Windows".

On the outside of the frame were four original or at least late eighteenth or early nineteenth century hand wrought hinge pintles. These suggest a pair of light louvred doors for use in warm weather to allow ventilation. Numerous examples of this kind of door exist - but the known examples are late eighteenth century. The University of Virginia, old houses in Delaware, the Carolinas, Maryland, etc.

Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth Porches

For explanation of these see Archaeological Report p. 13 and accompanying drawings. The third period porch as mentioned in the insurance plat of 1806 and indicated by existing marks in the brickwork on this elevation and by evidence in old illustrations and photographs 13 was two stories high with a row of four supports at the face of the building and at the face of the porch itself. See above under patching. This porch was reduced to its central bay, some time in the nineteenth century and later reduced to a one story porch. Apparently when it was first constructed various framing members, stringers and joists were fixed to the face of the building by removing brick work and inserting blocks for nailing and anchorage. The window over the front door was converted into a double glazed door. See under "Windows" for description of this feature.

Windows

Second Floor

• 1

  South Window

  Patching and repair to joints were done in brick work. See methods under "Wall Surface". Also brick was patched below sill - see ditto. Small areas of brick patching were done near the ends of the window arch. The arch was patched in place. New lintels of steel were inserted from inside with flashing. These are hidden and so are permissible.

  The frame, trim and sill had been somewhat reworked in 1927 but were original for the most part on the exterior. The back band was later, probably a replacement of 1927, but copied closely from the original. This was retained, being repaired as needed. See notes under "Interior". The sash was original. See under "Interior" for notes. The glass was mostly original. Needed replacements were made with "House X", Colonial Antique glass, Shade #3-x, as manufactured by the L. J. House Convex Glass Company, Point Marion, Pennsylvania. 14 This glass is a very close modern approximation of the original glass in the sash. It was used for all windows where needed.

• 2

  Window Next North (south of center)

  Same as above.

• 3

  Center Window

  See notes under "Porch". In 1927 the double door which replaced the original window when the two-story porch was built was in turn replaced with a window. Portions of the frame of this window were old, but the window was wider than the original. The brick work on either side for approximately two feet and on down to the belt course had all been done over in 1927 and laid in modern, gray mortar. However, the original ground brick arch was intact and indicated the width of the original opening. The later brick patching was removed and replaced with old brick salvaged from the chimneys.

  Among the brick of the 1927 patching were some units which seemed to be from the original Wythe House brick work. These also were salvaged and reused. For patching methods see under "Wall Surface".

  The original arch was removed and relaid. A new steel lintel was inserted, but is hidden. Concealed, modern copper flashing was installed to make the opening weathertight. See drawings and specifications. The principle involved being that all work exposed to the eye should be executed as closely as possible as it was in the period to which the restoration is related. However, in portions hidden from the eye the best quality of modern building practices should be employed.

  15

  The frame, trim, sash and sill were all made new to details closely copying the adjacent original windows. The material used was as follows: trim ___________; frame _________; sill ____________; sash ___________;

• 4

  Windows north of center

  Same as for South window.

• 5

  North Window

  Ditto.

First Floor

• 1

  South Window

  The brick work about this window had to be treated much as it was for the second floor window above it. The arch was about 50% removed and relaid, repairs to the ground arch brick being minor. New steel lintels were installed with flashing, but are concealed.

  The frame and sash were original and were repaired slightly. The necessary glass replacement was the same as for the second floor window above. In 1927 the original sills had been removed. The new ones were slightly raised over the probable original conditions to provide weatherstripping space. In general, the profile of the sill was satisfactory and was said to have been copied closely from the original sill. The returns against the brick jambs of the molded sill nosing were crudely done. Fortunately there was enough wood left to recut these returns so that they repeated correctly the front profile. Otherwise the sills were retained, although modified chiefly on the interior - see notes under "Interior". The back band was late - see notes under "Second Floor Windows".

Addendum to
WYTHE HOUSE ARCHITECTURAL REPORT OF MARCH 26, 1940 by MR. MOOREHAD

April 15, 1940

EXTERIOR

For the three new windows located on the center of the second floor on the east and west elevation and the first floor west window on the north elevation and the first floor west window on the north elevation, the following materials were used.

Frames, trim and sills were heart long-leaf yellow pine similar to the material in the adjacent original windows.

The sash for these three openings were manufactured from genuine Red Gulf cypress. Although the original sash was made from yellow pine, the cypress was used to be more permanent.

16

• 2

  Window South of Center

  More patching was necessary in the brickwork about this window. Part of the original arch had to be replaced at the southern part. Holes for the old two story porch had to be reopened to remove modern patching and then to be repatched. See notes under "Wall Surface". These holes were large, near this window, and necessitated relaying some of the jamb brick work. The whole arch was removed carefully in sections, repairs performed, and where needed, arch brick faces recut. New Lintels and flashing were installed but are entirely concealed.

  The treatment of frame, trim, sill and sash was similar to that at the south window.

• 3

  Window North of Center

  The brick patching was similar to that of the next window south. The northern portion of the arch had to be replaced. The arch treatment was the same.

  The treatment for frame, trim, sill and sash was similar to that at the south window.

• 4

  North Window

  Treatment similar to that for south window.

Basement

• 1

  South Window

  The brickwork about this window in better condition on the whole, than for the windows above it on the first and second floors. Patching and repairs were limited to small areas on the jambs adjacent to the head. In 1927 the original 17 mullioned and iron-grilled frame was removed. The projecting wood tennons of the head member originally were well seated into the brick work - a customary eighteenth century colonial practice in brick construction. In order to remove the original frames the workmen apparently were unable to saw off the tennons as was done in 1907 at Bruton Church at the large nave windows, but had to chip out the original brickwork in order to free the tennons and thus pull out the frames. The resulting holes were crudely filled. This brick work was removed and replaced as noted in patching under "Wall Surface".

  The whole original arch was carefully removed and the hidden brickwork repaired and repainted as it was found to be in bad condition. The arch itself had settled somewhat, as had the inner brick, due to the gradual rotting and failure of the heavy wood header pieces which acted as lintels in bearing the brick work above the window openings. After removal of part of the arch and while the inner brick work was repaired, full concealed flashing was inserted to make the head of the opening watertight. New steel angles were inserted to carry the weight of brick above. The old wood lintels were rotted and were copied new. The lintels were installed above them and were thus concealed from view. Then, after the restored window frame was put back, the arch was carefully replaced. See notes under "Wall Surface" for mortar, etc., in arches.

  When the building was taken over by C. W. In. from the Church for study, etc., several original frames were found with the original hand wrought iron grille members in place. These frames included 18 a sash rebate on the interior face, but the sash itself was missing. The original sash had been hinged at the top to the frame with leather hinges for remnants of the leather were left. See under "Interior". ^{(pg 39)}

  The frames were carefully measured and reproduced, including the iron grille members. The projecting ears or head rail tennons were not reproduced due to the difficulty of resetting them into the brickwork. Also as they would be entirely hidden from the eye it was not essential they be restored. Also they would soon have rotted out.

• 2

  Window South of Center

  Similar to south window in all respects, except the arch was not removed, but was slightly patched in place. Very little work was done on this arch. The old wood lintels were replaced as for South Window as were flashing, steel angles, etc.

• 3

  Window North of Center

  Ditto.

• 4

  North Window

  The arch was taken out in sections and carefully replaced. Damaged pieces were recut. Lintels and flashings as for window south of center.

Shutters

None. For inside shutters see "Interiors". As a matter of interest, exterior shutters on brick domestic buildings of the first three quarters of the eighteenth century in Williamsburg seem not to have been used. So far, no local precedent or evidence has been found 19 to support using them, although in other of the colonies in the eighteenth century they were very common.

Basement Wall

The work done on the above item, including the water table, concerned patching, repainting and minor repair. For patching, etc., see under "Wall Surface". Where patching of the water table was needed at a few places, it was effected by selecting brick for color from those salvaged from the chimney and grinding them to match in color, texture and shape the adjacent original brick. Patches near the entrance door and over the basement windows comprised most of the work.

From the ground line to the footings, a trench was dug exposing the old wall surfaces. Dirt was removed from it so that it was fully cleaned. The joints were raked out clean. then a thorough coating of "Rocktight" water proof plaster was installed not only to make the basement walls watertight but also to strengthen the brick and brick joints serving the purpose of reinforcing the old brick which was softened by age and by being underground and subjected to dampness. Since this feature is concealed it followed the policy of modern methods of construction.

Chimneys

See above notes for remarks on original chimney brick.

The original chimneys were in an unsafe condition structurally. This affected their exterior appearance somewhat. In 1927 they were very much repaired. The caps were rebuilt at that time and all the exposed jointing of the brickwork repointed. The 20 west sides of the two chimneys had vertical cracks - bad ones - running up nearly the whole exposed height. The north face of the north chimney and south face of south chimney had similar cracks. Thus the chimneys flared or bulged out toward the top giving an awkward appearance. These cracks had been filled with gray cement mortar in 1927 as had the repainted joints. The gray color of the mortar altered the general brick tone of color appearance and caused the stacks to look as if they were of different brickwork than the rest of the building. The cracks and replaced caps in particular were unsightly.

All these facts brought about the decision to rebuild the chimneys from above the second floor fireplaces all the way up. By doing so the original brick could be carefully salvaged and reused in the very considerable amount of patching to be done on the exterior walls of the house. New brick was used in rebuilding the chimneys carefully selected to match the original brick of the house. See under "Wall Surface."

Within the building from the second floor to the under side of the roof framing the original main chimney masses below altered in shape to assume the final square form in which they projected through the roof. This transition (all original) necessitated warping the surfaces and corballing them to bring the square stacks on center with the roof. The corbelled overhangs were principally to the east. Settlement and cracking had occurred. It was obvious this condition tended toward an unsound structural condition. Also the chimneys continued to lean out of proper alignment after they passed 21 through the roof. Each leaned about three inches to the east. In other words the corbelling below was toward the east and settlement had caused each chimney to revolve or tip about this unsupported, weak point.

Where the chimneys meet the roof flashing was installed to make this juncture water and weather tight. The alterations of 1927 had obliterated any signs or evidence of original flashing. Since sheet lead was commonly used in this locality in the 18th century (see Wren Building, miscellaneous data in Research Department) a thorough installation was performed using copper flashing coated with lead. This gives the appearance of sheet lead and is more permanent. Note: This method of flashing has been used throughout the exhibition and other restored buildings. See under reports on other buildings.

Barge Boards (End Boards) (Corner Boards)

There were none. See, however, notes under "Cornice".

North Elevation

Shingles

See under East Elevation.

Dormer Windows

None.

Cornice

See under East Elevation.

Gutter and Leader

See under East Elevation.

The new brick gutter runs the width of this elevation.

Wall Surface

For general methods of patching, repairing mortar joints and types of brickwork see under "Wall Surface - East Elevation". Ditto for ivy. Also for cleaning, etc. See also "General Notes - East Elevation.".

The chief areas patched were as follows:

Below window sills; about water table at east corner; small are under west end of belt course; several areas about first floor west window at jambs, from sill to water table, below water table where 24 small basement window and a coal chute were installed in 1927. See also under "Windows" and "Porch".

Porch

At the first floor west window a covered porch of wood with slate roof and brick steps was installed in 1927. At some period - probably early in the nineteenth century - the original window at this point was altered to be a door. It is not known what sort of a stoop or porch served this before the 1927 porch.

The 1927 porch was removed and the adjacent brickwork patched - see under "Wall Surface" and "Windows". Originally there was no porch on this elevation.

Front Door

Originally there was no door. See for later doors under "Porch" and "Windows".

Windows

In general, remarks under "Windows - East Elevation" apply to this elevation except as otherwise noted below.

Second Floor

• 1

  East Window

  See patching under "Wall Surface". The arch was patched in place and is almost entirely original. New lintels were installed as at east elevation.

  The frame at this window was original. The back band was a replacement - probably done in 1927. For the back band see notes under "Windows - East Elevation - Second Floor - South Window". The sill was a replacement, probably of 1927. It was a satisfactory copy of the original sills elsewhere on the second floor. The pegs had 25 been omitted. These were installed to appear like the original type elsewhere. They do not act as true mortices and tenon pegs as the sill in question was not mortised to receive the frame.

  The upper sash was original, the lower sash a replacement, but probably at a date prior to 1927. All these members were retained with minor repairs and adjustments as explained above. See "Windows - East Elevation" for glazing. Also see interiors for added information.

• 2

  West Window

  The arch brick was treated as for the East Window. Ditto for lintels.

  See under "Wall Surface" for patching of brickwork - at jambs, etc.

  The frame, trim, sill and sash of this window were original and required only minor repairs. The back band was a replacement - see notes under "East Window". Also for glazing.

First Floor

• 3

  East Window

  About two thirds of the original arch brick was removed, some units recut where damaged, then all replaced. New lintels were inserted as for east elevation.

  For sash, frame, sill and back band see "East Elevation - First Floor - South Window". Also for glazing.

• 4

  West Window

  The original arch was removed and then replaced with minor repairs. New lintels and flashing were installed as for windows on east elevation.

26

See under "Porch" and "Wall Surface" for notes regarding this opening. Prior to 1927 a door with transom over it filled this opening and the portion of brickwork from sill to water table which had been cut away. Mr. Holland, Senior, who worked on the alterations of 1927, stated that portions of the trim and frame were old, and had a "colonial" appearance.

This change must have taken place later than the original period since the line of ground jamb brick and closers terminated at a point in agreement with the bottoms of brick window openings elsewhere on the first floor. The remaining brick opening below this line was obviously cut through the original brick wall, having no ground brick nor closers. In all probability the old trim recalled by Mr. Holland, Sr., was composed of the jambs and head of the original window frame left in place and altered and filled out to become the frame of a door with transom. In 1927 some of this frame was again altered to take a lower door without a transom, the upper portion of the original window opening being bricked up. What was left of the original frame and trim was impossible for reuse; so a completely new window was installed copied from the original and typical first floor windows.

There were no original basement windows on this elevation.

Shutters

None.

Basement Wall

See patching under "Porch" and "Wall Surface".

For new work below grade see "East Elevation - Basement Wall".

27

Chimneys

See "East Elevation - Chimneys".

Barge Boards (End Boards) (Corner Boards)

None.

General Notes

For painting, ivy, cleaning, etc., see under "East Elevation - General Notes".

For old bell pulls, etc., ditto.

West Elevation

Shingles

See under "East Elevation".

Dormer Windows

None.

Cornice

See under "East Elevation".

Gutter and Leader

See under "East Elevation". The new brick gutter here is the same as at the East.

Wall Surface

Because, in 1927, a large 1 story glazed addition was built on to this elevation in connection with the use of the Wythe House as a parish house for Bruton Church, considerable cutting was done to the original brick wall of the house from the belt course to the ground. See photographs for information concerning the appearance of this addition. Also for 1927 cutting. The principal areas of cutting were along a line across the whole elevation at the level of the first floor window arches. These holes were cut to receive the ceiling or roof joists of the addition and were, therefore, spaced fairly closely 28 together. Fortunately when this work was done care was taken not to cut into the first floor window arches. At the belt course at the bottom joint of the top brick course a raglet had been cut. This had to be patched.

Another row of holes was cut in 1927 to take the floor framing of the above addition. These occurred between the arches of the basement windows.

Along the top of the water table was another flashing raglet cut in 1927 for floor flashing of the addition built at that time.

All the above holes, etc., were patched - see under "East Elevation" for description of method.

Excepting the above cutting the original brickwork of this elevation required only a small amount of miscellaneous repair. For cleaning, etc., see "East Elevation".

Porch

The 1927 addition just mentioned was, in a sense, an enclosed porch. After it was removed the original step foundations were uncovered. See archaeological report, drawings and photographs. Above the first period foundation was a later mass of brickwork indicating nineteenth century brick steps of some kind leading to the door. The same row of headers left out in the face of the basement wall indicating seating for wood nosings was found. They duplicated in spacing and arrangement those at the front door on the East Elevation. The size of the original foundations also duplicated those on the east. See description of design, materials, etc., under "East Elevation".

Front Door

The frame, trim, transom and sash and doors were all original. Some minor patching had been done in 1927 to the doors. Also at that time a new sill was installed and the bottom of the frame was patched. This latter work was retained. A new sill was made as for the East Door. Minor repairs were also made on existing portions retained. For hardware see "Interior" notes. For glazing of transom see "East Elevation". considerable patching was needed about the lock rail of the doors due to cutting for former hardware.

Some brick patching was also done below the sill. The brick arch was removed and recut. New concealed steel lintels were installed as at east door. Then the arch was reset. The lower part of both jambs had the ground brick replaced. These were old brick from chimneys recut.

Windows

Second Floor

• 1

  North Window

  Some brick patching was needed below the sill. See "East Elevation" under "Wall Surface" for patching method. In general the original brickwork about this window was in good condition. The arch was repaired in place. New concealed steel lintels were installed. See "East Elevation".

  The frame, sash and sill were original. The back band was a replacement probably in 1927. The profile of this mold is an authentic type and must have been a close copy of the original it replaced. This applies to the window back bands throughout on first and second floors.

  For glazing and minor repairs to original work see "East Elevation - Windows".

• 30
• 2

  Window North of Center

  Ditto.

• 3

  Center Window

  Originally this opening was a window. At some later date in the nineteenth century it was lengthened, the top sash being retained for a transom and two narrow doors installed below. The original window frame was pieced out and a sill added which cut through the original belt course. That an original window had been changed to a door opening was proved by the termination of the ground brick and the closers on the same line as on the other original second floor window sills. Had the door opening been original, the special jamb brick treatment would have extended to the sill line.

  In the final restoration of 1939-1940 the original arch and jamb brick required only minor repair. The lower portion of the door opening had to be completely patched and filled up. For patching methods see "East Elevation." New concealed steel lintels and flashing were installed as for other second floor window.

  It is not known why this door was made unless a two story porch of some kind was erected over the west entrance and the doors installed to provide access to its roof. Photographs taken before 1927 of the interior of the hall and stair show the enlarged opening with doors in it.

  In 1927 the doors were apparently replaced with new ones copied from the old ones. Also the transom or former upper window sash was replaced, and screen doors hung on the outside to cover the door opening.

  31

  So much alteration had occurred to the existing portions of the original window that an entirely new one was made copied closely from adjacent original windows. The frame was made of __________; the sill of __________; the back band of __________; and the sash of ___________ . The new glazing was the same as used at other windows - see "East Elevation".

• 4

  Window South of Center

  Same as for window north of center. ^{[Missing details see p. 15a ]}

• 5

  South Window

  Ditto.

First Floor

• 1

  North Window

  The arch brick was removed, repaired, and reset. Some portions had to be reground because of bad condition. New lintels of steel and flashing of copper were installed as for East windows. Some patching was necessary at the south edge of the arch where a hole had been cut for the 1927 addition roof farming. See under "East Elevation" for patching methods.

  In all other considerations the window was restored as for first floor windows on "East Elevation".

• 32
• 2

  Window North of Door.

  Same as North Window.

• 3

  Window South of Door.

  Same as North Window except for arch patching.

• 4

  South Window

  Ditto.

Basement Windows

• 1

  North Window

  The arch was removed in sections, repaired where needed and reset. Concealed steel lintels and flashing of copper were installed. See east windows.

  Otherwise, same as for east elevation windows.

• 2

  Window north of door

  Ditto.

• 3

  Window south of door.

  Ditto.

• 4

  South window.

  Ditto.

  There were not original basement windows on this elevation although in 1927 one was installed under the west first floor window. This was closed up using salvaged original brick from the chimneys.

Shutters

None.

Basement Wall

Minor repairs only, see "East Elevation." Under the north window was found the remains of a crude sump or basement drainage well. The brick work was not early colonial. It was similar to the same type of thing found at the First Theatre except it was semi-circular instead of 33 rectangular. It was connected to the old basement level by a hole broken through the wall. The basement could thus drain into it and the sump could be baled or pumped out from the outside. See archaeological notes, drawings, photographs.

Barge Boards (End Boards) Corner Boards

None.

General Notes

For painting see under "East Elevation".

SOUTH ELEVATION

Shingles

See "East Elevation".

Dormer Windows

None.

Cornice

See "East Elevation".

Gutter and Leader

See "East Elevation".

Wall Surface

For general methods of patching see "East Elevation". Little patching, repair, etc., was needed on this elevation, except about the restored bulkhead. Some patching, repainting, etc. was needed below the first and second floor window sills where the brick had become in poor repair. See "East Elevation" for cleaning of brick and removal of old pink white wash, ivy, etc.

Porch

None.

34

Front Door

None.

Bulkhead

In 1937 a new bulkhead was installed located at the original position. Photographs taken prior to this date and careful examination by excavation, etc., gave sufficient evidence for restoring this feature. The photographs were chiefly of use since they showed in clear detail the moldings, thickness of walls, type of door, etc., etc. The 1927 work was removed, all original work left was exposed and the new bulkhead was thus erected. Appropriate hardware was employed copied after miscellaneous colonial examples of the eighteenth century in possession of Colonial Williamsburg, Inc. See architectural specifications. The padlock to lock the doors was copied from an early example dug up in excavations at the Colony prison. The roof was shingled as for the "East Elevation". all exposed woodwork was made of best grade cypress for sake of permanence. Lead coated copper flashing was used where the roof meets the brick wall of the house. See notes on exposed flashing under "Chimneys - East Elevation". See interior notes for interior of bulkhead.

Windows

Second Floor

• 1

  West Window

  Nearly all the brick arch was removed, repaired, some portions recut, and then all was replaced. New lintels and flashing were installed as for east windows. Minor patching was necessary along jambs, and some patching and repainting under the sill and including a large crack running to head of the window below.

  35

  The frame sill and sash, back band, etc., were treated as for typical second floor windows - east elevation.

• 2

  East Window

  The brick arch was patched in place. Otherwise this window was treated the same as the west window.

First Floor

• 1

  West Window

  Same for brick work as second floor west window. Wood portions of window same as those on east elevation.

• 2

  East Window

  Ditto.

Basement Windows

There were originally none. In 1927 one was installed under the west first floor window. It was closed up using original brick salvaged from the chimneys.

Shutters

None.

Basement Wall

Minor repairs needed only except at closing up of 1927 window and at bulkhead. See above and east elevation.

Chimneys

See under East Elevation.

Barge Boards (End Boards) Corner Boards

None.

General Notes

For painting see East Elevation.

35a.

First Floor Plan

35b.

Second Floor Plan

GENERAL NOTES

At the start of the work of restoration in 1938, it was found that the interior of the house had been considerably renovated. This work was done under the supervision of Dr. Goodwin in 1927, and is minutely described in the research report under "Notes Dictated by Dr. Goodwin." During the archaeological investigation of the building, it was found necessary to remove this 1927 work for an accurate study of the original building including interior walls, ceilings, framing, and fireplaces. Various conditions encountered were recorded separately with the different rooms set out in detail with this report.

The only available information as to the original treatment of the interior of this building was contained in several photographs made prior to the 1927 renovation, and referred to by number with this report. It will be noticed that in photograph No. 335 which was taken in the southeast room on the first floor, a wood dado appears below the windows. Investigation of this proved it not original, though a very early nineteenth century alteration. Slight breaks were also noticeable in the cornice in the southwest corner of the room. These were caused by the removal of an original corner cupboard, evidence of which was disclosed by a concave formation in the brickwork behind later period plaster work. See notes on Room No. 6. It was also evident that the mantel was not original as the wood dado extended over the hearth to meet the mantel.

2

All rooms on the first floor, upon examination, proved to have been treated architecturally in the same manner, i.e., a wood baseboard, a chair rail molded, and a wood cornice as shown in photograph No. 338, of hall. Evidence for this treatment was gathered by examination of the original plaster walls, as it was clearly noticeable where the plaster terminated against the various wood members described. See photograph No. N5854. A complete window, unaltered, was found in the northwest room which acted as a guide for the restoration and character of the window trim, which previously had been altered. This held true also for the second floor windows. See notes on Room No. 14, second floor.

A stair was removed from the northwest Room No. 9. See photograph No. N5849. This stair, upon examination, was found to have been an early nineteenth century alteration, as it cut into the window trim and across the window on the north wall of the room. See detailed notes on Room No. 9 with this report.

All main brick partitions throughout the house, including the basement, were original, and have only been disturbed in places where it was found necessary to insert and conceal air conditioning ducts. This was found particularly necessary on the second floor hall partition walls close to the baseboard as noted on restoration drawing No. 3. Where breeches had to be made in walls, they were supported with modern steel angles concealed in brickwork. This was also done where the original wood lintels over doors and window openings were found defective. See Exterior Notes.

The original framing throughout the house was found to 3 be generally in good condition, and needed repair only where beams entered exterior walls as described in basement notes herewith.

In general the plan of this building was altered very little from the original layout. The hall which runs from east to west through the center of the building contained the original stair. The doors leading to the various rooms from the hall were for the most part original, including jamb panelling and architraves, except the door leading to the northwest room which had been closed up at an early period in the life of the building. This door opening was discovered in 1927 during the work at that time, and was restored, using details of a similar character to the doors leading from the hall to the other rooms. See notes on Room No. 9 for further particulars of this door.

The basement has been repaved in the southeast, central and northeast rooms, as the original paving had disappeared. Dr. Goodwin mentions, in his notes previously referred to in this report, that the original floor was paved with square brick, although he found it more convenient to lay a new concrete floor for waterproofing purposes. This concrete floor had been laid at a lower level than the original floor, and was, therefore, allowed to remain, being used as a support for the new brick tiles of colonial pattern with which the floor was restored. Further information is contained in notes on Rooms Nos. 1, etc. herewith recorded.

The rooms in the southwest and northwest of the basement contain exposed plumbing, electrical, fire alarm and heating equipment. 4 The room on the southwest is divided into two similar rooms by a modern partition (not a restoration). One part is used as a ladies' rest room, and the other part serves as a flower room which was necessary for servicing the building.

The room in the northwest part of the basement contains the air conditioning unit, using steam from a conduit which enters the north wall and is connected with the Governor's Palace heating plant. There is also a men's toilet and janitor's facilities in this room. The basement wood stair is entirely a reconstruction, as the original had disappeared.

At the end of the room or hall where this stair occurs, it was found necessary to build a new brick partition wall to screen off the northwest and southwest rooms containing the modern equipment as referred to elsewhere in this report.

In the detailed descriptions of the restoration work below, the plaster was made from modern materials up to the skim coat. This last coat was made with the true colonial type oyster shell lime as conventional for the period. It was worked up to a slightly uneven texture to copy the original plaster surfaces noted in the building. The bottom coats were modern in material because hidden.

The whitewash used is fully explained under notes for South Outbuilding.

The brick and brick tile used were all made by hand or were salvaged from the original brickwork of the building. See general discussions under Exterior Notes.

The old floors were cleaned and waxed as elsewhere in exhibition buildings of Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated. The 5 original colors of the interior were carefully copied and both wet and dry samples made with accurate chemical formulas. These were filed at the warehouse for permanent record.

Memorial plates which were erected on door jambs leading to the southeast, southwest, and northeast rooms on the first floor were removed, and also a memorial plate was taken down after the Sunday School auditorium addition was removed as mentioned in Exterior Notes.

On the door jamb to southeast room the plate removed read as follows:

THIS ROOM WAS DEDICATED ON OCTOBER 18, 1931
BY THE SOCIETY OF COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA
TO THE MEMORY OF
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON
WHO OCCUPIED THE GEORGE WYTHE HOUSE AS
HEADQUARTERS
SEPTEMBER 14th to 28th, 1781

On the door jamb leading to the northeast room the plate removed read as follows:

ELIZABETH TALIAFERRO WYTHE ROOM
RESTORED IN 1927 BY THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA
IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA
KATE CABELL COX
PRESIDENT OF THE VIRGINIA SOCIETY
1897 - 1925
PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF COLONIAL DAMES
1902 - 1914

On the door jamb leading to the southwest room the plate removed read as follows:

CHIEF JUSTICE MARSHALL ROOM
RESTORED BY
MR. & MRS. CHARLES J. HARDY
OF
NEW YORK
1927

In the Sunday School Auditorium the plate removed read as follows:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN HONOR OF
MARY WINDER GARRETT
A Lifelong Member of This Parish
The Leader From 1898 to 1911 Of Its Students'
Bible Class Twenty Seven of Whom Entered
The Ministry of the Church
The Head Of The Little Helpers Branch Of The
Women's Auxiliary In This Diocese For Many Years

"They That Turn Many to Righteousness
Shall Shine As The Stars, For Ever and Ever"

This Auditorium Is Erected By Loving Friends
And Ardent Admirers Of Her Consecrated Life
1927

These plates as well as a list of other contributions to the work undertaken by Dr. Goodwin will be recorded in a document in keeping with the furnishings of the building.

7

FIRST FLOOR

24

SECOND FLOOR