Montana Heritage Commission
NPS II Progress Report
March to July 2004

Preservation Specialist Team, Virginia City, Montana
Funded by the National Park Service

The Preservation Team consists of Jeff Cleverley, Jack Frost and Don Steeley.
Team leader - Jeff MacDonald
Archaeologist - Cecile Gevock

March 2004

Contents Corner

The preservation crew efforts have mainly focused on implementing seismic retrofits, performing documentation and analysis, and developing preservation/restoration systems and strategies for interior features.

Construction efforts have included window and sill restoration and/or refitting, as well as initial framing for interior modifications.

Holes have been drilled using a low pressure Hilti DD 100 wet/dry coring system, in the west wall on the second floor to accommodate new ¾” stainless steel anchor bolts set with epoxy, which shall secure structural steel members as part of retrofitting measures. The holes have been created without water due to concerns over mortar stability and integrity of the historic masonry fabric.

A hole has also been rendered in the southwest corner to provide for a new 2” electrical conduit.

Re-pointing shall proceed using a mixture of locally acquired sand and hydraulic lime at a 5:1 ratio.

Jewelry Store

The preservation crew had also begun preparations for the installation of structural steel members to be installed in the proposed Jewelry Store, adjacent to Contents Corner and attached to the west wall by single story. Project architect Ken Seivert was consulted regarding design modifications, which have been adjusted to meet specifications.

Gilbert Brewery - Barley/Hops Tower

The Preservation Crew has performed preliminary analysis of the Barley Tower, which has included interior and exterior measurements, as well as drawings for developing a proposal for stabilization. The four corners of the structure are not plumb and will require additional consideration in addressing future needs of the structure.

Dirt and debris have been removed from the interior of the tower, and exploratory holes at broken sections of the concrete floor have been back filled.

An assessment was also made of the Brewery roof system and numerous leaks were identified with pin flag markers. These shall be addressed as special considerations in appointing a roofing sub-contractor.

April 2004

AmeriCorp volunteers arrive for a one-month period of service and receive orientation on April 26, 2004.

Contents Corner

The Preservation Crew continued drilling, and preparing for seismic retrofits to the second floor, in addition to developing tie-in procedures for the adjacent Jewelry Store. This included the temporary removal of one floorboard in the north conference room to provide access to floor joists. The joists shall serve as an anchor point, to secure one 3”x8” by ten foot long structural steel member, fastened to the floor joist with ½”x12” galvanized steel threaded bolts. This member has been fastened, through the west wall masonry with four-¾”x20” galvanized thread bolts to an additional structural steel framework originating in the Jewelry Store.

Provisions were made for the electrical contractor, which included fabricating wood hanger systems freely suspended between the hand hewn ceiling joists, to provide a stable surface for the new electrical service boxes.

Heat, motion, and light sensors have been installed to the wood hanger systems at approved locations between the ceiling joists by the electrical sub-contractor

Restoration work was performed on the back porch, located on the southwest corner of the structure. Modifications were made to the floor system and framing to provide for electrical service upgrades.

Jewelry Store

Three concrete footings were poured, on the interior of the north façade to accommodate two vertical and one diagonal structural steel members, and fitted with ¾”x18” anchor bolts.

A structural steel framework has been assembled within the interior of the north façade consisting of one 8’ vertical member in the northwest corner, and a 15’ vertical member in the northeast corner. The 15’ member protrudes through the roof system approximately three feet and joins a structural steel outrigger plate system meeting the west exterior masonry wall of Contents Corner. This plate has been fastened to the Contents Corner floor joist retrofit with the previously mentioned four-¾”x20” galvanized thread bolts.

The two vertical members are spanned on the north interior wall by a custom fabricated structural steel header system, which has been constructed to offer both horizontal and diagonal support by complimenting the roof pitch. A 5”x5” structural steel diagonal brace has been attached to the 15’ vertical member and set on a footing along the east interior wall.

Both vertical and diagonal members were grouted at the footing using a mixture of Portland cement, lime, and sand mixed at a ratio of 1: ½: 1 respectively.

A new plank floor has been installed using 2”x6” tongue and groove material, and cut to size around the installed steel members.

Leaks in the roof system have been noted and repaired. The opening cut to accommodate the 15’ member has been repaired and fit with a rubber boot system around the protruding steel.

The front doors have been assessed for glazing failure and glazing putty reapplied as needed.

Gilbert Brewery - Barley/Hops Tower

Photographs and slide images have been taken and recorded to document existing conditions prior to roof repairs and shingling. This documentation process shall continue throughout the duration of roof repairs and restoration.

Restoration/stabilization work was performed to the metal chimney system in preparation with roofing repairs.

Roofing sub-contractors begin work on Friday, April 23, 2004.

May 2004

Contents Corner

The Preservation Crew completed seismic retrofits to the interior of the second floor. A shear wall has been installed to the perimeter stud system consisting of 5/8” plywood.
Foam panel type insulation has been installed in all wall stud and ceiling joist systems. All interior wall surfaces and partitions shall be sheathed with ½” sheetrock.
Furring extensions have been provided to window and doorjambs as result of wall sheathing modifications. Preservation treatment completed to Gothic transom windows for east façade. Electrical sub-contractor has completed rough electrical services.

Gilbert Brewery - Barley/Hops Tower

Completed stabilization of metal chimney system. Sections of interior have been draped with plastic sheeting to protect from moisture damage.
Two windows have been removed for off site preservation treatment.

June 2004

Contents Corner

Progress at Content's corner developed rapidly through out the month of June, enhanced with volunteer contributions from AmeriCorp. Two assigned volunteers assisted crewmembers with all aspects of drywall finishing, including taping, applications of multiple coats of gypsum plaster, as well as preparing all new surfaces with latex primer.

Exterior door and window systems have been retrofitted, and all gothic tracery transoms have been reinstalled to their respective fixed positions. Cosmetic detailing is underway and shall proceed in conjunction with the forthcoming interior design plan. This plan shall be consistent with assembled historic research analysis, and sensitive to conservation and interpretive concerns, as well as contemporary building code requirements.

Kiskadden Barn

The preservation crew removed temporary steel bracing, which had supported the upper joist system during recent timber framing repairs/retrofitting. Several members from Montana Conservation Corps, who lent needed and appreciated physical strength in lowering and moving the many-hundred-pound beams to storage, assisted the efforts. Conservation corps members also assisted in cleaning loose debris in the barn, which allowed for further assessment of the floor joist system and flooring timbers.

The preservation crew also developed strategies for creating a viewing platform at the entrance of the barn, which will allow for greater public access, in addition to encapsulating flooring timbers and hindering deterioration.

Gilbert Brewery Complex

An outsourced roofing contractor had completed application of cedar shingles on the 9th, with outstanding concerns over counter-flashing and stabilization of cupolas and metal exhaust pipes on the Brewery building. Counter-flashing and stabilization efforts have begun with the installation of compatible wood material, refitting of window systems removed for off-site repairs, and applications of elasometric and oil-base sealants. Continuing efforts are also underway to pinpoint and minimize leaks within the extensive roofing system.

An inspection was also made of the neighboring Gilbert house, an important and critically endangered structure south of the Brewery building. The initial site inspection was made to document existing conditions, and assess potential hazards. Due to broken ground inside the structure Cecile Gevock was present as archaeologist, as well as staff safety officer Don Steeley, to assist in biohazard assessments. Jeff MacDonald led the brief visit and has begun a file on the structure.

Jeff Cleverly, Cecile Gevock, conducted continuing assessment on the Barley/Hops Tower and Jeff MacDonald, noting no movement, indicated by crack monitors previously installed by Mr. Cleverly. Theories were discussed as to potential means for future stabilization.

The Montana Conservation Corps also removed organic debris from the roof of the Bottling Building during the month.

Miscellaneous

The interior of Old House on Cover Street has been cleaned of debris with the assistance of AmeriCorp. Maintenance Crew and their AmeriCorp assignees have also manicured the grounds.

Temporary stabilization measures have been installed on the back drip edge of the Wells Fargo/Banditos restaurant to correct water run-off and ground seepage.

The front door and casing of the McGovern Store display has been re-shaped to allow for easier access for staff entering the structure.

Notified by Curatorial staff of fallen plaster inside Methodist Church, noticed during inventory procedures. Samples have been collected, their found locations noted, and filed in the newly created sample archive.

System assessments and measurements were conducted at Bickford House with the assistance of an AmeriCorp volunteer.

Meetings

6.1.04 - Preservation and Interpretation held at the Curatorial Center
6.17.04 - Jeff MacDonald spent the day with SHPO officer Pete Brown. Toured past, present, and future projects and discussed potential at-risk sites
6.18.04 - Montana Heritage Commission meeting held at Episcopal Church

July 2004

Contents Corner

Assistance from AmeriCorp again greatly enhanced progress through out the month of July at Contents Corner – a site, which has continued to evolve as a flagship project for preservation efforts in Virginia City. Two newly assigned volunteers assisted crewmembers with all aspects of drywall and plaster finishing, as well as preparing all new surfaces, including trim work, with latex primer.

Re-pointing of the rubble-stone masonry continues on all exterior walls, with historic matching mortar consisting of hydraulic lime and locally acquired sand.

All interior window and door trim are being fitted with new 1”x 4” material, non-mitered, unadorned, and custom fabricated for each opening.

Cosmetic detailing is underway and shall proceed in conjunction with the comprehensive interior design plan. This plan shall be consistent with assembled historic research analysis, and sensitive to conservation and interpretive concerns, as well as contemporary building code requirements.

Kiskadden Barn

Preservation crew members developed and implemented a viewing platform at the entrance of the barn, which has allowed for greater public access, in addition to encapsulating flooring timbers and hindering deterioration. Sections of historic plank flooring were also replaced and set on a new floating joist system of pressure treated material, and fastened with rose-head cut nails matching original specifications.

Sections of horizontal stabilization bars were reset and welded in place following consult with historic architect Ken Seivert.

Two flooring planks were also removed to receive consolidation treatment, in the Preservation Shop. The Abatron Corporation Liquid Wood and Wood Epox products shall be used to stabilize and reconstruct deteriorated sections of flooring, which will also receive Dutchmen splicing of matching material where necessary to complete restoration.

Gilbert Brewery Complex

Continuing efforts are underway to pinpoint and minimize leaks within the extensive roofing system. A steel furnace exhaust pipe has been capped with a steel fixture to prevent water seepage into the flue.

*Continuing assessment was conducted on the Barley/Hops Tower by Jeff Cleverly, Jeff MacDonald, appointed historic architect Ken Seivert, and SHPO Pete Brown. Theories were discussed as to potential means for future stabilization. All unanimously agreed that the structure presents significant concerns, and will require internal structural reinforcement, in addition to a new flooring system and footing wall to prevent lateral movement, supported below grade with a micro-pile system.

Sauerbier Blacksmith Shop

Extensive cleaning efforts were begun during the month of July to remove organic debris from interior surfaces, and around collection items and artifacts displayed in the space. The AmeriCorp volunteers lent great assistance in cleanup efforts, which were conducted using portable vacuum units, fitted with nylon bristle attachments to minimize impact to historic fabric.

Four storage racks were constructed of new material to accommodate collection items, to be reinstalled in the south portion of the shop from temporary storage in the Kiskadden Barn. A wooden box was also constructed to contain scrap metal items, previously stacked on the dirt floor behind the shop forge. The box was constructed of new rough-cut material, and designed to approximate historic specifications, provided by site curatorial staff.

*Fresh insect frass was also noted and documented at several locations within the interior of the blacksmith shop. The frass resembles that of suspected carpenter ants located in several other locations in Virginia and Nevada Cities. Invasive action has not been taken within the blacksmith shop, pending insect identification, and professional consultation with regards to mitigating impact to the historic resources.

Miscellaneous

• The interior of Finney House, in Nevada City required temporary stabilization to the second floor ceiling, which consists of fitted canvas fastened to the rafter system. The canvas had pulled away from the fasteners and was sagging to floor level. The canvas was temporarily reattached to the rafter system with furring strips to allow for inventory work. It is recommended that the ceiling material be reassessed at a later date for proper conservation/restoration treatment.
• *Insect damage, in the form of fresh frass, was reported at several locations in Nevada City by Curatorial staff. The Nevada City School House was investigated by Preservation crewmembers for possible insect infestation. Sections of Portland cement daubing were removed from between log members on the interior of the structure, where an extremely active colony of ants were observed. Several applications of the Abatron Corporation's Timbor product – a boron base insecticide, fungicide, and wood preservative – were administered to the exposed area. Monitoring of the site over a period of one week yielded largely unsatisfactory results.
• The Preservation Crew sought further consultation from NPS project administrator Herb Dawson, who assured any available NPS resources, and suggested further consult with log structure specialist Bernie Weisgerber, and Montana State University Entomology Department.
• Will Lanier from MSU Entomology was consulted, and requested a sample of the ants for positive identification, before initiating any mitigation procedures.
• A metal stovepipe was reattached to a CMU chimney top at the Greenfront Cabins.
• Preservation Crewmembers were directed to establish a rebar reinforced footing unit for an industrial washing machine, in the basement of the Fairweather Inn.
• Preservation Crew investigating interior door upgrades for The Nevada City Hotel, for said business to acquire AAA rating.
• Preservation Crew investigating stove replacement options for the Bale of Hay Saloon to meet insurance UL requirements.
• Sickler Roofing, an outsourced roofing contractor, completed application of torch-down style roll roofing material, to sections of roofing spanning from the present MHC offices to Content's Corner, along the south axis of Wallace Street.

Meetings

7.15.04 to 7.16.04 - Historic Preservation and Certified Local Government Conference held at the Virginia City Gymnasium.
7.23.04 - Meeting and tour of historic and endangered structures by Jeff Cleverly, Jeff MacDonald, appointed historic architect Ken Seivert, and SHPO Pete Brown. Toured past, present, and future projects and discussed the development of a comprehensive long-term plan for Virginia City and the original structures of Nevada City.
7.26.04 - Montana Heritage Commission staff meeting held at McFarland Curatorial Center. NPS II report: curatorial work accomplished May through July 2004, and anticipated for August through October 2004

Submitted by Pat Roath, Curator of Collections 8-10-2004

Marge Antolik

May through July: Working with Americorps workers and (since June 1) a seasonal intern, Marge has cleaned 30 building interiors and the collections exhibited there; each building contains between five and several thousand historic objects.

August through October: Marge will continue cleaning historic building interiors and objects; this is an annual process necessary to the long-term preservation of the collections. There are 26 exhibit structures remaining this season (it is anticipated that fewer buildings will be completed as during this time period Americorps and the intern will be on site for only one month). If this task is completed before the end of October (it is usually finished by mid-October), Marge will complete cataloging or data entry during the rest of the period.

Janna Hermanson

May through July: Working with Americorps workers, Janna has created 1945 catalog records. Most of these records represent a single object, but some are sets of multiple objects. These are hand written records which will be entered into a computer database

August through October: Janna will complete cataloging of objects from the building she is currently working from and add another group of similar objects to that list; it is anticipated this will total several hundred catalog records. She will enter these records into the computer database, and clean and mark the objects cataloged since June 1. It is anticipated that this work will occupy a majority of this time period; if finished, Janna will begin cataloging objects from another building.

Tim Gerber

May through July: During May, Tim worked with Janna in creating 470 catalog records, and continued conservation work (several hours each week) on the Gilbert Brewery barrels. On June 1, Tim was moved to another project (liaison with contract inventory crew) and under the supervision of the Site Manager.

August through October: In addition to manipulating data compiled in the contract inventory, Tim has been moved to another project (developing interpretive didactics and living history programs) and is under the supervision of the Site Manager.