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

Contents Corner

Re-pointing of the rubble-stone masonry continues on all exterior walls, with historic matching mortar consisting of hydraulic lime and locally acquired sand. Created samples, testing various hues of earth pigments, have been used as reference in attempt to achieve a more accurate color match with the in-situ historic mortar, which may vary in overall color and consistency with each façade of the building. Raw Umber pigment, in small application, continues to demonstrate the most universal success at this time.

Cabinetry was purchased and installed in the corridor wet-bar area. Exterior thresh holds, finished doors, and door hardware have been installed. Bath fixtures have been purchased and await installation. Quarter-round crown and shoe molding has been installed and finished through out the entire space. The Conference room floor has been finish sanded, and has received an additional coat of gloss urethane for durability, and a finish coat of low-luster urethane.

Period lighting acquired from MHC collections in Nevada City, has received conservation and restoration treatments, and awaits installation by the electrical contractor. Finish electrical services have begun by Service Electric.

Exposure windows, revealing original architectural features, have received stabilization treatments, and are presently protected with framed Plexiglas insets. Mitigation of organic growth was administered to one exposure window in the corridor. Application of silica gel to discourage moisture, and humidity gauges are recommended in all exposure windows to monitor seasonal conditions.

The preservation Crew is presently overseeing out-sourced finish work, and punch-list items through out Contents Corner, following the completion of all major construction and finishing tasks.

Kiskadden Barn
Preservation staff members assisted curatorial staff in relocating a large carriage in MHC collection from Ebrels blacksmith shop, in Nevada City, to the Kiskadden barn for storage. The move was assisted by recently acquired hydraulic lifts, which were modified by Preservation staff to accommodate axels of the wagons and carriages.

Wood conservator John Kjelland examined several flooring planks, removed from the entrance of the barn for conservation/restoration treatments. Agreed with the approach recommended by the Preservation Specialist to consolidate material where possible with epoxy resin, and replace lost material with combined applications of filling material and wood Dutchmen, before returning the planks to their respective locations.

Preliminary drawings for masonry stabilization were reviewed, and a request was made to the historic architect for detail drawings of the steel systems.

The interior northwest corner has begun to receive repointing applications, to extend below grade, in preparation for an internal steel support system to be installed as part of seismic retrofitting measures for all extant masonry.

Fill and debris have been removed from the north (rear) exterior section.

Prasch Blacksmith Shop
A Conditions Assessment report has been initiated, and shall be completed prior to any timber frame construction/stabilization procedures. The report shall also include recommendations for additional considerations within the project site, applicable to a more comprehensive Historic Structure Report, which is strongly recommended for future reference.

Concerns with regard to masonry stabilization, (forge chimneys) grading issues with sill members, and archaeological compliance are being examined, and further consultation with SHPO and NPS is planned.

The staff archaeologist remains informed of intended operations within the blacksmith shop, and shall oversee the excavation of footing holes, required for vertical support members, which shall measure two feet square. Location of the holes, and a framing plan shall be determined following additional assessment, and consult as necessary.

As stabilization work is scheduled to take place during the winter months, additional winterizing measures are being explored in accordance with reversibility considerations for historic structures. Research into winterizing, and protection methods at other regional historic sites, has yielded interesting concepts which should be considered as part of a long term winter maintenance plan for the Virginia City and Nevada City historic sites.

See photograph below

Ninth Street Historic District - Denver, CO - Wood and masonry structure encapsulated to protect historic fabric from harsh elements, and allow for preservation work during winter conditions.

Miscellaneous

o The former Arizona Commodities building received temporary stabilization treatments, in addition to the installation of doors and windows, as part of winterizing procedures begun in Virginia City.

o Ebrels Blacksmith shop forge in Nevada City was examined and restored to allow for forging demonstration. The brick chimney was restored and extended into the second floor area, where a metal stovepipe was installed to extend above the roofline. A test of the restored forge proved unsuccessful however, as the chimney flue was unable to achieve sufficient draw off of the forge fire.

o The Gilbert Brewery Barrel Room was examined with wood conservator John Kjelland, and Curator Pat Roath, following the return of collections removed for conservation treatment. Recommendation was made to keep the conserved barrels in storage at the Curatorial Center until further stabilization of the barrel room is completed. The Barrel Room and its periphery were examined for any advancing conditions of deterioration, and little change was noted from conditions documented in the Gilbert Brewery HSR draft. The standing water level of the Barrel Room remains constant, (approximately 4”) due to the contribution of a previously installed PVC drainage pipe. All agreed to allow the temporary drainage system to remain in place and monitor changes within the Barrel Room, pending additional assessment and stabilization procedures.

Meetings
10.20.04 - The State of Montana Deferred Compensation Plan seminar was held at the McFarland Curatorial Center meeting room. Preservation Crew members were in attendance.

10.28.04 - The three-day Montana history Conference was held in Whitefish. The Lead Preservation Specialist was in attendance.