Prasch Blacksmith Shop

Fill and debris from the footing excavation pits have been removed from the interior and footing holes are prepared for ground formed concrete piers. Rebar has also been installed following specifications in the review set of drawings provided by Ken Sievert. The Preservation Team is awaiting commentary on the building HSR draft and review drawings before proceeding with timber frame construction.

Kissling House, a.k.a Arizona Commodities Building

The foundation system is complete, with local Andesite stone employed to fill the gap between the concrete grade beam and pressure treated sill plate. A mortar mix of lime, sand and a small ratio of white Portland cement have set the stone and custom foundation vents below the sill plate. A plywood sub-floor, and permanent central partition wall was installed of rough 2x6 lumber, to accommodate plumbing supply to kitchen and bath fixtures. An electrician and plumber shall be contracted to provide the supply services. The Town of Virginia City was also notified and fees paid for installation of new water and sewer lines to the residence. All windows have been repaired and fit with new glass at the north façade. Repairs were also made to the shiplap siding, with missing sections replaced with salvaged material matching the existing profile.

Sim Fergusson Cabin

The Fergusson Cabin stabilization was completed during the month of October, and included interior chinking with additional lagging and oakum fill. A period correct working wood stove was also installed, along with a custom floor pad of local river stone. An open house was held on October 27th and attended by MHC staff as well as Virginia City residents. A completion report is forthcoming and shall be include in the final 2005 year-end report.

Miscellaneous

Preservation Team members traveled to Yellowstone National Park on October 4th to meet with Ken Sievert and Herb Dawson and to visit the Mail Carriers Cabin where the team will be conducting stabilization work during the spring of 2006. An initial assessment was made with the intention to conduct a follow-up visit before winter.

Jeff Cleverley installed sections of gutter to the southern portions of Content’s Corner, in addition to encapsulating exposed sections of soffit along the same side.

A clogged drain within the Gilbert Brewery caused water levels to rise within the Barrel Room, prompting an investigation of the drainage to Daylight Creek. Location of the PVC drainage pipe resulted in the discovery of a three-foot root growth extending into the pipe. The growth was removed and drainage is now restored to the Cask Room.

Meetings

10.27.05 - The Montana Heritage Commission all staff meeting was held at Content’s Corner.