I was approached by Breadloaf Builders and Architects of Middlebury, VT to help with a forensic evaluation of the surviving historical architectural millwork, doors and windows and its possible replication after a devastating fire in 2005. The small town of Ferrisburgh wanted to build back better the heart of their community, with energy sustainability being a factor, while preserving their architectural heritage. Budget was not infinite so conserving every salvageable scrap from the fire counted. That’s where J. S. Benson’s expertise came in.
During my collecting of woodwork samples to be replicated one mysterious chard piece of sash chord dangling from a window head jamb caught my eye. Giving it a tug it came loose in my hand, but not before I felt an apposing force. Gingerly climbing up to the fire compromised attic I discovered a series of maple sap pails with burnt sash chord through old cast-‐iron pulleys sitting on the attic floor, a pair directly above each side of the majestic double-‐hung windows below. Each pail had been filled by the 19th century carpenters with just enough stream worn pebbles to make the 80-‐pound window sash operate with only the effort of one finger!
To be continued:
