ARLINGTON HOUSE Historic Structures Report Voume 2

The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the United States entered World War II. Wartime hours of operation and defense precautions were instituted at Arlington House and other National Capital Park sites on December 8, 1941. [1] National Park Service appropriations and personnel were cut to the bone during the national emergency, and operations were reduced to caretaking activities. With the end of the war, however, appropriations for the National Park Service did not increase greatly or rapidly. Moreover, in June 1950, just as there seemed to be some progress in funding, the United States entered the Korean conflict and once again funds were drastically reduced.

A. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1942

1. Completion of Work on Water Supply for Fire Protection

During the spring of 1942 the water supply system of the Lee Mansion was finally connected to the 8-inch pipe system of Arlington National Cemetery. In a memorandum dated February 17, 1942, P.E. Smith noted, "A priority of A-10 was obtained for replacing water pipe outside the building, and it is essential that this service be extended within the building. This same justification should be used for the fire hose purchased under Purchase Order No. 14497, dated July 1941." [2]

Assistant Superintendent Gillen's memorandum of March 21, 1942, to George Clark, provided some information on the nature of the changes being made to the water supply pipes:

A leak has developed in the recently installed water main under the road west of the Lee Mansion. This main leads to the fire plug which was moved up the hill nearer to the entrance to the grounds. Will you please have this situation inspected and taken care of at once.

It is requested that at the time the above work is done the furnace room and lavatories be connected to a new 4" main running within a few feet of this building. This will assure our water supply in this building as well as in the North wing of the Mansion. The line now leading to this building has been in so long that nobody at the Mansion knew of its existence until it broke under the rose garden one Saturday a few weeks ago. It was thought the Mansion buildings were connected with the new line until this happened when it was discovered that only the drinking fountains are connected with the new line.

My Lynn, Cemetery Engineer, has informed us that the old pipe is in very bad condition, was mended with difficulty and is liable to go out again at any time. Should this happen it would result in damage to our rose garden and tulip bed, and inconvenience to our visitors.

Colonel Mortimer of the Cemetery, has given us permission to have this office make the connection. [Drawing 2.3-67 — "Location of Water Pipes," February 17, 1942]. [3]

2. Painting of Arlington House Interior and Exterior

During the spring of 1942 the interior of the Lee Mansion was painted by the paint crew of the National Capital Parks paint shop. [4] This work, which required 79-man days of labor, was accomplished between January 12 and March 17, 1942. The first floor rooms painted included the following: storeroom (Room 114); General Lee's room/office (Room 117); state dining room (Room 115); family dining room (Room 109, probably also Room 112); Custis bedroom (Room 106); Custis sitting room (Room 107); and sewing and school room (Room 104). In addition, railings at entrance and the ladies and mens restrooms which were in the separate comfort station building were painted. [5]

On August 20, 1942, Assistant Superintendent Gillen requested George Clark to have the paint crew carry out this work, writing, "the exterior trim and front columns need attention. . . . We feel that the stucco which now painted a dark cream does not need attention at this time." [6] Work on the project, which took 122-1/2 man days, began on August 24 and was completed on October 2, 1942. [7]

B. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1943

1. Painting

During the period April 19 to May 13, 1943, a total of 59 man days were spent painting the stairways in the conservatory (Room 116), school room (Room 104) in the mansion and the exterior of the smoke house. [8] There is no other record of work being carried out on the mansion during 1943. [9]

2. Telephone Conduit

On September 23, 1943, the National Park Service granted the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company permission "to construct a conduit through the grounds adjacent to the Lee Mansion, as indicated on the sketch enclosed with your letter of September 16." [10]

C. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1944

1. Painting Proposed for Interior

On March 6, 1944, Assistant Superintendent Gartside informed Gillen:

The hallways and rooms at the Lee Mansion are in good condition and it is believed the usual painting can be dispensed with for this year.

It is requested, however, that the two porches on the west of the building and the stairways to the basement of the North Servants' Quarters be painted as this work was not completed last year. The gray paint on the railings of the steps in the Conservatory has worn bare through continual cleaning and it is recommended that they be stained mahogany with the rungs and sides repainted gray. This would match the railings of the two stairways to the second floor and the one to the basement which needs restaining. [11]

This work, however, was apparently never carried out in 1944. [12]

2. Refinishing Floors

In the staff meeting minutes for July 5, 1944, it was noted, "Refinishing of the floors at the Lincoln Museum and Lee Mansion has been completed in a very satisfactory manner and at an economical price. Now the problem is to keep them clean, since they are much lighter than before. . . ." [13]

3. Painting Proposed for Steps

On October 3, 1944, Harry T. Thompson's and Gartside's attention was directed to the fact that painting should be completed before winter because the "steps in front of the portico at the Lee Mansion are badly in need of paint. The paint has peeled off to such an extent that the steps may be injured by snow and cold weather..." [14]

This work was also apparently not carried out before the end of 1944.

D. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1945

1. Heating Problems in Mansion

On February 19, 1945, Assistant Superintendent Gartside outlined the heating problem that had developed at the Lee Mansion to Thompson as follows:

The hot-water plant at the Lee Mansion, which is located in the basement of a small building 75 feet from the mansion, fails to provide adequate heat during the winter months. During the last part of January, a record of the temperature was made in several parts of the building. The highest temperature recorded was 62° in the conservatory (south entrance) which is the warmest place in the building. In the south hall the temperature averaged about 58° in the center hall about 50°, and in the north hall about 45°. [15]

Mechanical Engineer Charles W. Andrae inspected the heating system as a result of this request and on July 21 submitted his report in which he recommended that the existing system be repaired at an estimated cost of $283.50. He reported:

Without attempting a major revision of the entire plant it is recommended that certain repairs and adjustments be made to the existing system, in order to thoroughly demonstrate the capacity of the plant to heat the Mansion.

The work proposed consists of approximately 66% of items necessary in ordinary maintenance and are marked on the estimate with as asterisk (*), the remaining items being necessary to obtain the data as to the adequacy of the existing equipment.

*	Overhauling stoker (Iron Fireman) (estimated)	$125.00
	New Altitude—Thermometer gauge	5.00
	New Aquastat	11.00
	Rewiring aquastat	18.00
*	Overhauling circulating pump	8.00
	New Expansion Tank (Closed System Type)	16.50
*	Cleaning Boiler and flue	13.00
*	Labor installing exp. tank, etc.	30.00
	Labor testing out system	30.00
*	Hauling	12.00
	Incidentals	15.00
	Total estimated cost	$283.50 [16]

On November 8, 1945, P. E. Smith, Chief Engineering Division, informed Stanley McClure, "It is our intention to operate this winter with the existing equipment including the coal stoker making such minor corrections as may be required and in the spring convert the boiler plant to oil and at the same time make such major changes in the entire system as may be necessary. . . ." [17] These repairs were completed in 1945.

2. Painting Interior of Mansion

On February 19, Assistant Superintendent Gartside recommended to Thompson that the following painting be carried out on the interior of the Lee Mansion:

It is recommended that the painting . . . be completed at the Lee Mansion during the winter and early spring:

1. The Conservatory (entrance on south), including the staining of the railings of the two small stairways.

2. The first and second floor hallways, including the doors, door frames, and window sashes and frames. The railings of the stairways to the second floor and to the basement also are to be stained.

3. The basement on the north end of the building to be whitewashed and door and window frame painted. [18]

This project got underway on March 1, involved 59-man days, and was completed on March 22, 1945. Rooms painted included: the conservatory (Room 116); main hall, second floor (Room 201); and stairway hall, first floor and stairway (Room 113); vestibule and small hall (west [sic] Room 110); main hall, first floor, and iron mesh gates (Room 111); rear halls, first floor and stairway to basement (Rooms 101 and 105); and basement hall (Room BO-1), office, and closet. [19]

3. Repairs to Roof

On July 12, 1945, Architect W.M. Haussmann submitted a detailed inspection report to Thompson in which he described the leaks in the roof and outlined necessary repairs to the mansion. He wrote:

Leaks in the roof: There are three leaks which need to be definitely located and repaired before the interior is repainted. A cursory examination was made of the roof areas involved but it is difficult to establish the precise point of entry of the water since in each location there were several ways in which this could have occurred. The worst one is at the left corner of the fireplace in the state dining room. The leak occurs somewhere in the neighborhood of the chimney at the roof line. The stucco surface of the chimney is badly cracked and may need to be replaced. The top of the chimney appears to be edged with wood which is rotting. The caulking between the flashing and the chimney has pulled loose in several spots and needs repair. Water appears to enter mostly during southwest storms by being pushed back up under the flashing extending down over the glass conservatory roof. This needs further investigation and correction.

A second leak occurs at the east corner between the main building and the north wing. There is loose flashing in the roof against the main wall at this point. This should be repaired.

The third point of entry is at or near the chimney in this wing. There are cracks in the stucco facing here; also, as well as in the caulking at the roof line. The material of the chimney cap is disintegrating. The copper ridge cap is loose and water undoubtedly blows up under it in heavy storms. This should be entirely reset and caulked.

Leaks are in general difficult to trace since they may originate at a considerable distance from the obvious damage. These roofs should all be carefully gone over and repaired before the damage becomes greater in the way of spotted plaster, possible rotted timbers and damage to almost irreplaceable furnishings.

(c) Ceiling repairs: Several of the ceilings in the second floor are badly cracked and on one the paint shows signs of blistering. These ceilings have obviously been patched several times and not too carefully. In some instances the plaster appears loose, unsound and in danger of falling. It is possible that they may survive one more painting but they are urgently in need of repairs. Removal of the present work and complete restoration may be necessary in some instances. Areas of blistered paint are not serious and are probably caused by paint having been applied over a fresh plaster surface. [20]

These leaks in the roof were stopped by the extensive repairs that were made in September 1945. [21]

E. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1946

1. Painting Interior of Mansion

On November 29, 1945, Assistant Superintendent Gartside informed Thompson that the following painting should be done to the interior of the Lee Mansion:

The leaks in the roof at the Lee Mansion have been stopped by the extensive repairs made in September. This will permit the painting of the State Dining Room and other rooms, the walls of which were damaged by the seepage of water after rains. It is recommended that the painting as follows be done at the Lee Mansion after January 1, 1946:

1. The glass roof of the Conservatory stained.

2. All rooms in the house, both upstairs and downstairs, which have not been painted for several years. This is to include all doors and window frames connected with the rooms.

3. A small area of the ceiling in the south hallway damaged by water seepage. Otherwise the hallways are in good condition.

4. Clothes closet at end of south hallway and wash closet at end of north hallway.

5. Railings of Conservatory stairs, and stairs to second floor and basement stained.

6. The front porch and both rear porches.

7. Doors, trim and railings of North and South Servants' Quarters.

8. Rooms of North and South Servants' Quarters whitewashed.

9. Doors, windows, trim and inside of toilet rooms. These are in bad condition as they have not been painted for several years.

10. Inside of furnace room and guard room. [22]

On December 17, Chief, Repair and Construction Division, reported to Thompson that Chief Painter Blaine had inspected the proposed painting areas and estimated that a total of $2,644 would be required. Of this $1,460 was necessary for item 2, and $1,184 for items 1 and 3-10. [23]

At the National Capital Parks staff meeting held on January 2, 1946, Clark reported on the status of repairs at the Lee Mansion as follows:

. . . Mr. Clark brought up the question of doing some work at the Lee Mansion. The mansion needs to be completely repainted both inside and outside. The labor is available and from a visitors' standpoint this is the best season to do the work but funds are not available at this time to do a complete job. The leaks in the roof have been repaired and the rooms disfigured by the leaks should be repainted if nothing else is done. The heating plant has been repaired and will last out this season, but a new heating plant probably will be needed next year. [24]

Work on painting the main house and outbuildings, involving 42 man days, got underway on January 1, 1946, and was completed on April 19, 1946. The following items were painted: sewing and school room (Room 104); state dining room (Room 115); glass in the conservatory (Room 116); railing and treads on stairways; guard room in the toilet building; interior of the toilet building; and the stable and smoke house interiors. [25]

2. Plans for Repainting Historic Room Colors in Mansion

In June 1946, Historian Sutton Jett and Architect Stuart Barnette of the director's office in Chicago held a conference regarding the possibility of discovering and then restoring the original room colors in the Lee Mansion. [26]

On October 18, Associate Director Demaray requested the services of Barnette to study the Lee Mansion, explaining to Director Newton Drury:

Several rooms of the Lee Mansion National Memorial will require repainting during the coming winter. The National Capital Parks would greatly appreciate the consultation and supervision of Stuart M. Barnette in a program to discover the old paints, and if this is not possible, his advice in the selection of the proper colors for these rooms. [27]

Upon being informed that Barnette had resigned effective October 14, 1946, to take the position of Professor at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn, Alabama, the services of Dick Sutton, Branch of Plans and Design, Chicago Office, were then requested on November 8 to provide advice on the painting of the interior of the Lee Mansion. [28]

F. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1947

1. Plans to Restore Historic Room Colors

On November 18, 1947, T. Sutton Jett, Chief, National Memorials and Historic Sites Division, National Capital Parks, after studying the historic paint color in the rooms at the Lee Mansion, informed Harry T. Thompson:

Approval is requested for the following painting at the Lee Mansion to be accomplished during the coming winter months:

1. State Dining Room and Office and Study

2. Family Dining Room and Family Parlor

3. Lee Bedroom

4. All hallways

A study has been made of the old wall colors in these rooms, and it is recommended that these colors be reviewed. Samples are being made so that they may be accurately matched, and for submission to the Planning Division for approval.

It is noted that the many coats of paint which have been applied to the woodwork over the years have destroyed much of the interesting detail. It is recommended that this old paint be removed prior to adding another coat. It is understood that this will require considerable labor and that time may not be available to complete this job throughout the building this winter. It seems advisable, however, to make every effort to accomplish this work in the rooms listed for painting this year, and if necessary, to delay the painting of the doorframes and other trim in the hallways until such time as the old paint can be removed.

The front and rear steps should be painted this fall to afford protection against the weather. [29]

2. Exterior Porches Painted

The porches on the Lee Mansion were painted between November 12 and 17, 1947, involving six and one-half-man days of labor. Work on historical rooms in the mansion began on December 31, 1947, and was completed on February 17, 1948.

The following rooms were painted: office and study (Room 117); north hall (Room 110); General and Mrs. Lee's room (Room 207); family dining room (Room 109); and probably the family parlor (Room 108). [30]

Hence the first effort to restore interior room color to a "historic period" was completed by the National Park Service on February 27, 1948.

G. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1948

1. Termite Damage Inspection of Basement Timbers

On March 22, 1948, Sutton Jett recommended to Harry T. Thompson "that the services of a specialist in termite control be engaged to inspect the timbers of the Lee Mansion." He observed, "There is evidence of deterioration visable [sic] in the basement of this area. It is possible that the damage is being done by termites. . . ." [31]

On April 20, 1948, Jett requested a second structural inspection of the mansion. Regarding the main stairway, he noted, "It is requested that the Engineering Division examine the principal stairway at the Lee Mansion. . . . During periods of high visitation there is some indication of instability in these steps." [32]

2. Restoration of Historic Colors in Six Rooms

On August 23, 1948, Jett next reported to Thompson that "the exterior of the Lee Mansion was last painted in September and October 1942." Continuing he wrote:

TABLE NO. 1

Instructions for historic colors to be utilized in Painting Rooms in the Custis-Lee Mansion, November 18, 1947, and applied December 31-February 27, 1948.

PAINTING—LEE MANSION

NORTH & SOUTH WALLS [Rooms 110 and 113]

1. Repeat buff wall color

2. Ceiling white in accordance with sample

3. Woodwork white; finish coat to be in accordance with white sample.

4. DO NOT COVER SAMPLE COLORS

STATE DINING ROOM [Room 115]

1. Walls grey in accordance with sample (dull finish)

2. Ceiling and cornice white in accordance with sample

3. Woodwork to be painted white in accordance with sample — If one coat satisfactorily covers do not apply second coat since this paint will have to be removed ultimately.

4. DO NOT COVER SAMPLE COLORS

OFFICE AND STUDY [Room 117]

1. Walls green in accordance with sample made by Mr. Root 1/28/48

2. Ceiling and cornice white in accordance with sample

3. Woodwork white in accordance with sample

4. DO NOT COVER SAMPLE COLORS

LEE BEDROOM [Room 207]

1. Walls green in accordance with sample made by Mr. Finnegan

2. Ceiling and cornice white in accordance with sample

3. Do not paint woodwork

FAMILY DINING ROOM AND PARLOR [Rooms 108 and 109]

1. Walls grey in accordance with sample (same as State Dining Room)

2. Ceiling white in accordance with sample

3. Do not paint woodwork

4. Do not cover sample colors

It is recommended that this building be examined to determine the advisability of repainting the exterior this fall or next spring. This work is not considered necessary from the standpoint of appearance, but may be required for preservative reasons. It is observed that the window sills on the west side of the structure are badly in need of paint. [33]

Nothing came of this suggestion, however, and the exterior of the mansion, as well as the interior, were not painted in 1949 or 1950. [34]

3. Research on Arlington House and the Custis-Lee Families, 1948-53

On November 30, 1948, Chief Historian Ronald F. Lee wrote to Elbert Cox, the Director of Region One, in Richmond, Virginia, explaining that "National Capital Parks is engaged in an important research project on the Lee Mansion National Memorial." Continuing, he wrote, "It occurs to me that Douglas Southall Freeman [the noted biographer and historian] may have discovered material on George Washington Parke Custis in connection with the research on his R. E. Lee and George Washington biographies which he did not consider relevant to these volumes, but [this] data [may be] invaluable to the Park Service in connection with the development and interpretation of Arlington." He asked Cox or Regional Historian Roy Appleman to consult with Freeman on this matter. [35]

Freeman responded on December 7, 1948, that he had no such data, but promised, "I shall certainly keep you in mind for any further information I procure regarding George Washington Parke Custis' occupancy of Arlington. It will be a pleasure to do so if I can." [36]

The National Park Service, which had managed and interpreted Arlington House for 15 years, was about to undertake the first major historical research into primary sources that had ever been conducted on the history of the Custis-Lee families and the Lee Mansion. The program was to be directed by Historian Murray H. Nelligan, who had graduated with his M.A. in American history from Columbia University, New York. This project was his first job with the National Park Service. The results of Dr. Nelligan's work, conducted from 1948 to 1953, were to establish definite dates for construction of the various sections of the mansion and outbuildings, 1802-61, and also the first record of repairs and remodeling made to the plantation house prior to the Civil War. His findings resulted in a comprehensive reorganization of the data relating to the physical history of the house and the social history of the Custis and Lee families. It made possible an accurate restoration of the structure to the 1861 period and development of an accurate interpretive program for the site.

In a memorandum to Superintendent Truett, Historian Nelligan explained the need for an historical research program on Arlington House in the following terms:

Since its completion more than a century ago, the old home of the Custis and Lee families at Arlington has been one of the chief attractions of the national capital. Its dramatic site and architectural style, the natural beauty of its surroundings, the breath-taking view of the city from its portico, have made the Lee Mansion outstanding among historic homes. Equally impressive are its many close associations with historic persons and events. To an extent not generally appreciated, the story of Arlington embodies a significant portion of our national history.

Yet, despite the attention which the mansion has always received, very little is known about many aspects of its past. Even the date of its completion is not definitely known. The passage of time and the nature of many of the events that occurred there, have combined to obscure many phases of its history. Of course, much of the information desired is to be readily found, but being scattered through a variety of sources, it has been to all practicable purposes unusable. Consequently most of the writings of the last fifty years have been based largely on one or two earlier works, rather than on original sources. To accumulate the fragments of the information, to rediscover the forgotten episodes, and finally to combine all that is known into a form in which it may be easily used—this has been [Nelligan would have been more accurate if he had written "should be"] the primary task of the historian at the Lee Mansion.

When these objectives were accomplished, Nelligan promised, three things would be achieved:

First there will be available a history of the Lee Mansion, indexed in detail to facilitate its use. In it will be all that is known concerning the old buildings and much about the families that lived there. While it is intended to make the history readable and interesting, the emphasis will be placed on completeness and accuracy, so that it will be useful as a source for other writers. For the same reason it will be fully documented.

Second, there will be a [museum] card catalogue of the mansion's furnishings, each card having only a complete historical description and photographic record of a specific item. With these aids it will be possible to answer quickly and adequately almost all questions asked about the mansion.

Lastly, a base historic map will be prepared as a basis for a master plan so that the appearance and presentation will be as accurate historically as possible. The plan will include a museum and reference library, as well as office space. [37]

The Arlington House research project was thus one of the major pioneer efforts toward a comprehensive study of a historical site in original sources to be conducted by the National Park Service. Despite many statements to the contrary, the National Park Service engaged in little original historical or architectural research from 1941 to 1955. There were two major reasons for this: (1) many officials in the regional and Washington offices believed that research had no practical use and hence was a waste of the taxpayers money; and (2) many Congressmen tended to agree. [38]

The National Park Service was not against all research, however, but rather favored studies that did not cost much money. Park historians, if interested, were not forbidden to conduct historical research during the off-travel season at historical sites that had a seasonal visitation. Thus at some parks, where the historians were interested, considerable progress could be made during the off season, but at many sites little was accomplished from 1933 to 1955. The Arlington House project was unusual in that park Historian Nelligan enjoyed the support of the superintendent of National Capital Parks and of Chief Historian Ronald F. Lee in his research efforts. [39] Historian Nelligan began on the historical research project in 1948 and completed item 1 (history) and item 2, (establishment of a museum catalog) in 1953. The third item, which involved preparation of a historical base map, was not completed. [40]

In his monthly report for June 1952, Nelligan, informed the superintendent:

Interpretation: The major accomplishment this month was the completion of the second draft of the definitive history of the Lee Mansion embodying the research accomplished over the last four years. A conference was held June 14 with Mr. Ronald F. Lee, Assistant Director, N.P.S., to explore the possibilities of publishing it. Mr. Lee favored commercial publication inasmuch as he believes the book would get a wider distribution than if it was published by the Government. Another conference is to be held in the early fall, at which he hopes to have present Mr. Frederick Tilden, who is now writing a history of the National Park Service, and Mr. [Alfred] Knopf, publisher, and Chairman of the N.P.S. Advisory Board. Until then I am to explore any leads I may turn up, but make no commitments as to publication. . . [41]

4. War Department Plans and Records of Arlington House Obtained by the National Park Service, 1952

As a part of his research on the mansion, Nelligan consulted with Architect Leisenring, who had supervised the restoration of the structure for the War Department from 1928 to 1931. [42] The park historian was also the first to examine War Department records relating to Arlington House. In his monthly report for July 1952, Nelligan reported on his findings:

Research. June 3, I visited the Old Records Section, Office of the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, to see what records, if any, they had of the Lee Mansion National Memorial, or of Arlington National Cemetery which might contain pertinent information. There I learned that those which had not been transferred to the Department of the Interior (letter of transmittal dated Dec. 19, 1933) were in storage at the A.G.O. Records Depot, Alexandria, Va. There I located a number of maps and plans in the Arlington National Cemetery file relating to changes made in the grounds and gardens about the Lee Mansion National Memorial at various times prior to its transfer to the Department of the Interior, 1933. In addition to these, I found a number of house plans for the mansion, made at various dates, which should have been transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1933, but which for some reason were not. A memorandum requesting such transfer has been prepared for the Superintendent's signature, so that they may become part of the records of the Lee Mansion National Memorial. [43]

On August 15, Edward J. Kelly, Superintendent of the National Capital Parks, wrote to the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, explaining:

A number of old plans and tracings of the Lee Mansion, at Arlington, were deposited by your office in the A.G.O. Records Depot at Alexandria, Va., sometime ago.

As you undoubtedly know, the Lee Mansion was transferred from the War Department to the Department of the Interior by executive order in 1933, at which time all plans and tracings of the house were also to have been turned over to the Department of the Interior, but perhaps through an oversight those listed below were not. They are numbered and described as follows:

6608—14.	Sketch of buildings and walks at Lee Mansion, Arlington National Cemetery, Aug. 22, 1931.
6608—37.	Steam heating for Lee Mansion, Arlington National Cemetery. Oct., 1906.
6608—38.	Detail of new trusses over porch at Lee Mansion. Undated.
6608—138.	Plan for work to be done at Lee Mansion, Aug. 16, 1923.
6608—213.	Old Well, Lee Mansion, Arlington National Cemetery.
6608—1032 to 1046.	Miscellaneous plans and elevations of Custis-Lee Mansion, Arlington National Cemetery; by Rodier and Kundzin. Undated.

These plans constitute an important record of the physical structure of the Lee Mansion National Memorial and for this reason we request that they be transferred to the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Capital Parks. [44]

R.V. Prangley, Chief, Administrative Service Division, writing on behalf of the Department of the Army, authorized the transfer on September 2, 1952:

The plans and tracings recently borrowed by your office from the Departmental Records Branch, AGO, covering Lee Mansion only, as well as additional drawings also considered of interest, inclosed [sic] herewith, are hereby authorized for permanent transfer to the National Park Service as shown on the attached list. It is requested however, that the drawings included in those borrowed from the Departmental Records Branch which cover the entire Fort Myer Reservation on which the Lee Mansion is located (Nos. 6608-1, 3, 6, & 324), be returned to the depository. [45]

The maps transferred are listed in Appendix 1. These original plans are now in Record Group 79, Arlington National Cemetery and Arlington House, in the Cartographic Branch of the National Archives, at Alexandria, Virginia. [46]

Nelligan established the park's master data file, a series of approximately 50 loose-leaf notebooks in which copies of documents and articles relating to Arlington House and plantation history, 1800 to 1967, are filed in chronological order. This file is the source of virtually all information known about the site. In October 1952 Nelligan enriched this file by adding War Department records relating to the 1928-31 restoration of the mansion and outbuildings. He commented:

Several days were devoted to annotating and filing miscellaneous papers pertaining to the restoration of the Lee Mansion by the War Department. Though time-consuming, this work has been amply justified by the valuable information they contain. Thirty-six photographs of historic pictures of the mansion, its furnishings, and persons and events associated with it, were added to the prints and photographs file also. [47]

5. Completion of First Documentary History of Arlington House and the Custis-Lee Families for 1800-1865

In November 1952 the park historian also launched a program of examining the paint colors in the various rooms of the mansion to establish the colors that were in use in the 1861 period. [48] As a result of this study of the room colors in the north wing, Nelligan found structural evidence suggesting a revised history of the erection of that building. [49] He also carefully recorded the results of his physical investigations, 1949-53, in two loose-leaf notebooks entitled, "Restoration and Repair Records, Volumes I and II."

On May 26, 1953, Dr. Nelligan completed his monumental study of Arlington House and commented to the superintendent of National Capital Parks:

Herewith is a copy of the latest revision of my history of the Lee Mansion National Memorial.

In accordance with the suggestions you made last year, I have shortened the manuscript from 923 pp. to 703 pp., and in the process have tightened it up considerably. The preface has been cut in half, and the less important books deleted from the bibliography. Some of the footnotes have been shortened, but otherwise the documentation is as complete and thorough as in the original. Since the footnotes, which take up 110 pp. in typescript, would be much reduced when printed, I estimate that the manuscript would run between 350 to 400 pp., depending on the number of illustrations—a reasonable length for a work of this kind.

I have also changed some of the chapter headings, as you suggested, and the title of the book as well. "Old Arlington" was the way Lee often referred to the house and the estate, and I thought this a more interesting title than the more formal one of the original manuscript. You will notice, too, that instead of covering Lee's resignation and the entire Civil War period in one chapter as before, I have made them into two. I have also tried to make the other chapters more nearly uniform in length. [50]

Following completion of this study, Nelligan was assigned to interpretive planning and research work on Fort Washington and henceforth little of his time was devoted to the Lee Mansion. In October 1953, however, he discovered and obtained copies of Robert E. Lee's 1859 fire insurance application, including a ground plan, for Arlington House from the Hartford Fire Insurance Company of Connecticut. [51]

In March 1954 he also obtained "several original measured drawings of the Arlington Mansion, made apparently at the time the Mansion restoration work was in progress," from the Memorial Division of the Office of the Quartermaster General. [52]

In 1955 Nelligan was transferred and promoted to a position in the newly established Region Five Office in Philadelphia. The Arlington House research project, 1948-53, provided an immense amount of previously unknown data about the history of the house and the Custis and Lee families, 1800 to 1865. Certain aspects of the Arlington House, however, were not studied. These included the preparation of a historical base map for the buildings and grounds in 1861, and a study of the physical repair, alterations, and use of Arlington House from 1861 to 1954.

H. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1949-1950

1. Heating System Revised, 1949

There is no record of any painting, repairing, or restoration being done on the Custis-Lee Mansion in the period 1949-50. [53] A contract was entered into in May 1949, however, to make "Revisions to the Existing Heating System in the Lee Mansion," Contract I-28np-663, (Drawing 2.3-81, Revisions to Existing Heating System, April 29, 1949).

2. Establishment of "Restoration and Repair Record File," 1950

During this period Historian Nelligan established the aforementioned "Restoration and Repair Record" file comprised of two large loose-leaf notebooks. These records should be examined by historical architects interested in tracing the work that was done to the exterior and interior of the mansion from 1942 to 1955. The park historian made copies of National Capital Parks work sheets, 1942-52. These sheets describe in detail the work being done, the paint formula being utilized, and the number of man hours expended on each project. Volume I contains a file for exterior work and a file for each room in the mansion on the first floor. Volume II has similar files for the exterior and every room on the second floor and the basement of the mansion. Historian Nelligan and Architect W.M. Haussmann recorded their findings of the investigation for the historical paint colors of mansion rooms in the proper room file, together with data that had been found in documentary sources. The file includes a record of repairs made and also some photographs showing existing conditions. [54] Data for work in later years has also sometimes been placed in this file.

I. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1951-1958

1. Inspection of Mansion for Insect Damage

On May 10, 1951, Plant Pathologist Horace V. Wester informed George Clark of the results of an investigation of the joists in the basement of the Lee Mansion. Wester wrote:

At your request I have investigated insect damage to joists in the basement of the Lee Mansion.

The insect damage referred to was determined as caused by the old house borer, Hylotropus bajalus, by Dr. T.E. Snyder, R.A. St. George of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the writer. This is an introduced European insect pest which may cause serious damage to coniferous wood in buildings. It only attacks sapwood and not heartwood.

A survey of the woodwork in the basement showed that the borer damage was confined only to certain joists under the center hallway and drawing room. The results of examining each joist for the borer damage are summarized below.

Joists under center hallway [Room 111]

The joists under the center hallway were numbered 1-28 from east to west wall. Joists numbered 5, 10 and 13 were found weakened respectively about 20%, 25% and 10% by the borer damage. The remaining joists under center hallway appeared free of borer damage.

Joists under drawing room [Room 112]

The joists under drawing room were numbered 1-16 from north to south wall, east and west side. Joists 3, 4 and 6, east side, were found weakened respectively about 20%, 5% and 20%, while those remaining on this side appeared free of borer damage. Only joist #1 on west side showed any evidence of borer damage, which was estimated as weakened about 5% from this cause.

The borer damage to joists generally appeared to be old and possibly was caused some years back. Only one borer tunnel was found which appeared relatively fresh, indicating this pest was active in the building. This was found in the sixth joist from north wall under east side of drawing room. The tunnel is next to flooring, about 11-1/2 feet from east wall. Although no borers causing the above damage were found in the joists, this does not necessarily mean they are not in the building, as the insect is difficult to find in the wood.

Wester recommended that observations for the presence of borers be continued up to November 1, 1951. At that time he suggested that the "building be fumigated or local treatment be applied for control of the old house borer as conditions indicate." [55]

2. Revisions to Fire Alarm System

Drawings suggest that the following work may also have been done on the mansion during the period 1949-51: Revision to Fire Alarm System, Lee Mansion, December 31, 1949, five sheets, Drawing 2.3-84-1; and Fire Alarm System, Lee Mansion, October 25, 1951, two sheets, Drawing 2.3-88-2.

3. Restoration of Historic Period Room Colors

As a part of his major documentary research program, Park Historian Nelligan also undertook in late 1950 or early 1951 to conduct what he called "an archaeological reconnaissance" of the paint on the walls and woodwork of the rooms in the Lee Mansion to determine what colors were in use during the period 1855-61. Once this had been established a program of restoring the room colors was adopted. Beginning on February 8, 1951, 39-man days were expended removing paint from the walls, trim, and doors of the Custis bedroom (Room 106) and dining room (Room 109). [56]

On October 1, 1951, the Acting Superintendent of National Capital Parks requested the Chief, Construction and Repair Division, to have the interior of the Lee Mansion painted in the following priority:

1st.	Conservatory [Room 116] (some plastering needed also)
	Drawing Room [Room 112]
	The Lee Girls Bed Room [Room 203] (ceiling need replastering)
	Inside Hall, first floor [Room 104]
2nd.	South Hall [Room 113]
	Both stairways to the second floor (in Rooms 113 and 110)
	Playroom [Room 202]
	Miss Mary Lee's Room [Room 204]
	Boys Room [Room 206]
	North Hall [Room 110]
3rd.	Whitewash the interior walls of the North and South Servants' Quarters

Messrs. Truett and Haussmann concur in the recommendation that the woodwork in all the rooms of the Mansion, except the doors in the Drawing Room, should be restored to a stained walnut finish — a treatment which has been established historically by Mr. Murray H. Nelligan. This was done in the Custis Sitting Room last year, and has been considered highly satisfactory. [57]

Haussmann, Chief, Architectural Studies, inspected the ceiling in the Lee girls' room (Room 203) in January 1952 and informed Superintendent Truett on the 7th:

The ceiling appears at a glance to be in extremely poor shape, with many cracks and irregularities and two places which seem to be sagging. You will recall that I tested a large part of the area by sounding it. There were no hollow spots. The sags seem to be "built in" and not the result of loosening of the plaster. The cracks are sound except in a few small spots where the juncture of two diagonal cracks has broken into a small island. Imperfections in the moulded plaster cornice may be the result of past attempts at patching. Continuing our investigations into the attic, I examined the key between the plaster and the lath and between the lath and the joists. So far as I could determine there was no appreciable loosening of either. There were no important indications of broken keys or loose lath. It should be noted, of course, that both materials are old and brittle and cannot be relied upon to remain stable but are in as good condition as can be expected.

As a result of this inspection it seems to me that your idea of canvassing the ceiling is an excellent one. All paint should be removed from the surface and cracks cleaned out and filled with Swedish putty or plaster. Loose plaster should of course be cut out and replaced. Where one side of a crack may have dropped below the other side, the juncture should be smoothed down with a sand block but no attempt need or should be made to remove other irregularities. This work can well be performed by our own forces and includes both the flat portion of the ceiling and the moulded cornice.

The flat area should then be covered with canvas, such as the Columbus Coated Fabrics Corp. "Wall-Tex Stiffened Canvas #3097". The ceiling should first be glue sized and the canvas then pasted on with regular wheat flour wall paper paste. This portion of the work should be done by a good commercial paperhanging firm experienced in this type of work.

The canvas and the cornice may then be painted with flat lead and oil by our own men.

This treatment should strengthen the ceiling and greatly improve its appearance although it will not, of course, convert it into a perfectly smooth unblemished expanse. [58]

During the period January 28 to February 29, 1952, Park Historian Nelligan [59] also devoted an additional 112 hours to physical investigation of the historic colors in the "North Down Stairs, Rear Hall; First Floor East Hall; Second Floor East Hall; First Floor Front Hall and Stairway; Second Floor East Hall; First Floor Rear Stairway; and Second Floor Stairway." [60] In addition, a total of 902-man hours were expended in February and March 1952 in repairing and painting the walls and ceilings of the following rooms:

"Front Hall, including steps to landing between first and second floors" (probably Room 113)	232 hours
"Rear Stairway to Second Floor and Hallway first floor" (probably Room 110)	74 hours
"East Hall, first floor, including small Halls" (Room 111)	80 hours
"Stairway, front, ceiling, from attic to landing between first and second floors" (Room 113)	99 hours
"Conservatory" (Room 116)	299 hours
"Hallway between conservatory entrance and main hall" (Room 114).	36 hours
"Second Floor Hall" (Room 201)	82 hours
February 3-March 20, 1952:	902 hours. [61]

Including the work on the Lee girls' room and research, approximately 1,267-man hours were devoted to study, repair, and painting room interiors in the Lee Mansion during the first quarter of 1952.

In a letter to former Congressman Louis C. Cramton, who had played a key role in the passage of the March 4, 1925, Joint Resolution of Congress, which authorized the restoration of the Lee Mansion, Park Historian Nelligan described the purpose and results of the study of room colors: [62]

I am sure you will be pleased to know that we are continuing the development of this memorial along the lines you so wisely established twenty-seven years ago. For example, just this past winter we made what may be termed as archaeological exploration of the paint and wood finishes originally used in the interior of the Lee Mansion. Two of the upstairs bedrooms, the upstairs hall, both stairways, the main hall and the short halls running north and south of it were due to be repainted. Before this was done, however, we got down under the many many layers of mostly cream-colored and buff coats of paint that had been applied to the walls and woodwork since 1864. The results were most interesting. We found that the walls of the south hall had been originally a light gray with a sand finish; the main hall a slightly darker gray without the sand finish. Upstairs, the Lee bedroom was found to be a light green, the girls' room across the hall a darker, almost olive green. The hall itself was something of a peach color which the Lees had carried on down the north, or service stairs, and the small north hall just off the family dining room. All the woodwork and doors had been stained or painted walnut originally; but most of the woodwork had been painted white sometime before the Civil War, and some of the doors stained oak and artifically grained. We repainted accordingly with the result that the Mansion presents a more attractive, homelike atmosphere than heretofore, besides which it is of course more authentic. As other parts of the house are done over, we hope to do the same thing and thus get away from the institutional appearance of the hitherto mostly cream-colored walls.

The task of discovering and restoring the historic room colors continued into 1953-54. On November 12, 1952, Assistant Superintendent Gartside advised George Clark:

The following rooms at the Lee Mansion are scheduled to be repainted by our regular forces, this winter: Drawing Room [Room 112], Pantry [Room 101], Inner Hall [Room 105], School and Sewing Room, [Room 104], Play Room [Room 202]. If possible the basement, Boys' Room [Room 206] and Miss Mary Lee's Room [Room 204] should also be repainted.

Continuing, Gartside wrote:

Because of the opportunity presented of restoring these rooms to their original colors, as was done with the stairs and other rooms last winter, I would suggest that a painter be sent over to the Lee Mansion in the near future to remove old paint at selected spots on walls and woodwork in order to disclose the original colors, this to be done under the direction of Mr. Haussmann and Mr. Nelligan. By so doing, the actual work of painting will be expedited and a more accurate restoration obtained. [63]

In his monthly report for November 1952, Park Historian Nelligan remarked of this paint research, "During the month arrangements were made to have an archaeological reconnaissance made of the paint on the walls and woodwork of several rooms in the Lee Mansion scheduled to be repainted this winter. . . ." [64]

Nelligan described the progress of this work in his monthly report for January 1953:

The archeological reconnaissance of the paint on the walls and woodwork of the school room, inner hall and pantry of the Lee Mansion was continued, and brought to light some interesting information about not only the original colors in which these rooms were painted, but also the construction of the wing itself. More important was the discovery of evidence corroborating the hypothesis that the north wing was built as a unit, and partitioned off into three small rooms perhaps two or three years later. All this information has been recorded in the Restoration and Repair Records. [65]

The following month Nelligan reported:

The drawing room of the Lee Mansion was repainted during the month and the furniture put back in place. Because of the importance of this room and the especially close association it has with General Lee, an information sheet giving its history . . . was brought to the attention of each guard. The reaction of visitors to the present appearance of the room has been highly favorable; the Lee associations have also proved of great interest. It can be expected to be even more handsome when the doors are restored to their original walnut stain color.

In the north wing, some progress was made on scraping the walls and ceiling of the school room and inner hall, prior to repainting the ceiling of the school room, the plaster of which was badly cracked was reinforced with canvas. [66]

Work on rooms in the north wing continued in March 1953, and Historian Nelligan described progress:

In the north wing, the work of scraping the walls and ceiling of the inner hall and school room, prior to repainting, was finished. Because this wing is the oldest part of the house and its unusual interior partition wall arrangement requires explanation to most visitors, it is the best place to tell the story of the construction of the house; hence, it was decided to restore the school to one of its earlier colors, a light, greyish green. The inner hall was restored to a light gray, with white trim, its color just before the Civil War. Because of the time and expense involved in scraping the walls and woodwork of the school room, it was decided to put off painting the north hall and playroom (upstairs) until next fall or winter. [67]

The work sheets indicate that the painters expended more than 106-man days between January 21 and April 11, 1953, as follows:

"Hall (north) in front of Custis Bedroom and Living Room" [Room 105]	36-1/2 man days
"School Room, First Floor including clothes closet and dressing closet" [Room 104]	55 man days
"Doors on Second Floor grained on inside only"	15 man days [68]

Following heavy summer visitation, work on the historical restoration of room colors resumed in the fall of 1953 and continued into the spring of 1954. On November 23, 1953, Assistant Superintendent Gartside informed Clark, "The following rooms of the Lee Mansion are scheduled to be repainted this winter by our regular forces: Playroom [Room 202], Pantry [Room 101], Miss Mary Lee's room [Room 204], Boys' Room [Room 206], and the small linen room [Room 205]. If possible, the conservatory [Room 116], winter kitchen [Room BO-2] and the woodwork in the North Quarters should also be repainted." Continuing, he suggested:

In order to expedite the actual painting, I would suggest that a painter be sent over to the Mansion beforehand to remove old paint at selected spots on walls and woodwork of the first five rooms mentioned above. [69]

In his monthly report for February 1954, Historian Nelligan commented on his work, writing:

Information was recorded regarding paint colors, plaster, woodwork, etc., disclosed in the process of preparing the Play Room, Boys Room, Linen Room, Miss Mary's Room and the Pantry Hall, at the Lee Mansion. Work accomplished was recorded, also. [70]

During the period January 18 to February 4, 1954, the National Park Service put in 31 man days on the following rooms in the Lee Mansion:

"Mary Lee's bedroom" [Room 204]	9 man days
"Guest or Linen Room, Second Floor" [Room 205]	4 man days
"Lee Boys' Room, Second Floor" [Room 206]	10 man days
"Basement-Souvenir Room" [Room BO-2?]	8 man days
	31 man days [71]

The painting and physical investigation of the mansion room colors declined after 1954.

On March 23, 1956, however, Park Historian Agnes M. Downey urged that 13 rooms in the mansion be repainted and, in regard to establishing historic room colors, wrote:

In accordance with past policies and practices, archeological reconnaissance is recommended for all the rooms where it has not been completed. It is especially important in the Large Dining Room, the Family Dining Room, Family Parlor and in the Entrance Hall. Inconclusive paint samples are all that remain as evidence of work done in 1949. No further archeological reconnaissance has been completed. Working papers are now being prepared for archeological reconnaissance based on the formula used by Historian Nelligan and Architect Haussmann in 1952. Contemplated repairs in these rooms would give opportunity to do extensive research.

Archeological reconnaissance is recommended for the Custis-Guest Room, the Pantry and the Winter Kitchen and Inner Hall of the North Wing, where none has been completed to date. However, if time doesn't permit research of this type at this time, the present colors in these room [sic] are acceptable and should be used until archeological evidence indicates a change is necessary.

In 1952 Architect Haussmann and Historian Nelligan collected archeological evidence in the South Hall, Center Hall, Upper Hall, North Hall and Stair well. The present paint colors are based on these findings. It is recommended that these halls be repainted in accordance with these findings. [72]

Despite such recommendations by the historical staff of the park, only three rooms were painted in the mansion from March 1954 to November 1957. These were the conservatory (Room 116), repainted in April 1955; the "Office" (Room 117), repainted in December 1956; and "the State Dining Room" (Room 115) was repainted in January 1957. [73] Interest in "archeological reconnaissance," however, revived in late 1957, when Park Historian Paul Swartz of the Custis-Lee Mansion requested that the following nine rooms be painted in January 1958: family parlor (Room 108); family dining room (Room 109); center hall (Room 111); south hall and stairwell (Room 113); north hall and stairwell (Room 110); pantry (Room 101); Custis guest room (Room 107); Custis bedroom (Room 106); and the school room (Room 104). Continuing, Swartz requested:

The remaining rooms in need of painting should be completed as soon as possible after the opening of the Museum.

In accordance with established policy archeological reconnaisance [sic] is recommended for those rooms where it has not been completed. It is requested that the historian in charge be notified in advance in order to have this research carried out. [74]

In her monthly report for the period November 15 to December 15, 1957, Historian Downey reported, "Research was initiated prior to major restoration at the Custis-Lee Mansion. Paint reconnaissance in the Mansion and South Servants' Quarters in consultation with Mr. Roberts and Mr. Swartz was begun and stopped before completion." [75]

Rooms painted as a result of this program included:

1. "South Hallways painted from 2nd floor to first floor" (Room 113)—repainted), December 11, 1957.

2. "North Hallway" (Room 110) painted from second floor, northern hallway going to office, May 7-8, 1958.

3. "Entrance Hallway" (Room 114?) and "conservatory" (Room 116) painted, March 7, 1958.

4. "First Floor, Rear Halls to Basement" (Room 101) repainted March 7, 1958.

5. "Main Hall" (Room 111), "first floor" repainted March 7, 1958.

6. "Main Hall, second floor" (Room 201), "stairway down to first floor repainted," March 7, 1958.

7. "First Floor vestibules, small halls on west side of building repainted," March 7, 1958.

8. "Rear Stairway to second floor" (Room 110) and "hallway first floor repainted," March 7, 1958.

9. "First Floor rear halls to basement" (Room 101) repainted, March 7, 1958. [76]

4. Restoration of Original Lee Mantels in Drawing Room (Room 112), 1952-53

As a result of his extensive historical research into original documentary sources, Park Historian Nelligan had been able by 1952 to reveal and provide documentary evidence that Col. Robert E. Lee had made many improvements in Arlington House during the period 1855-61 and that most of these "Victorian features" had been removed as "non-historic" by the War Department in the "restoration" of 1928-31.

The 1855 improvements included finishing the unfinished drawing room (Room 112), installing two Victorian marble mantels in this room and a similar one in Room 115. The woodwork in Room 112 was also grained in imitation of oak or walnut, and a central heating system was installed in the basement under the center hall (Room 111 and in basement Room BO-6). In 1857 Room 205 was also remodeled from two small dressing rooms into its present form as a small chamber. [77] Historian Nelligan located two of the three 1855 marble mantels stored in the basement of the mansion, where the War Department had deposited them in March 1932. The third mantel was missing and had never been found.

Nelligan described the restoration of the two mantels in their 1855 locations in his monthly report for November 1952: ". . . plans were made for the installation of the original Lee mantels, now in the basement, in their original locations in the Drawing Room [Room 112], a recommendation to this effect having been approved by the Acting Director, National Park Service." [78]

He reported this task finished in January 1953, writing, "Early in the month the work of installing the Lee mantels in the drawing room [Room 112] of the Lee Mansion was completed. The work was well done, and because of their association with the Lees, the mantels should prove of great interest to visitors." [79]

On June 29, 1955, in Public Law 107, the 84th Congress changed the official name of the site from the "Lee Mansion National Memorial" to the "Custis-Lee Mansion," so as to give appropriate recognition to the illustrious family in which General Lee found his wife, and dedicate the mansion as a permanent memorial to Robert E. Lee. [80]

On January 27, 1956, after having inspected the mansion, Associate Superintendent Thompson directed that the following repairs should be made to the Lee Mansion:

1. Correct hazardous conditions in the brick walks by relaying and leveling up spots.

2. Re-lay the exit steps from the basement to the exterior by making 4 risers in place of the existing 3, each to be 7-1/2" high. This will require one additional step slab. . . .

3. Re-lay the brick flooring in the rear hall in the basement. It is in many places unsightly, being full of irregular areas, holes and broken bricks which could make walking unsafe. The new work must be in the spirit of the old work and old bricks are to be used for it [Room BO-1].

4. Re-lay the hearth in the large dining room [Room 115], and at the same time, make an effort to replace the existing mantelpiece with one of the proper design and materials as established by the records, if funds permit. (This would involve replacing the 1930 restored "colonial period mantel" by a reproduction of the Lee 1855 marble Victorian mantel). [81]

5. Electrical System Revised, 1954

In September 1954, a contract was let, 14-10-028-548, to make "Revisions to the Electrical System in the Lee Mansion." [82]

J. IMPROVEMENTS TO ARLINGTON HOUSE IN 1958-1960

1. Plans to Restore the Roots on the North and South Wings

On January 27, 1958, Haussmann, Chief, Architectural Branch, informed the Chief of the Division of Design and Construction that there was $37,030 available in construction funds for rehabilitation projects at the Custis-Lee Mansion. He wrote:

(a) Rehabilitation of specific items within the main house including, but not limited to, the front wall of the basement and roof of the north wing, the chimney in the south wing, and several ceilings, particularly on the second floor . . . .

(b) The out-buildings to the west, particularly the southernmost one are in need of extensive rehabilitation . . . . [83]

Working under a contract with the National Park Service, Walter G. Peter, A.I.A., inspected the Custis-Lee Mansion in April 1958 and his report and working drawings for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Custis-Lee Mansion were transmitted by Robert C. Horne, Chief, Division of Design and Construction, National Capital Parks, to the Chief, Division of Design and Construction for the National Park Service on August 13, 1958. [84] In his memorandum, Horne commented, "Actually we do not consider the work which we are undertaking on these . . . structures to be 'restoration' in the fullest sense of the word. The south building in the forecourt of the Custis-Lee Mansion was . . . 'restored' by the War Department some years ago. The far greater part of the work which we propose to do there is concerned with repair and rehabilitation. . . ." [85]

Contract 14-10-028-1606, Drawing 2.3-97, was let in January 1959. [86] On July 1 of that year, Superintendent Thompson requested permission from the director to restore the roofs of the north and south wings of the mansion to their appearance in 1853:

The roofs on the north and south wings of the Custis-Lee Mansion have so deteriorated that major repairs are necessary. We have carefully researched the appearance of these roofs at the time when the Custis-Lee Mansion had attained its optimum development architecturally, c. 1853, as the residence of Robert E. Lee. It is our intention to replace these roofs as nearly as practicable to their appearance at that time including the substitution of the parapets on the east front in place of the existing unauthentic balustrades.

This decision was reached after careful consideration among ourselves and in consultation with Messrs. Kahler and Peterson of your staff.

Our unanimous opinion is that in authorizing the restoration of the Lee Mansion (H.J. Res. 264, March 4, 1925), the Congress intended that "practical" considerations should govern. We feel it would not be in the best interests of the Government to replace the cheap tar and gravel roof of 1861—an economy measure at the time—but to restore the more permanent roof and parapet as designed by Hadfield, the architect, which we know existed at least as late as 1853. Thus the roofs of the house would present an appearance more typical of Lee's occupancy than of that immediately prior to the Civil War when, for sake of expediency, temporary repairs had been made.

Funds for these repairs have been programmed and the work will be getting underway in the near future. [87]

Acting Director E.T. Scoyen replied on July 15, 1959, writing:

. . . We share your views that it would be desirable to reconstruct the roof and parapet as designed by Hadfield. We suggest that the Historic Structures Report (Part I) be submitted in accordance with the attached instructions. This report may be brief, but should contain relevant material for the record. [88]

2. Plans to Restore Wing Roofs

No one prepared the required historic structure report thus apparently ending the project. This was fortunate, as Colonel Lee had removed the parapets from the roof when he had the roofs of the north and south wings covered with tar and gravel in 1858. [89] The mansion had no park historian on its staff at this time to prepare such a report.

On September 30, 1960, Acting Superintendent Sutton Jett informed the director that after further study of problems it had been determined that the July 1, 1959, plan was in error, as the parapets on the roof wings had been removed prior to the Civil War. It was now planned to remove the "restored roof parapets" that the War Department had placed on the roofs in 1929-30, thus "restoring" wing roofs to their appearance of 1858-65. Jett explained:

In a memorandum dated July 1, 1959 we informed your office of our intent to replace the roofs on the north and south wings of the Custis-Lee Mansion as nearly as possible to their appearance as designed by the architect of the house, George Hadfield. We pointed out that this decision was reached after careful consideration by our own staff and in consultation with Messrs. Kahler and Peterson of your staff. We proposed at that time to replace the existing parapet with one more nearly in keeping with the probable Hadfield design.

The expressed intent of the Congress was that the building be restored as nearly as practical to its appearance just prior to the Civil War. We are now about to begin the repairs on the roofs of the north and south wings and upon reviewing our previous research and conclusions it has seemed to us that we should not have recommended the replacement of the parapet. It is now our feeling that the parapet should be omitted altogether and that the roofs should be made to appear "as nearly as may be practical" to their appearance just prior to the Civil War. That parapets existed on these roofs at an earlier date is brought out by documentary evidence in the form of a water color made in 1853 by Benson Lossing and a pencil sketch made by Markie Williams in 1843. We also know that the parapets were removed and the roofs, which were wood shingles, coated with a layer of tar and gravel. We know further that the present slate roofs and balustrades were put on in 1929.

In reviewing this evidence it is demonstrated that the roofs just prior to the Civil War were wood shingled and that there were no parapets. We propose, therefore, to carry out the intent of the Congress by replacing the existing roofs with simulated wood shingles similar to those recently installed on the roof of the south servants quarters. We propose also to remove the existing balustrade and not to replace it. That this was their appearance is borne out by a series of photographs dated 1864 in which it is also shown that the roof of the "conservatory" was also of wood shingles. We propose to restore this appearance also. . . . [90]

On October 7, 1960, Director Conrad L. Wirth again prevented the execution of the plan by informing the Superintendent of National Capital Parks, "This sounds reasonable, but we should like to reiterate our suggestion of July 15, 1959, that the Historic Structures Report (Part I) be submitted. . . ." (Drawing 2.3-102, New Roofs for North and South Wings, December 1960, two sheets). [91]

This ended the correspondence on the subject. Just why National Capital Parks did not have a historic structure report, Part I, prepared for the project is not clear, as such a report had been prepared on the north servants' quarters at the Custis-Lee Mansion in August 1960 and was approved by Acting Director Scoyen on November 16, 1960. [92]

3. Painting the Mansion

On September 29, 1959, Cornelius W. Heine, Chief, Division of Public Use and Interpretation, made a detailed inspection of the Custis-Lee Mansion and made the following recommendations with regards to painting and repairs:

Conservatory (Room 116), paint peeling and leak in ceiling.

General Lee's bedroom (Room 207), ceiling and wall paint have peeled and present a deplorable condition.

Hole in floor outside Lee's bedroom presents a serious safety hazard (Room 201).

Lee girls' room (Room 203), paint peeling in this bedroom. Also on walls and ceiling. A portion of the canvas ceiling is sagging.

Custis bedroom (Room 106), paint peeling on outside of wall. Paint has chipped off around frame looking into bedroom.

Children's playroom (Room 202), paint starting to peel.

Schoolroom (Room 104), paint peeling on corners of wall and ceiling

Drawing room (Room 11l2), paint peeling over the mantels, both chimneys are peeling. [93]

On October 14, 1959, Associate Superintendent Jett instructed his chief of maintenance to execute the following work in the mansion, writing, "You are instructed to program the following services from Maintenance funds during the winter months. Work on the Second floor should be initiated immediately":

1. Miss Mary's Room—remove all loose paint and repair ceiling cracks and repaint. [Room 204]

2. Linen Room—same [Room 205]

3. Boys Bedroom—same and install crickets behind chimney [Room 206]

4. Girls Room—Repair canvas on ceiling where loose; replacing it if necessary, and repaint entire ceiling; remove loose paint and repaint walls. (It may be necessary to put canvas on one or more of the walls before repainting.) [Room 203]

5. Play Room—remove loose paint, repair cracks and repaint walls and ceiling. [Room 202]

6. Col. and Mrs. Lee's Bedroom—strip ceiling, replace plaster over metal lath, canvas over whole ceiling and repaint; remove all loose paint on walls and repaint, provide crickets behind chimney. [Room 207]

7. Upstairs Hallway—remove all loose paint on ceiling, repair cracks, install canvas where necessary and repaint, repaint walls after repairing cracks and removing plaster where necessary; repaint woodwork; do no touch stairs. [Room 201]

8. Rear Stair Hall, upper level—remove all loose plaster and replaster where necessary; remove loose paint and repaint walls and ceiling. (If funds allow, strip all plaster on walls and replaster.)

9. Rear Stair Hall, lower level—strip off plaster above and below railing; replaster and repaint (in areas where badly cracked.)

10. North Hall—remove loose paint; repair cracks in plaster; repaint walls and ceiling; paint woodwork around Guard's Room. [Room 110]

11. School Room—repair plaster; remove paint, repaint walls, ceiling and woodwork. [Room 104]

12. North Wing—wait until roof is repaired before doing work outlined in Sections 10 and 11 above.

13. Custis Bedroom—okay as is [Room 106]

14. North Inner Hall—repaint walls, ceiling and woodwork [Room 105]

15. Family Dining Room and Parlor—repair hole in wall at baseboard below thermostat; touch up woodwork, walls and ceiling in both rooms. [Rooms 108 and 109]

16. Main Hallway—remove paint to bare wood, where paint is patched, and repaint; touch up other woodwork as needed. [Room 111]

17. Drawing Room—touch up walls, ceiling, and woodwork as necessary. [Room 112]

18. Entrance Hall—repaint door behind Guard's desk.

19. State Dining Room—touch up as necessary. [Room 115]

20. Hall and window near under-stair closet—repair plaster on west wall where bulged and under window where affected by water, and repaint; strip paint on window sill and on the woodwork, such as baseboards, as necessary, to bare wood and repaint. [Rooms 113-114]

21. Conservatory Area—patch and touch up, temporarily, and re-do completely when new roof is installed. [Room 1161

22. Repaint basement hall, walls and woodwork as necessary . . . .

Before work is undertaken, please consult Mr. Haussmann who desires to make some further investigations regarding the kind of paint we have been using which has become brittle and has chipped. It may be necessary to canvas over some of the walls before repainting. Crickets should be installed behind all chimneys. [94]

On December 1, 1959, Park Historian Swartz, who had just been reassigned to the Custis-Lee Mansion, also requested that the following repairs be made:

1. Repair damage of conservatory door facing, caused by infestation of termites and lay stone slab or course of bricks under wood supporting door sill in order to prevent re-occurrence of infestation. [Room 116]

2. Replace the following door sills:
    a. two in south hall [Room 113]
    b. four in center hall [Room 111]
    c. two in north hall [Room 110]

3. Remove large circular black spot from pantry floor. [Room 101]

4. Remove obsolete fire call box and conduit from center hall. [Room 111]

5. Repair step to school and sewing room. [Room 104]

6. Replace broken window between inner hall and pantry. [Rooms 101 and 105]

7. Stabilize lower steps of north stairs.

8. Repair or replace floor matting in large dining room. [Room 115] [95]

The painting and repairs described above were presumably carried out during the winter of 1959-60; no record of it, however, was placed in the park's "Restoration and Repairs" file.

On April 1, 1960, Park Historian Swartz informed the Chief, Branch of Interpretation:

The second story hall floor of the Mansion is in critical condition. Wood putty cannot be supported between wide gaps of the boards. Under use the boards splinter and the cracks are widened. The entire original floor, under continued heavy use will soon be ruined. Accidents to visitors will increase.

Haphazard patch work would ruin this floor faster than normal use. If money is not available to re-lay the entire hall floor at this time, I suggest a temporary floor covering (plywood sheets?) be laid over it for its preservation and for the prevention of accidents.

A note added to this memorandum indicates that rubber runners were used temporarily in the upper hall and in the lower hall by the dining room doorway to solve this problem. [96]

On March 23, 1961, Park Historian Swartz informed Architect Haussmann that the painting in the following rooms had been damaged by the leaking of the roofs on the wings:

1. Large dining room (Room 115)—east wall

2. South entrance hall—extent of painting needed to be determined by inspection after scraping of west wall and ceiling

3. Pantry (Room 101)—in north wing

4. Inner Hall (Room 105)—in north wing [97]

On August 16, 1961, Superintendent Jett informed a visitor to the Custis-Lee Mansion who had not found the mansion in as good condition as expected, ". . . We have just now completed major repairs, including completely new roofs over the north and south wings, repainting of the exterior, replacement of steps, and other external improvements. Now that this has been done, it will be possible to move inside during the next few months and complete the interior decorating. . . ." [98] The wood steps of the east portico were reconstructed for the second time in their 1864 format.

In May 1961 repairs were made to the roofs of the north and south wings, and in June the conservatory roof (Room 116) was also repaired. [99]

K. SUMMARY OF RESTORATION AND REPAIR ON MANSION, 1942-61

1. Painting the Mansion

a. Painting the Exterior (Using Non-Historic Colors)

1942—exterior trim and eight columns on portico, but not stucco painted by NPS paint crew.

1943—two west (rear) porches painted

1947—front and rear porches painted

1948—reported exterior had not been painted since 1942, but record of exterior painting found for 1949-50

1960-61—exterior of mansion painted

b. Interior Painting Using Non-Historic Colors in Rooms

1942—painted by NPS paint crew: Rooms 104, 106, 107, 109, 115, 114, 117, and probably 112

1943—Rooms 104 and 116

1944—floors in mansion refinished, first time since 1929-30

c. Interior Painting Using Non-Historic Colors

1945—painted Rooms 116, 201, 113, 110, 111, 107, 105. Basement rooms in north wing whitewashed.

1946—Rooms 104, 115 and railings and treads on stairways

d. Interior Painting Attempting to Restore Historic Colors

November 8, 1946—first study done to attempt to establish historic room colors

1948—first painting with historic colors: Rooms 117, 110, 207, 109, 108, 113, 115, and 109

1951—Rooms 106, 109

1952—canvas ceiling put in Room 203 and then painted. Painted Rooms 113, 110, 116, 201, and 114

1953—Rooms 112, 105, and 104

1954—Rooms 204, 205, 206, and BO-2

1955—Room 116

1956—Room 117

1957—Room 115

1958—Rooms 113, 110, 114, 116, 101, 111, and 201

1959—Rooms 204, 205, 206, 203, 202, 201, 104, 105, 106, 108, 109, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117

2. Repair and Alteration of Electrical System

1954—electrical system revised, Contract 14-10-028-548

3. Fire Detection System

1949 and 1951—fire alarm system apparently revised

4. Conservatory Roof

1961—roof of aluminum rafter and glass, built in 1935, removed and replaced by a new roof

5. Water Supply for Protection

1942—larger pipes apparently laid to hook up with Arlington Memorial Cemetery pipes

6. Exterior Steps, East Portico

1961—historic 1861 wooden steps, reconstructed in 1935, built in same style in 1961

7. Interior Stairway

1948—main stairways in Room 113 inspected

8. Heating Plant

1945—plant repaired

1949—heating plant revised, Contract I-28NP-663, shifted from coal burning to oil

9. Mansion Roof

1945—three leaks in mansion roof require extensive repairs

1958—Walter G. Peters, A.I.A., makes study and drawings of mansion roof, April

1959—Contract 10-10-028-1606 — repairs to mansion roof and south building let. Wooden balustrades, based on Benson J. Lossing's 1853 painting of Arlington House, reconstructed by the War Department and placed on the roofs of the north and south wings in 1930, removed from the two roofs as historically inaccurate as these had been removed by Robert E. Lee in 1858.

1961—roofs of north and south wings repaired

10. Drawing Room Mantels, Room 112

January 1953 — restoration of two 1855 marble mantels in Room 112 installed by Robert E. Lee in 1855 and removed by the War Department in 1932, to their original fireplaces. They had been stored in the basement since 1932.

11. Inspection of the Mansion for Insect Damage

1948 — inspection report, looking for termite damage

1951 — inspection report of basement beams under Rooms 111 and 12. Some damage reported.

12. Hall Floor, Second Floor

1960 — flooring in second floor hall reported to be in very poor condition. The flooring on the second floor dated from 1855 period.