ARLINGTON HOUSE Historic Structures Report Phase II

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations cover more than one space in the house and are summarized here to avoid repetition:

I. Prior to any future repainting on the interior at the Arlington House, paint studies should be completed on all the fabric of one room and samples of full paint sequences selected to be preserved in place. While it appears that much of the north wing was scraped in the past, this is not true of the main block. It is recommended that if scraping is apparently necessary to reveal profiles, before beginning to scrape existing woodwork, paint panels which preserve complete paint layering sequences be left intact, preferably in inconspicuous places. The panels can be consulted in the future.

It has been proposed that there could be a connection between the use of a canvas covering on interior walls, which is designed to be easily stripped when paint layers have built up over time, and the difficulty in keeping paint on certain areas of the exterior walls. The theory is that there exists a certain amount of capillary action in the exterior walls. When the walls wick even a small amount of moisture, it is necessary for the water to eventually escape from the walls at some point. The canvas covering glued to the walls in the main block has prevented moisture from exiting to the interior; not being able to exit to the interior has left the moisture only one direction to go. Leaving through the exterior the moisture has caused some paint peeling. The situation was different historically, however, where the use of a colored wash, or kalsomine, on the interior walls allowed the free passage of moisture into the house rather than through the exterior paint.

Although this theory may or may not be valid, moisture should not be allowed to penetrate masonry walls as rising damp is a major cause of deterioration of masonry (brick) buildings. In 1980 the exterior walls with the most extreme water problems were water proofed. If moisture continues to be a problem in the walls of the house, further water proofing should be performed to correct the problem.

The canvas on the walls and ceiling of the main block was installed in the 1940s and 1950s. It is in very deteriorated condition and should be removed, replaced with new canvas, and painted with a breathable paint.

Great care will have to be exercised in removal of the canvas because of the deteriorated condition of the plaster beneath. It is recommended that the site appoint a committee to study all extant painted surfaces, record findings, completely document research, and recommend color restoration on the basis of the study. Interior painting must be done by brush at all times and in all cases.

In connection with the foregoing subject, it is also recommended that a careful search be instituted during any wall paint removal to locate certain murals said to have been done by G.W.P. Custis and noted by certain eyewitnesses who visited the house and left records of their visit during the nineteenth century. While these murals may well have been lost during prior paint removals or replastering, there is a chance that some may have survived, particularly in the center hall, the family dining room, or Mrs. R. E. Lee's morning room.

II. There have been suggestions in the past to install a climate control system at Arlington House. The system would ideally control temperature and humidity levels for the ultimate protection of the building and its furnishings. It is recommended that a climate control study be performed and that on the basis of the study a system of climate control that will not be harmful to the structure or artifacts be selected, funded, and installed.

Working with the existing system, it is recommended that a system of fire dampers be installed in the ductwork to reinforce the fire zones as established by the 1980 installation of fire doors in the basement. They are specifically needed in the duct above B06/D1 in the north wall of B07, and the small duct in the east wall of B08. These dampers should be operated by fusible links set to activate in the presence of fire. They should be installed as soon as possible as the fire zone system is incomplete without them. This work would afford an excellent opportunity to thoroughly vacuum the duct system to reduce the levels of dust transmitted to the exhibition rooms above. This vacuuming is strongly recommended.

A number of rooms on the first and second floor have been monitored since the 1970s. There is a serious deficiency in the recommended humidity levels for the preservation of the structure's historic furnishings December through March, with excessive humidity occurring May through August. While there was a natural fluctuation in the figures gathered, it was generally found that the humidity levels stayed around 35%. With the current theory giving a recommended humidity of 40% to 60%, humidity induction is needed. These induction units are easy to install on the existing system and are controlled by a humidity-level sensor. Dehumidification is needed May through August to maintain recommended levels.

The heating system depends largely on five diffusers which are located in the floors of fireplace fireboxes. There is one each in the family parlor, family dining room, and Mrs. R. E. Lee's morning room, and two in the white parlor. The south wing is similarly heated by a diffuser on the east wall of the conservatory and under 117/W2.

It will be noted here that it is incorrect to install filters under the grills of diffusers as has been done in the past at Arlington House. The filters should be placed under the two grills of the returns in the center hall and in Mrs. R. E. Lee's morning room where there are two small return grills against the north wall. As the house air is filtered when it enters the heating system at the return-air grills, and as the system is closed, it is not necessary to filter the air again where it re-enters the house at the diffusers. Correct operation of this system, however, does depend on clean ducts; as has been already observed here, the ducts in the basement of Arlington House are dirty at present and should be thoroughly vacuumed. After cleaning, fresh filters should be placed beneath the return air grills at least once a month. If these filters on the return appear heavily clogged at the end of a month, they should be changed every two weeks. Regularly replaced filters at the return will ensure clean ducts and clean heat from the diffusers. It is important to remember that there should be nothing impeding the flow of air at the diffusers and that filters at that point will make the heating system inefficient for its designed function and will shorten the life of its moving parts. The ducts should be inspected every year at the diffusers to see if further vacuuming is necessary.

III. It is recommended that a small independent study be conducted documenting the remains of the 1855 heating system installed by the Lees. As has been mentioned, the foundation of the coal-burning furnace was uncovered in B06 during archeological investigation of the base in 1980, and several pieces of the original cast-iron furnace remain in B08. Wall cracks in the center hall and the upstairs hall give some indication of where the hot air duct once ran, but it is not clear whether that duct was dug into the brick bearing wall or whether it ran outside and alongside the north wall and was visible to those in the center hall. It is known that the furnace was ordered in 1855 from a Mr. Heyward [51] in Baltimore, and that it was quickly installed.

Although it is probable that the furnace will not be restored as it is not in a public space and will not be on view to visitors, it would be essential to a complete history of the house to know the working nature and complete appearance of the unit as used by the Lees. While the extant furnace parts show no manufacturer's name or serial numbers, if documentary evidence established the history of the furnace, it may be possible to identify the unit in a trade publication or catalogue of the 1850s period given the appearance of the parts at hand.

IV. Electricity was first installed at Arlington House toward the turn of the century. When the decision was made to restore the house as a museum, many switches, fixtures, and outlets were abandoned, leaving conduit and wiring in place. The condition today is a confusing assemblage of abandoned old wiring, old wiring in use, and various installments of wiring from the War Department restoration to the present. It is recommended that the electrical system at the Arlington House be thoroughly inspected by a qualified engineer and brought as up-to-date as possible. Fortunately, the electrical needs of the Arlington House are minor and uncomplicated, and the system therein should reflect that value. All receptacles in the north wing were rewired in 1981, as has been noted in the existing conditions section.

V. Arlington House has had at least three fire detection systems since the War Department restoration. The first system depended on a hollow wire which, when heated, set off an alarm. The second system relied on detection heads which were located throughout the house, much like the system in use today. This present system, reflecting the latest fire detection technology, was installed in 1976 and relies on a detection head in every space in the house. After several years of observation, the system appears to operate well and with great sensitivity.

There have been suggestions in the past of installing a fire suppression system similar to those at a number of house museums. Such a system relies on accurate detection and activates a rush of fire-suppressing gas that quickly fills the space and extinguishes any fire without damage to the room contents. While this system has many virtues, it is decidedly most practical in a structure where the rooms are small, as at Mount Vernon, where a system was recently installed. Successful operation of the system depends on the rapid compaction of the gas in the space in question; even in small spaces the amount of gas necessary for one activation is considerable and extremely costly. The greatest problem confronting the successful installation of such a system at Arlington House is the large cubic footage of many of the spaces. In the installation of a gas-suppressive system at Arlington House, the amount of stored gas and the system necessary for its proper distribution would be disruptive to the house structure and inordinately expensive. Arlington House's proximity to the Fort Myer Fire Department and the presence of a good detection system within the house create a situation where further fire protection would be difficult to justify. Also, it may be added that once the house electrical system is inspected and brought up to current standards, there will be a minimum of fire hazards at Arlington House. It is the recommendation of this report that the staff of Arlington House work toward reducing fire hazards at the house and grounds and that the further installation of technology be avoided where possible due to its ultimate effect on the historic scene. It is also recommended that the remaining wire from the initial detection system, some of which can still be seen running around the cornices, be removed during the paint removal process.

VI. It has been suggested in the past that an intrusion-alarm system may be needed at Arlington House. These devices are often seen at house museums, institutions, and increasingly in private houses. Arlington House will not have enough interpreters to staff the entire building once the North Wing is reopened; thus, both a nighttime intrusion alarm and a daytime visitor control system should be installed.

VII. There is a real need at Arlington House for effective lighting of artifacts. Due to the design of the house, there are certain spaces which lack sufficient natural lighting, particularly the winter kitchen, the wine cellar, the inner hall (north wing), the family dining room, and parts of the white parlor, to effectively illuminate the artifacts which are crucial to an interpretation of the house and its history. It is recommended that a specialist in historic house lighting be engaged to formulate a system of unobtrusive lighting which would subtly illuminate spaces and objects without intruding into the historic scene. This lighting plan would have to be formulated in connection with the 1978 Furnishings Plan and the renovation of the electrical system. It would also be necessary to provide illumination for the house interior when used at night for an occasional tour or function. Particularly needing special lighting at night are the servants' stairway, the main stairway to the second floor, and the stairway between the cellar stairway hall and the pantry. The most important characteristic of this lighting after its lighting function should be its unobtrusiveness on the historic scene.

VIII. There are a number of paint layering exhibit panels throughout Arlington House, dating from the 1950s, all of which have been noted in the section on existing conditions. Many of these panels were covered by protective sheets of plexiglass which are now yellowed and cracked. Also the frequent repainting of doors, etc., has resulted in paint running under the edges of the sheets. It is our recommendation that all damaged panels be removed and replaced with concealed covers.

IX. Most of the door hardware at Arlington House, as described in the existing conditions, is incomplete and incorrect and should be restored as soon as possible. It has been documented by the house architect of the War Department restoration that almost all locking hardware at Arlington House, with the exception of doors 111/D1, 111/D2, and 111/D3 were reproductions installed in 1929. [52] It is assumed that all hardware was intact at the opening of Arlington House as a memorial and museum and that its deterioration has all taken place since the War Department restoration. At present, many locks are missing knobs, shanks, escutcheon plates, and mortise lock knobs. Some mortise locks are loose and need reattachment, as do some hinges. It is recommended that all hardware at Arlington House be examined, the missing pieces reproduced, and that all be firmly reattached.

X. There are many incidences of visible wear and tear at Arlington House. A good deal of the door casings, particularly in the center half, have been pieced at the bottom and much of the reproduction flooring on the first floor shows cracks, splits above the tongue, and uneven wear patterns. Like visible cracks in the plaster walls, however, those signs of wear should be preserved and jealously guarded as being a valuable part of a house museum. One of the great dangers in the preservation of a historic structure is the tendency to make elements appear too perfect and too new. These appearances of newness are difficult to predict and to control. As a result, it is recommended to preserve all elements, even those which were frank reproductions during the War Department restoration and which have now acquired a certain appearance of age, until that point when they must be replaced to ensure public safety.

XI. An unusual threat to the preservation of Arlington House is present in the regular firing of large guns for practice and ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery and Fort Myer. While it is understood that the firing of these guns is a necessary part of military and cemetery functions, the vibrations of large guns fired near the house are unquestionably damaging to the structure of the house. As has been noted, the primary building material is very poor quality underfired brick and a low-lime content mortar, both of which form an extremely weak structure. The structure formed by these low-quality materials has no tensile strength and can easily be shaken to pieces, little by little, over a long period of time. Also the plaster, most of which is original, can be weakened by the continual and regular vibration of these firings and will eventually come loose from its keys through the wood lath. In consideration of this problem, it is to be remembered that the danger to the house is not that it will one day collapse spontaneously, although that could happen, but rather that, eventually, individual elements and areas will slowly detach and need repair. The kind of deterioration which will occur will be subtle and may not identify itself as a result of the explosive vibrations. It is difficult to assess the extent of damage already sustained by the house from the firing of the guns, but there is no question that some deterioration does occur during each firing in proximity to the house. It is the recommendation of this report that large guns be kept a minimum of 2,000 feet from the house when firing, and be consistently aimed in the opposite direction, and never toward the structure, as is often done today. It is suggested that the site manager continue her personal contacts with the superintendent of Arlington Cemetery to protect Arlington House in the future. It should also be noted that the airplanes flying directly over the house deposit impurities in the air, especially sulfur, that cause exterior paint deterioration and interior artifact damage. On days when the cloud ceiling is low, the noise vibration causes serious plaster damage, such as the fall of the plaster medallion in Mrs. R. E. Lee's morning room (1983) and earlier portico ceiling damage. Some effort should be made to bring this condition to the attention of those who control the flight pattern to and from National Airport.

XII. Both the north and south servants quarters have undergone extensive renovation during the twentieth century. The War Department did a major restoration of the north building in 1929 [53] and opened the summer kitchen to the public. After the National Park Service acquired Arlington House, it was decided that the treatment of the summer kitchen was historically inaccurate. The north servants quarters was extensively reworked, changing it from a two-story to a one-story building. Windows were filled with stone (north face) and the stairways to the former lower floor were buried (south face). The north building is not interpreted today but rather serves the utilitarian purposes of providing space for a bookstore, a storage room, and a women's dressing room for the house guides. The south building, reworked in 1958 [54] presently consists of a large storage room and an interpretive "servants' room." Examination of fabric reveals that there is a good deal of replacement in both buildings. Due to the extensive change wrought on both structures, a detailed examination of either at this time for authenticity is pointless. Should it be decided in the future that the use of either building should change toward a more interpretive function, then an individual historic structure report on either could be effected. It is recommended that both buildings be examined on a bi-annual basis for structural deterioration and possible repair needs. The Custis murals over the exterior doors should be preserved.

XIII. Taken together, the written documentation on the history of Arlington House is unusually small in consideration of the architectural importance of the house and the place in American history of those who inhabited it. No plans, either drafted or written, have ever been found of Arlington House. While it is admittedly rare to find actual building plans, as they were nonreproducible and usually worn-out by the builder, it does seem likely that there would be more extant notations of the house being built and its features in letters, ledgers, sketches, and diaries. However, one must remember that family papers were scattered during army occupation of the grounds, 1861-1865.

There has been an effort to collect documents relating to Arlington House since its opening as a memorial to Robert E. Lee. The greatest period of activity was from 1948 to the mid-1950s when Murray H. Nelligan was historian in residence at the house. Mr Nelligan wrote a doctoral dissertation on life at Arlington House during the tenure of the Custis and Lee families. While this study was weighted toward the social aspects of the subject, Mr. Nelligan did have an interest in the history of the house structure itself and included in his tract whatever information he found on this subject.

For his research, Mr. Nelligan examined Custis and Lee papers in many repositories, including the Library of Congress, the Virginia Historical Society, and Washington and Lee University. Since Mr. Nelligan's work almost thirty years ago, ten depositories have been selected for survey monitoring of collections of documents related to Arlington House and its occupation. Two of these surveys have been completed and are due for updating; funding is being sought for continuation of this project. Documentary information is incorporated into the site historic data file on a continuing basis. As it is difficult to interpret the results of fabric investigations without accompanying written documentation, it is strongly recommended that a resource study be undertaken to revisit the known repositories of Custis and Lee material, to search out other papers, and to continue and expand acquisition of complete copies of known documents. See Appendix V for recommended sources.

XIV. It is recommended that future preservation work at Arlington House follow a regular maintenance plan under the guidance of an exhibits specialist engaged to have this site as his/her primary responsibility. Past work at the house has been undertaken after it was long overdue in many cases. The philosophy of repairing many diverse problems periodically, as has been the case at Arlington House in the past, is not a responsible solution to the preservation of such an important, as well as highly visible, resource as Arlington House.

XV. As noted previously, the north and south wing roofs are covered with an experimental membrane installed over plywood sheathing in 1974. At this time, it is recommended that these roof areas be recoated with this same membrane material and be top coated every 1 to 2 years or as recommended by the manufacturer. If a more durable roofing material is available in the future it should be investigated to determine its compatibility with the existing roofing system.

XVI. It is recommended that a complete study of the loading capacity of the south staircase be made and necessary stabilization be performed. The load limit of the staircase for both the south and north stairs should be established.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

I. INTERIOR FINISHES

A. Perform complete paint study and paint analysis of each room.

B. Establish paint samples of layering in situ and preserve complete sample of physical fabric in each unique area.

C. All painting to be done to follow recommendations based on valid paint study.

D. Cover paint layering panel exhibits (c. 1940 and 1950) with concealed cover and place near samples in unobtrusive location.

E. Provide conservation treatment for wallpaper and cover with protective covering in situ.

II. HEATING SYSTEM

A. Perform complete climate control study.

B. Experiment with controlled installation of room humidifiers and dehumidifiers based on need established by study in progress.

C. Install fire dampers in basement ducts.

D. Devise and install inconspicuous hoods for existing fireplace diffusers.

E. Put heating filters only in return-air grills, not under the diffusers.

F. Change return-air filters regularly.

G. Thoroughly clean duct system.

H. Inspect ducts for dirt once a year.

III. INVESTIGATE 1855 HEATING SYSTEM

A. Study furnace, ducts, vents.

B. Restore 19th century vent covers visible in 1861 as near as possible to original locations (eg. White Parlor, Center Hall, Upper Hall).

C. Restore all other physically visible sections of 1855 system in exhibit areas.

IV. HOUSE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

A. Inspect electrical system. Repair, rewire, and upgrade to meet standards.

V. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

A. Test fire alarm system yearly; replace malfunctioning heads with Pyron #D1-4A.

VI. SECURITY SYSTEM

A. Install comprehensive security system integrated with security systems for all other site buildings and to meet specific daytime/nighttime security needs of this site. Also upgrade staff and guard force training and performance to fully complement security system.

VII. HOUSE LIGHTING

A. Develop unobtrusive total lighting plan for house maintaining respect for historic light levels and practices.

B. Improve exterior lighting:

1. Install more sophisticated lighting system.

2. Upgrade nighttime security.

VIII. HARDWARE

A. Study hardware collection located at Arlington House and recommend restoration of hardware in use in 1861 or general hardware similar to that in use in 1861.

B. All hardware (except on doors 111/D1, 111/D2, and 111/D3) should be evaluated and if not accurate to 1861 period be replaced with hardware proper to the period of interpretation.

IX. REPAIR WING AND CENTER ROOFS

A. Inspect and repair as needed center section of slate roof. Set up on-going maintenance plan.

B. Inspect and repair wing roofs and set up on-going maintenance plan.

X. MAINTENANCE

A. Prepare maintenance plan to insure effectiveness of work performed by site and park staff.

XI. FUTURE WORK

A. During all work at Arlington House exercise great care to protect and record all historic fabric, and perform all investigations on existing fabric that would be meaningful in interpreting the house.

SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS - NORTH WING

CELLAR STAIR HALL (ROOM B01)

A. Retain existing brick floor.

B. Remove riser and tread coverings on stairway.

C. Repair, stabilize, and refinish risers and treads where necessary.

D. Install new protective material on treads and risers; material to blend with the historic ambiance of the house — painted canvas is suggested.

WINTER KITCHEN (ROOM B02)

A. Stabilize archeological excavations.

B. Investigate how archeological features can be interpreted.

C. Verify stability of chimney. If stabilization is required, careful records must be made of all evidence of chimney construction and effort made to date the physical fabric, interior, and exterior of this chimney. If extensive stabilization work is required, investigate and restore flues and chimney block to safe functioning condition.

WINE CELLAR (ROOM B03)

A. Patch walls as needed; match existing material. Preserve original fabric in situ.

B. Install hard clay floor leaving brick sill in place under reproduction wine rack. Retain rack along East wall concealing pipes.

C. Date construction of flue and if present before 1861 restore appearance.

D. Treat ceiling joists and ceiling as recommended in valid paint study.

PANTRY (ROOM 101)

A. Remove 101/D2; install window similar to 101/W2.

B. Install removable cover over exposed brick pier and at exposed junction of loggia and main block.

C. Install removable or see through cover over area now exposing infill North wall of flanker and brick pier of loggia beneath peg board.

D. Restore missing pegs to pegboard.

E. Install electric lights in pantry garret sufficient to illuminate for maintenance and full examination.

BATH AND WATER CLOSET (ROOMS 102 and 103)

A. Restore all missing paneling. Match existing paneling; reuse historic material where possible.

SCHOOL AND SEWING ROOM (ROOM 104)

A. Remove canvas from mantel. Using paint study, attempt to establish date of mantel installation. Restore mantel to 1861 appearance, if possible.

B. Verify stability of chimney between Room 104 and 106. Treatment will be same as item C under winter kitchen.

C. Install door in 104/D2 opening; match 104/D3. If original is not available, complete study of period shutters and shutter boxes.

D. Strip paint from panel beads on west face of door 104/D1 after paint study is completed.

INNER HALL (NORTH WING) (ROOM 105)

A. Provide conservation treatment for wallpaper and cover with protective covering in situ.

B. Mortar in place loose bricks over lintel of 105/D1.

C. Install removable cover over all of chimney breast and a small (2') cover over east face of west cheek wall (the original south wall of north wing). Also place a small cover over early partition patch showing wallpaper fragment between window 105/W1 and door 105/D1. This illustrates the former partition before wallpaper; it is an example of sequential evidence.

D. Remove fire extinguisher support from south wall.

E. Cover stove pipe holes with period or reproduction covers.

F. Install six-panel door in 105/D1 opening if period door is not available.

CUSTIS CHAMBER (ROOM 106)

A. Restore mantel; retain as much original fabric as possible — reproduce missing parts to match original appearance.

B. Install removable cover over entire east wall.

C. Install six-panel door in opening 106/D4; use original if possible.

CLOSET (ROOM 106A)

A. Carefully remove all unstable paint after paint study is completed and samples and preservation area established.

B. Cover all holes where plaster has been removed by covering with mylar.

C. Remove sufficient plaster on East wall to reveal cornice scar and molding scar of earlier room decor. This should be done in conjunction with paint study. This will make possible fabric interpretation of early square parlor.

CUSTIS GUEST CHAMBER (ROOM 107)

A. Provide conservation treatment for wallpaper and cover with protective covering in situ.

B. Install period or reproduction covers over all stove holes.

C. Cover heater and retain; blend unobtrusively into wall treatment.

CONNECTING ROOM (ROOM 108B) BETWEEN INNER HALL (NORTH WING) AND FAMILY PARLOR

A. Carefully remove all unstable paint after paint study is completed.

B. Patch walls and ceilings as necessary.

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FURTHER WORK SUGGESTED FOR MAIN BLOCK AND SOUTH WING

CELLAR UNDER CENTRAL HALL (ROOM B06)

A. Install fire dampers in ducts passing through walls.

CELLAR UNDER STORE ROOM (ROOM B09)

A. Remove obsolete standpipe and firehose accordion.

CELLAR UNDER OFFICE AND STUDY (ROOM B10A)

A. Install porcelain light fixtures; connect to existing system.

BATH AND WATER CLOSET (ROOM 102 AND 103)

A. Have specialist examine and evaluate physical fabric for evidence of specific features of bathroom and water closet and historic evidence dating wall arrangement between room 102 and 103 in 1861.

FAMILY DINING ROOM (ROOM 109)

A. Examine plaster for any evidence of murals.

NORTH STAIR HALL (ROOM 110)

A. Reattach baseboard on west wall.

B. Remove fire extinguisher supports.

C. Remove abandoned outlet; piece baseboard.

D. Restore arches to their 1861 appearance.

CENTER HALL (ROOM 111)

A. Repair, restore, and clean existing Custis murals; identify 1861 plaster surface and search for location of additional Custis murals.

B. Monitor south arch for movement.

C. Locate and examine air duct from 1855 furnace located in north wall. Restore air duct if sufficient evidence of its 1861 appearance is found and restore vent and vent cover.

WHITE PARLOR (Room 112)

A. Reconstruct mouth of fireplaces to 1861 appearance.

B. Repair casing on 112/D3 (NE door to Center Hall).

C. Restore floor register from 1855 furnace.

D. Analyze original wall surfaces for possible location of historic lighting fixtures during preparation for next painting.

E. Repair baseboards around mantels.

SOUTH STAIR HALL (Room 113)

A. Resurface west wall to 1861 finish.

B. Remove abandoned receptacle; piece baseboard.

STORE ROOM (ROOM 114)

A. Remove c. 1940 closet (Room 114A). Record all physical evidence to establish features associated with loggia and flanker.

B. Research to expose physical fabric to date construction of loggia and construction of flanker.

C. Paint study should be implemented during restoration before destruction of paint evidence and loss of opportunity dating features.

D. Restore 1861 physical features.

MRS. R.E. LEE'S MORNING ROOM (ROOM 115)

A. Install period marble mantel similar to mantels in Room 112. Check and record physical evidence revealed in this work (wall paper was found behind mantel in 1930s).

B. Restore hearth stone to its original size.

C. Complete study of historic period shutters and shutter boxes. Construct and install interior shutters in existing shutter boxes using period or reproduction hardware.

OFFICE AND STUDY (ROOM 117)

A. Complete shutter study. Construct and install interior shutters and shutter boxes with period or reproduction hardware.

B. Make stove removable for summer season and supply period or reproduction stovepipe hole cover.

STAIRWAYS

A. Reattach moldings on main and servants' stairs.

B. Maintain loading control to recommended levels.

C. Monitor cracks.

UPSTAIRS HALL (ROOM 201)

A. Monitor ceiling; preserve in place if necessary.

B. Research and restore physical evidence of 1855 furnace system visible in 1861. Record all physical evidence revealed in work.

C. Verify engineering studies and loading capacity.

SMALL CHAMBER (ROOM 205)

A. Replace missing shelf.

B. Record all physical evidence revealed during work. Datable paint sequences may be present; plaster over opening.

LEE BOYS' CHAMBER (ROOM 206)

A. Install new baseboard. Match existing baseboard; use historic material if possible.

B. Bevel baseboard against mantel legs as in Room 203 treatment.

C. Remove door 206/D2 to Lee Boys' Chamber which was not in place in 1861. It was walled up by Mrs. Lee in 1857. Plaster over opening. Record all physical evidence.

COLONEL AND MRS. R.E. LEE'S CHAMBER (ROOM 207)

A. Install period mantel similar to mantels in rooms 203, 204, and 206.

B. Establish loading capacity of truss.

C. Restore stove pipe hole for heating stove and restore period c. 1855 stove and stove pipe.

GARRET STAIRS

A. Remove fire extinguisher hooks.

B. Reattach moldings and replace tread.

C. Stabilize bannister.

D. Check ceiling for cause of paint peeling.

GARRET STAIR LANDING ROOM (ROOM 300)

A. Repair 300/D1; replace lock stile and hinges.

MAIN BLOCK GARRET (ROOM 301)

A. Monitor roof system.

NORTH AND SOUTH WING GARRET AND NORTH AND SOUTH WING LOGGIA GARRET

A. Install light fixtures; all wiring to be in conduit.

EXTERIOR

A. Continue to monitor moisture level of basement walls.

B. Use type #2 Portland cement for stucco resurfacing.

C. Restore stairway to 101/D1 to its 1861 appearance.

D. Verify stairway to 111/D1 is the historic configuration.

E. Install shutters on 111/W1, 111/D1, and 111/W2. Restore their 1861 color and texture.

F. Monitor pavers on portico floor and replace when wear requires with reproduction pavers which closely match historic payers c. 1851.

G. Remove flagpole in front of portico; negotiate with cemetery for proper location.

H. Restore all exterior shutters to 1861 paint color and texture and rehang with original hardware.

I. Replace all damaged window glass with glass cut to size from 19th century glass stored in site collection for this purpose. Retain in study collection the original glass that is removed.

J. Reglaze all windows and install ultraviolet filtering film.

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