The next steps were to work on the huts themselves. Black Locust trees were cut for the base logs, and large diameter oak logs for making shingles were bought from a local sawmill and given by Lewis Morris County Park. Supply of oak, walnut, locust, and sassafrass that is clear and straight continues to be a problem, but enough was found to get started.
The first hut was lifted using mechanical jacks, and
four decayed logs were removed. Two logs that had slight rot to the
ends were repaired in place (middle photo). Four new logs of black locust
were cut and fit to each other and the logs above on the back and chimney
sides.
Roofing material was the next challenge. All of the historical evidence supported the architect's original decision (in 1964) to use 4 foot long split shingles of oak. In the end, cedar had been used. Only one supplier was found that could meet our needs in either (Lost Creek Industries, Oregon). While that search was underway, we started making our own shingles of oak.
Although the reproduction 18th-century mauls and wedges
were not yet ready, sledge hammers & steel wedges along with wooden
'gluts' did the same job for us.
Once the billets were thin enough, they were then riven
into shingles. Right photo courtesy of Scott Shepherd
Before the first roof could be installed, the chinking mortar and chimney lining had to be removed and replaced. As expected, the 'dechinking' was hard, tedious work. Fortunately, the 2nd NJ Regiment stepped in, and with a few others, did in one weekend what would have otherwise been four weeks worth of work for the exhibit specialist if he had worked alone.
Using a combination of tools the mortar & lathe was
chipped, pounded and pulled out from between the logs.
The one problematic chimney and fireplace was taken
down as well. See deconstruction story about on the Morristown
NHP News page.
As the Fall of 2002 approached, two roofs were removed and it looked like the first new roof would finally go on. However, additional rot was found in the upper logs that had to be stablized. Further, once the volunteers learned what we understood to be the original roofing system of 1779, they encouraged us to show it in the exhibit huts if at all possible. This required logs to be extended, but using a combination of woodcraft and modern conservation techniques, it proved possible and we forged ahead with it.
Prudential volunteers begin the process of coating the cedar shingles for the first hut with a water repellent. (The oak shingles will go on the next hut). They also helped install the new roof pole and first row of shingles very much in the same manner the soldiers at Morristown did in 1779-80.. |  |
Site Content:
Project Goals & Objectives (intro)
Overview of Initial Work (page 1)
Advancing into the Past (page 2)
Tools of the Trade (page 3)
Participating at the Pennsylvania Line (page 4)
Contact: Mathew Grubel
Morristown National Historical Park (973) 539-2016
Note: The project is on indefinate hold as of Dec. 2003
You are still welcome to contact me via direct e-mail
here.
Revision Date: 7/19/2004