Ann Bennett from Knox Historical Zoning Commission and Randall De Ford, my architect came over today to look at recent progress. It’s probably a great day for them to be over, because I think this is just about the low water mark of the house. Trenches are all dug out, the lathe has all been removed, and Simon was yanking up the carpet downstairs when we arrived late in the afternoon.Randall burst my bubble about the house. He looked where the northwest chimney was and pointed out where some 2x4s were covering up a seam in the roof. He was absolutely right. Argh!!! That means the roof sheathing is likely original to the house and was patched when the old chimney was removed. Sigh. The old chimney could easily have been removed at the same time the bathrooms were added, especially because the roof sheathing under the bathrooms is a mix of old plank lumber and newer dimensional lumber.
We also observed that there was a gas lighting system in the house – one light in each of the rooms downstairs, and one in what was the old main entry hall. Knob and tube wiring ran most of the house, and the 220V system had separate, flexible wiring. All old. Seems to indicate that there was a gas system in the house first, then an electrical system later. Have to ponder that for a while.
Still a mystery. I’m back to thinking there was only one significant renovation – 1924, when the chimney was removed, the main entry hallway removed and living room created, the bathrooms added on upstairs, and the electrical system was wired. I can’t quite explain when the gas lighting system was installed.
Also looked at the basement and decided the wine cellar will best live under the den / dining room.
