Historic restoration and preservation of timber framed structures is a timber framer’s dream job. Not only do we get to do timber frame work, we usually get access to parts of historic buildings not generally seen. When most people enter a historic building, they look at the living or working spaces and want to envision the day to day lives of the past inhabitants. We immediately want to see the crawlspace, the basement, and the attic. That is usually where we can find old timbers. Discovering hand-hewn timbers, marriage marks, types of joints, trusses and styles can teach us a lot about the structure and who built it. We can often identify the species of trees used and determine why it was selected. In many cases we can get an idea of where the carpenters were from and when the building was built by the style of construction. Historic restoration gives us a connection to the past and the workers who came before us.
Bethabara restoration work at Historic Bethabara Park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina involves ongoing preservation and reconstruction of the Moravian settlement buildings. Bethabara was the first Moravian settlement in the North Carolina piedmont. Founded by German-speaking Moravians in 1753, Bethabara became … Continued
The historic Union County Courthouse in Monroe, North Carolina was built in 1886. This postcard shows the original structure. In 1922 the building was expanded, adding wings on the north and south sides. The same architectural details were utilized, giving … Continued
In 1766, William and Martha Bratton purchased 200 acres in present-day York County, South Carolina which is now known as Brattonsville Historic District. The area includes three homes that were built between 1776 and 1855. In July 1780, during the … Continued
A rail depot restoration was a recent historic project for us in Bishopville, South Carolina. Bishopville was home to prosperous cotton farmers in the early 19th century. In the late 1880s the railroad came to town, and Bishopville became a … Continued
Historic restoration and preservation of timber framed structures is a timber framer’s dream job. Not only do we get to do timber frame work, we usually get access to parts of historic buildings not generally seen. The clock tower in … Continued
Marriage marks were used in timber frame construction as reference points, to identify pieces that fit together in the frame or for the positioning of peg holes. Most commonly used in the 18oos and earlier, marks were etched into the … Continued
Preserving historic structures is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a timber framer. So,we were thrilled to be contacted about rebuilding the Pine Mountain State Park timber frame pavilion in Kentucky. The park opened in 1924 as Kentucky’s … Continued
We never know what to expect, but we’re glad for the interesting woodworking projects that come our way… St. John’s Lutheran Church was built in 1859. It is the most notable historic timber frame structure in Walhalla, South Carolina.Hiding behind the … Continued
