The Cross House

In a previous post I discussed my efforts to paint the 1894 Cross House in a historically accurate manner. From day one, I was curious as to what the original exterior colors were. However, this seemed an impossible question to answer as the previous owner had removed ALL the old exterior paint from the house….

Last August, I did a post about a titanic battle between Good Ross and Evil Ross. Before continuing this current post, I urge that you read the previous post, otherwise this new post will not have much meaning. I will have a sip of wine while you catch up….         OK! Finished with…

          As I recreated the lost diamond windows on the west dormer, I will recreate the lost details on the north gable windows. I believe that such small details collectively help to make great old houses gorgeous old houses. All old houses, over time, lose bits and pieces of their original beauty. And…

I have done a series of posts about how to repair the pocket doors of the Cross House. There are three pairs of doors, and one WIDE door. Only one pair opened/closed smoothly, all the others were a tug-of-war. I am a deep believer in not having to do battle with my house, and like…

                              It is rare that a historic home is repainted in its original colors. Most historic home owners go for a “painted lady” effect. And/or most owners select colors which they like. In a million years I would not have selected…

  The rooms are: Three vestibules Receiving Room Grand Hall Telephone Closet South Hall Dining Room Most of the Lincrusta in intact. I have small areas with missing Lincrusta (the red lines in the above image). The two larger areas are in the dining room (where water damage over decades ruined a section about 4-feet…

            I have NO idea how to reattach all these bits, and am hoping to receive expert advice from you. I assume that I will have to lay out all the bits, on a HOT day, in the driveway so the bits can kinda melt back into a flat shape…

  I do not have a fear of heights, blessedly, but I freak out and get knobby knees and a quivering stomach if I am HIGH up on shaky scaffolding, and without railings. I just can’t do it. No way, man! Yesterday, before we finished the tippy-top level, I stood up there to see if…