Gadzooks! PART II.
In my previous Gadzooks post, I showed images of an incredible discovery. Above the circa-1921 plaster ceiling in the carriage house kitchen, sitting atop the joists, are shellacked boards. Huh?
Is this an original 1894 feature?
Or were the boards repurposed during the circa-1921 conversion?
Linda sent in a link to the carriage house of the Naper Settlement Museum. In the very upper left corner you can see what might match the discovery in my carriage house. Thanks, Linda!
Today, I knocked on the door of 831 Constitution in Emporia. “Hello! Can I look at the ceiling in your carriage house?” And the untouched interior of the 1896 carriage house, designed by the same architect as the Cross structures, reveals ceiling joists topped by boards which appear to have some kind of finish on them.
This seems to settle the question.
The shellacked boards atop my kitchen joists are likely original.
As such, they would be the only original 1894 interior bits I have found in the structure.
Stay tuned…
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Is the shellac to protect the wood?
I don’t know!
Ah… another mystery.
Exciting!
I find it interesting that this ceiling is promoted currently on this example. They list rationale for use and even with today’s buildings, this makes sense. Just for fun check out….. https://www.hardieboysinc.com/tongue-and-groove-soffit/ It is fun to see this updated version so close to yours!
Are they visible on the top?
If you dont treat the top and bottom of a board the same way, you can get lots of warping.
If they’re shellacked on top for any reason they maybe finished on the bottom so that they absorb humidity equally.
I hadn’t thought of that. But it makes perfect sense. I expect the tops that cannot be seen are also treated as if they were going to warp, they certainly would have done it by now.
Well, I guess now you won’t have to tear up the floors and reposition the boards.
What was the reaction when you knocked on the door and asked to see the ceiling of their carriage house? Obviously, they let you since you have photos, but how amused were they? Did they know who you were and about your restoration of The Cross House?
I had never thought of it, but it makes sense…as a carriage house, it would likely have had horses kept in it, and the wood ceiling above them would have been subjected to not only humidity, but other fumes as well. Sealing the wood would not only protect it from warping, but also from absorbing unpleasant odors…
I think they repurposed. Like modern day recycling. Even my mom’s generation ( she is 88) was taught to never throw anything out that could be used again for something else in the future! I love the work being done on the carriage house and know there is a ever present deadline for the Cody man but…..
I miss the BIG house.
And….how is your present abode coming along in the remodel???? So many pans in the fire!!!!
Interesting finds and to learn what was done so long ago. Never a dull moment!! Thanks for sharing!
“They don’t make things like they used to” So true! 🙂