Putting The Past Back. Part II.
The library, 1999. Looking into the parlor. The image was taken by Bob Rodak after he removed one of the two 1950s motel bathrooms which had been installed at the north end of the library. While the original trim to the large opening had been retained IN the demolished bathroom, its trim to the left had been removed so a closet could be installed. Image by Bob Rodak.
After a third-floor fire, Bob gutted the water-damaged library to the studs. The extant trim to the large opening was removed, marked LBRY, and stored in the basement. Image by Bob Rodak.
After buying the house in 2014, I installed bookshelves around the opening, so its missing trim was not an issue.
In 2022, Cody suggested partially removing the shelving on this west wall, to allow breathing space for the mantel. I thought this a good idea, and decided to remove ALL the west shelving.
Today.
The door trim has a history.
Beginning bottom left: This plinth block (and its mate, right) are now in their third location in the house. They were originally from the second floor as they retain their ‘oak’ faux bois finish. During the 1929 alterations to the house (to convert it into apartments) the plinth blocks were relocated to a new door opening to a newly closed-in sleeping porch. The new door had originally been a window and did not, as such, have plinth blocks. Recently, I removed the blocks as all the missing plinth blocks to the library are no longer in the house. I will paint the blocks to match the ‘cherry’ faux bois finish.
Left vertical trim: This trim retains its original ‘cherry’ faux bois finish, now restored. The trim board was (I believe) originally to the right side of the opening, as seen in the 1999 image.
Top left: This plinth block (and its mate, right) are not from the house, but were gifted to the project a few years back by Megan. They closely match the original plinth blocks. I have stripped them to bare pine, and will recreate the 1894 faux bois finish.
Top: This comprises two 1894 trim boards. The longer one is, I believe, seen in the 1999 image, and was actually over to the right. After its finish is restored I will install it in its original location. Because I love that kinda stuff. The shorter board was in the basement and marked LBRY but I have no idea as to its original location. I had to cut about 6-inches off to fit this location.
Right vertical trim: This had been ripped in two, lengthwise. So, what was originally about 5-inches wide is now half that. I have both ripped lengths but do not know where they had been installed. The original board had, I suspect, been the left side 1894 vertical trim to this opening, as they are the correct length. Because of my shelving though a full-width trim board (right) would not fit so I can actually use one of the half-width boards! Incredible! It is a bit too narrow but that can be easily rectified by gluing on a narrow wood strip.
When all this work is done the opening will, for the first time in almost a century, closely resemble how it looked in 1894.
I have other original library trim which is being used to case out the north door, which I returned to its original location last year.
(NOTE: I do not have the missing original upper/lower plinth blocks to the library. I will reach out to Bob to see if he has them.)
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Wonderful transformation!
What a puzzle! The end is near! Awesome job!
Looking great!
Fingers crossed Bob comes through again.
Well done, Ross! Excellent result!
Oh wow. I love this kind of stuff. Thank you for taking the time to walk us back through the history of the room again.