The Story of the Lost Dramatic Sweep.
I really really really wanted the Great Sweep back and uninterrupted.
So, today, we removed the 6×6 post (you can see it sitting on the porch floor, above).
Lest we be thought of as damn fools, here is why we did what we did…
FOR THE STRUCTURAL GEEK
Some careful structural sleuthing revealed two sets of triple 2×12 ceiling joists, in a V-pattern, going all the way from the dining room wall, across the living room ceiling, then resting on the exterior wall, and continuing to the edge of the porch roof, where they are supported by the pair of columns to the left, and the remaining single column to the right (there was a pair originally). Between these triple 2×12 beams, and at the porch edge above the columns, is a huge beam at a right angle.
Anyway, what all this means is that I suspected the new 6×6 post was not necessary. So, today, Justin braved removing it. And the porch did sag. A quarter inch. Then stopped.
Whoee!
The limestone plinth will also now be removed. The mason, the intrepid John, assures me he can remove it in one piece(!), and relocate it over to the carriage house, where it will support a corner of a new porch. So, cool.
The missing porch railings are being restored as this is written. In a few months they will also return, and then I will order the spindles (I have some originals but need to have many more made).
And I am counting the days until the curved lattice returns!!!!!!!!!!!
And, to offer a tantalizing idea of just how incredibly deliciously wondrously and excitedly FABULOUS the Great Sweep will be once recreated:
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That is so awesome, love it!
Great work, bringing back the Great Sweep! It is a thing of beauty!
Man you have some really great photo’s of your home. Nice shot of the carriage house here.
Kudos to Bob. He did a great job of recreating a plinth like the original.
That is very interesting. There an 1885 Victorian in our neighborhood with a similar curved porch and an extra-wide space between columns in the center of the curve. I had always assumed a column had gone missing, but now after seeing yours, perhaps it was designed that way from the beginning.
And yes, the duplication of the limestone details on the added plinth is impressive!
Great news, and it makes me especially happy that you get to reuse Bob’s very nice stonework.
And, I’m heading to a vintage lighting store this week to complete and un-renovate 2 fixtures; wish me luck!