Hearthside - The House That Love Built

Restoration Projects—Large and Small—Completed at Hearthside

Some very familiar sights at Hearthside over the past year are missing. This is actually good news, as it signals that some serious restoration work has been completed. Click here for more information about our Projects.

Rebuilding Steps and a Drainage System

The first is that for several months, beginning last winter, there was a very large construction tent covering half of the south wall and stairs to the back of the house. That project, which started as masonry repair, soon led into a major excavation, and a huge gapping hole, along the south wall to determine why the wall was bowing, the masonry cracking, and the stairs sinking. After extensive analysis, it was discovered that the drainage system below the foundation was faulty and needed to be rebuilt. Fortunately for the RI Historic Preservation Grant that had been received in 2003 to do the masonry repair, we were able to address the necessary repairs to the system, and rebuild the steps to the back of the house. The result is now a much more efficient underground drainage system, a much easier staircase to climb to enter the back of the house, and an attractive cobblestone apron and walkway leading to the steps. Of course, while we were able to get that problem solved, it did leave us short of money to do the original work we had gotten the grant for. So, we went back to the Commission with another grant application, and were once again fortunate enough to receive a grant award, making it possible to finish off the rest of the exterior restoration. This work will commence in the spring.

Side Portico

One of the most prominent architectural features of Hearthside is its curved ogee roofline, which is duplicated on the roofline of the portico on the south side of the house. Sadly, the portico has been in dire need of repair, with rotting columns and the decorative beadwork being very noticeable.

Thanks to a grant from The Champlin Foundations, the portico has now been fully restored to its original beauty. The beadwork was recreated by the skilled preservation carpenters of Heritage Restoration, Inc. Instead of building new columns, the original columns were restored, after having been found in storage in Hearthside’s basement. The portico was last repaired by Andrew Mowbray some 40 years ago.

Buggy

An antique buggy that has graced the front lawn of Hearthside for the past few years and used as a prop in many family photos, has disappeared from the scene. Those who have visited Hearthside may have noticed that the buggy was in dire need of repair and was about to fall to pieces. Using funds raised during our events, Friends of Hearthside voted to have the popular buggy restored. Now, after two months, the buggy has been restored and brought back to its original beauty. But, you won’t see it on the front lawn until good weather arrives. The buggy is being kept in the barn and will only be brought out when it will not be subjected to the destructive nature of inclement weather.

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