Montpelier Restoration Update - 3/5/2008

Plastering

The masons have applied a finish coat to the ceilings and a majority of the walls in M-118 (Nelly’s Chamber) as well as the ceiling in M-001 (Dolley’s kitchen) and M-002 (North Wing Cellar Passage). They are also troweling on the finished brown coat in M-106 (North Passage).

 

Hardware

To repair the mortises cut into the historic doors by the duPonts for their locks, Keith Forry is installing dutchmen in the mortise pockets. New locks, designed after evidence found on the doors, are currently being built and will be installed as they are made.

 

Painting

Dino C. has finished priming the woodwork in M-105 (Dining Room). Work also continues on preparing M-104 (Mr. Madison’s Room) for painting.

 

M-109 (South Passage)

Gene Lyman continues to install the paneling in M-109 (North Passage). He has started to install the last of the paneling on the west elevation.

 

M-110 (South Stair)

Mac Ward continues to work on the railing and is fitting the nosing for the landing.

 

M-111 (Back Chamber)

Keith Forry has installed the corner board on the chimney stack. The trim for this room is now finished.

 

M-114 (Vaulted Closet)

Shelves, based on scars found in the brickwork, are being installed in the closet by Ed Gomez. The new shelves are made out of heart pine.

 

M-003 (North Cellar)

Thomas Tyler continues to install the beaded boards that form the partitions in the North Cellar.

 

M-008 (South Cellar Passage)

Olivier Dupont-Huin has installed most of the bead-boards for the south cellar stair enclosure. His next step will be to install the stair stringers.

 

Exterior

Landscape architect John James has started to stake out the restored grade level. Each of the stakes is marked with the height of the new grade and they will be used as guides when the new earth fill is brought in. The height of the restored grade was determined through evidence found on the foundation of the Mansion as well as archeology.