Misfortune is no respecter of persons. The same holds true for old houses. Take a very close look at the base of the column to the right of the doorway at Hayes Farm in Edenton, NC and you will notice something missing.
Last fall it was discovered that the column base had (ahem!) seen better days. Enter Andrew Ownbey and the team at Down East Preservation, who immediately began researching to find the correct materials, and more importantly, the best craftsmen, to replicate the base and repair the breach.
In the meantime, one might say that the fate of the column hung in the balance - though technically the process was completely safe and effective with the pair of jacks and the sturdy timbers supporting the roof of the waterside portico while the column was missing a very important piece of itself.
Team member Wade Rogers holds what was left of the culprit, which was soon carted off for reference purposes to The County Wheelwright, whose services had been engaged to craft the new base.
Sourcing the best materials and the most qualified craftsmen for projects such as this one is no easy task for preservationists, but Ownbey and team have, time and again, risen to the challenge on behalf of Hayes, which is rapidly making progress toward a full restoration that will be open to all as a North Carolina State Historic Site.
Ownbey’s attention extended to the reinstallation as well, which, I am happy to report, was a success.
At the end of the day, all is well on the back portico at Hayes, which overlooks a lovely view stretching out to Edenton Bay. Taking care to handle misfortune with patience and a commitment to doing a thing correctly has been a hallmark of the restoration process at Hayes.
Stay tuned for more updates from this exciting project as winter stretches toward spring. This story is far from over.
Photos courtesy of Sam Dixon, Andrew Ownbey, and Wade Rogers.
It is just amazing what they are doing out at Hayes. I enjoy keeping up with the progress.
Wonderful restoration!