WHILE I'M ON THE SUBJECT OF BRICK

While we had the mason here, we hired him to build an outdoor fireplace.  

I drew a picture and he capably followed my novice design to a T.

It was July,

and it was hot,

but 3 half-days of work later.....

                We have a stunning chimney; the centerpiece of a beautiful outdoor gathering spot.
(I'll let you in on a little special feature....the key at the top of the arch was cut from the original 1907 sidewalk leading to the front door.)

October 2014 - Ready for guests

CURB APPEAL

    We have been so excited seeing how the recent brick work has turned out.  In addition to the driveway pillars, we had the mason fashion a circular bed in the center front yard.  Originally there was a larger circle.  Our smaller brick bed is something of a nod to the home's past (a larger circle would have meant today's vehicles would have difficulty manuevering around the drive).

Finishing off the inside of the circular bed

As seen from the front door

                     Our house 3 years ago , here, was equated with the Amittyville horror house.

Pillars and circle are complete, making for a somewhat grand entrance.  The house takes on an entirely new persona.

AS YOU WERE, CONTINUED

The brick work began.  

We trusted the brickwork to Alan Swan and are thrilled with the results.

    Work began in the front where original brick, salvaged from fallen chimneys, was used to errect brick pillars alongside the entrance.  All we had to go on was the original brick footprint of the pillars and a small photograph c. 1910 of the house at a distance.  Basing our decision upon the style of the time (1907), we decided upon a stone cap and a simple brick pillar.

Going up!

Left pillar

Right pillar

 

AS YOU WERE

   When we purchased this house back in 2011, many of its original architectural features were severely damaged, missing, or hidden.  Discovering clues to the house's past, we have been able to resurrect, replace or reproduce porch posts, balusters, a 1/2 round window,  and a diamond pane window over the course of 3 years.

An old post found in the basement at purchase

One of 12 reproduced posts

Installing replicated balusters

Looking good but a long way to go

3rd floor 1/2 round covered by a rectangular storm window

Newly made 1/2 round

New window installed in studio space on 3rd floor

Reclaimed window for dining room

Diamond paned window installed and trimmed

        This discovery has been at the back of my mind ever since my shovel hit the brick over a year ago.  The time arrived this August to do something about the brick.....the last of the BIG projects to restore this Hawthorne house.

To be continued.....

EUREKA !

    In clearing the sidewalk in the front yard yesterday I made a discovery. 

 Remnants of a brick foundation were buried beneath the soil on either side of the sidewalks along the driveway.

We knew, based on a photo of the house in 1910, that there were columns by the entrance to the yard.  Finding the buried brick shows us exactly where we should rebuild the columns.

Oure Hawthorne house is the first house on the left

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

This all seems like a distant memory.

What used to be this is now a cozy spot on a cold evening.

The fire is so delightful.

Side note: The antique firescreen was a Christmas gift from my sweet husband.  It fit as if it were made for this spot.

WHAT'S THE POINT?

    I learned something new this morning.  As we worked to repair the porch steps, we discovered some loose and missing bricks in the piers .  What I learned was how to mix mortar and how to tuck point bricks.  Kinda fun.

Mixing mortar

Mortar on the cleaned brick

Mortar side of brick to be added

Place brick and move slowly to level

Re-pointed brick prior to cleaning face

Attempt to match the old points on the original pier

Certainly I need more practice, but it's good to know I may have some level of skill when it comes time to repair the old brick fish pond or constructing a brick patio (both tasks I have put on my 

TO DO list for the future).

BEFORE & AFTER

   I am a fan of the before and after shot, especially when there is such a dramatic change.   There will be many such comparisons with this house.   Here is just one to get started...

BASEMENT WINDOWS...BEFORE

BASEMENT WINDOWS...AFTER

 

The windows are new replacement windows and the brick bays we have had built using the old brick from the collapsing chimneys.  We think the brick mason did a great job matching the style of the original foundation.  Not only has this renovation resulted in a more pleasing aesthetic, but also it has made the house more secure and protected from rains.

* Note : The drip cap and trim above the windows is also new.  Large sections of the original trim had rotted due to long time water damage (see the repair here).  We had the original trim duplicated and Wallace, Donnie and I installed it.

BRICK BY BRICK

    Slowly (because the weather has been rainy and progress hinges upon framing and inspections) but surely (the masons are working on a Saturday!) my wood burning fireplace progresses.  

August 4,  2011

October. 15, 2011

Nothing about this project has been speedy.  It is, however, being done right  (Thanks mostly to our Donnie's *  keen eye for detail and extensive knowledge about construction and repair of old homes)

  

* "Number One",  your room on the 3rd floor will always be here for you!

MY CHIMNEYS ARE NO MORE

Brick by brick my chimneys have come down.  As of today they are no more.

Chimney #1

 BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

Chimney #2

 BEFORE

 DURING

AFTER

I have preserved as many bricks as possible to use in the new construction.  If there are not enough for the job then I will have one beautiful patio!