Upclose with the Lion

The masonry work on the southeast parapet is taking place right near the large lion on the east end of the building. These pictures highlight a few aspects of the lion that are difficult to see from the ground.

Masonry Restoration Begins

The crew from Haven Restoration Co. is now on-site for the masonry work that needs to be done with this project. The work begins with repointing and sealing of the exterior brick at the southeast parapet (near the Lion). The masons also will be working all week to repoint and repair the bricks in a few spots on the south side of the building. For those familiar with the Old State House, the same technique was used on a larger scale to restore the masonry at the northeast corner in 2006.

The pictures show the crew clearing out the old mortar in preparation for repointing.

Dome and Weathervane Preped for Re-gilding

This week a team from Evergreene Painting Studios has been working to prepare the tower dome and the weathervane for re-gilding. The process involves stripping the old gild, priming the surface, and then gilding.

Scaffolding for the Southeast Parapet

Last night the scaffolding at the southeast parapet was completed. The team from Marr Scaffolding erected this staging, which included protection for the subway entrance, so that masonry work on the southeast parapet can begin next week.

Behind the Cornice

Last Friday was a busy day on the Old State House Tower. The Boston Preservation Alliance was on-site for a tour of the restoration work. The group was led by project team members Don Tellalian, Bill Barlow, and Rainey Tisdale, who reported that everyone had interesting questions about the tower and were excited about the work being undertaken by The Bostonian Society.

Friday also saw the removal of the north and east cornice on the dome level. These two sides showed significant deterioration, and required repair and replacement. In the photograph the the east cornice has been removed, revealing the tower framing underneath.

Project Team Reviews Progress

Today the project team met to review progress to date. One of the details discussed was the new drip edge on the bottom of the dome. The drip edge will help keep water away from the wood as it runs off the dome roof.

Another detail discussed was the fit of the corner boards for the upper two sections of the tower. Used to create a better barrier for water, the corner boards allow the siding to meet flush without creating any extra openings. In the image (clockwise) the project team of Pam Bailey and Chick Milford from Lee Kennedy Co.; David Storeygard, AIA, from Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners; Judy Selwyn from Preservation Technology Associates; and Matt, a carpenter from M&A Architectural Preservation, discuss the corner boards at stage two of the tower.

Initials Discovered in the Dome

During the process of water-testing and sealing the tower dome, the project team has uncovered initials on the dome's framing. Dating to the 18th century, the timbers that create the framing for the tower dome are some of the oldest pieces of the Old State House. The initials, IR, are found on the center vertical timber. IR was probably a craftsman who built the dome framing in 1748.