Balustrades Fitted for Scrolls

Today the carpentry crew worked with the lower balustrades to fit the scrolls. The scrolls are one of the last decorative pieces to go on the tower and they create a unique look for the lower balustrade. In the pictures you can see that the crews are working on leveling the scrolls and creating a finished look.

Project Team Profile

Name: Bill Barlow

Title: Senior Historical Architect

Company: Boston National Historic Park, National Park Service

How long have you done this? I have on and off worked for the National Park Service for over thirty two years. I started as an intern architect in 1969, worked for the Denver Service Center, then in 1979 headed up the preservation programs/projects in Lowell for the NPS as the Assistant Superintendent, and for the last eleven years as a Senior Historical Architect for the NPS. In addition I also worked for Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and had/have my own private practice.

What is most rewarding about this project? There are many rewarding aspects of the project. First is to be part of a committed team that sees the preservation of the OSH and its tower as a rare opportunity to leave a legacy to the City and its history. I also find it very rewarding to learn and share insights on how best to preserve the tower with the team. It is a very heady feeling to step back and see one of our nation's icons looking good and know that your fingerprints are all over the building.

Lower Balustrade Installation Begins

Today the carpentry crew began the installation of the lower balustrades. The eight major pieces are in place--the four balustrades and four corner posts--but more is to come. The work is far from over as the scrolls, trim, brackets, and urns are still to be installed.

Project Team Profile

Name: Matt Ottinger

Title: Facilities Manager

Company: The Bostonian Society and Old State House Museum

How long have you done this? I have been with The Bostonian Society for about a year and a half.

What is most rewarding about this project? This building has survived through centuries and what we are currently undertaking will ensure that the building will survive longer. We can all look at the tower a year from now and know that we have participated in history. Our efforts to save the building from its environment is an important part of the story this building has to tell. There is also undeniably a wealth of knowledge that has teamed up for this project. This has been an invaluable learning experience for myself and one that I am very happy to have been a part of.

Upper Balustrades Installed

Between yesterday and this morning, the upper balustrades were installed. The balustrades came from the workshop in multiple pieces, including the corner posts, rails, and finish molding. The urns, which never left the site, were one of the last pieces put into place. These photos show the work in progress.

Work will not take place tomorrow in observance of the 4th of July.

Project Team Profile

Name: Chick Milford

Title: Project superintendent

Company: Lee Kennedy Co.

How long have you done this? I have spent 23 years in the construction industry and 4 years with Lee Kennedy Co.

What is most rewarding about this project? From a construction perspective working on the preservation of this historic building is a great opportunity. What I feel to be the most rewarding portion of this project is meeting and working with the people involved in it. Each person associated with the project’s planning and the current construction administration, from The Bostonian Society and its museum staff to the architects and consultants, brings a passion and caring for the tower renovation project that I do not typically feel on most commercial construction projects. It is truly a pleasure to be part of the construction process with them.

Weathervane Returns to the Top

Yesterday morning members of our staff and the project team returned the newly gilded weathervane to its perch atop the Old State House. After being on display inside the museum for the last 3 weeks, and being professionally gilded the weathervane was carefully wrapped and carried up the scaffolding. Once at the top, the compass was placed on and then the spire was given a layer of grease to ensure the easy movement of the weathervane. As you see in the picture, Adele Barbato, Pam Bailey, Chick Milford, and Rainey Tisdale placed the weathervane onto its home. The weathervane will soon be visible and shinning brightly for the 4th of July.