We have begun replacing the clock faces of the First Parish Congregational Church in York, Maine. Formed in 1636, the congregation is the oldest in Maine. The current building was built in 1747, and moved to its position, facing the road, in 1888. It is time for this old girl to get a face lift. …
In 1900, Charles Goodhue drew this sketch from the memory of an elderly parishioner. This is one of the only remaining images that depict the building from this era. Fortunately, evidence within the building has proven this sketch to be remarkably accurate. From the beginning of our involvement in the project, we have been looking…
The annual meeting of the Traditional Timber Framers Advisory Group is this Saturday, and our crew is really looking forward to it. Our own Dan Boyle has worked hard to organize a great event in Topsfield, MA, which will include a walking tour of the Parson Capon House c. 1683, the Gould Barn c. 1710, …
The most interesting part of working on the Abyssinian has been the process of discovery. When we first started working on the restoration, we encountered dank apartments and the absence of much of the original truss framing. There was little architectural documentation of the building at the height of its use, except for a turn-of-the…
Abyssinian before: Abyssinian after:
Last week, PTF was featured in two more articles, these ones about developments at the Abyssinian. The DownEast article focuses on the social history of the building as well as the people responsible for its restoration. It contains some of my favorite stories about the building, including its origin story, and how it was saved…
We’ve begun work on the Abyssinian Meetinghouse again. Last week, archaeologists dug test pits in the basement and driveway, while we worked on cutting a new front sill. After years of damage, no part of the original front sill could be saved. Click on the photos below for a complete description.
Over the last month, our Damariscotta crew has been busy. We completed the frieze, fascia, crown and bed moldings. We helped to install the clock, assembling the clock faces and carefully attuning the clapper and its mechanisms to the bell. Lastly, we cleaned up and hauled out, leaving the site a real sight. Click on…
We’re building the roof that will link the belfry and clock tower, while the local media is covering the crane day, and the steeple’s connection to the community. Christine Parrish of The Free Press wrote one of the best articles I’ve read, she really focuses on the joinery and construction history: Shawn Perry, of Preservation…
A selection of photos from yesterday’s crane event. Click on the photo to read a description and visit our Flickr page to see more.