This was the first scheduled work session of the FEBT in Rockhill Furnace in 2002, and the first on the site since the 1980's. There was a lot of work to be done, we had the tools we brought from home along with a few from Robertsdale, and a paucity of ladders, but plenty of enthusiasm. At the end of the weekend, the window work seemed a rather small dent, the small shed progress a bit better. But with later sessions the tool crib grew, and the crew got up to speed, and more and varied projects were undertaken and completed. Those results will be seen in photos of subseqeunt sessions, here is how this recent campaign began.
South sheds [2002jun8,shed1]
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1200x814 (222k)
The crew split up into two parts, to tackle two initial projects. This is
the crew working on the sheds across from the coaling station. EBT and
RTY volunteers began the work earlier, clearing the brush from the buildings,
leveling the smaller shed and reframing its south wall.
South sheds [2002jun8,shed2]
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1200x807 (273k)
An initial attempt was made to level the larger shed this weekend, but
the structure proved more problematic than expected and work on it was deferred.
Additional bracing, and recreated window opening and internal shelf were framed in,
and custom-milled siding matching the original is being primed.
Small shed [2002jun8,shed3]
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1200x826 (227k)
By the end of the weekend, the shed is already looking far more like a
building than it had in many years, with a completely new south wall.
A modern external diagonal brace on the rear was removed to restore the
historic appearance.
Small shed [2002jun8,shed4]
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1200x823 (134k)
Inside, the bracing and recreated shelf are visible. The flooring, which
is over 50% new, has been carefully weathered with authentic pigments to match
the remaining original flooring :-)
Small shed [2002jun8,shed5]
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1200x826 (160k)
The north side was in better shape, and the siding only needed patching.
Car shop [2002jun8,window1]
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618x900 (104k)
Meanwhile, a second crew began the long chore of repairing the car shop
windows. The security screens and boards were removed, and the sashes and
frames cleaned of broken glass, old glazing putty, loose paint, and finally primed.
Car shop [2002jun8,window2]
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1200x828 (121k)
At the end of the weekend, six of the 15 unrestored windows are ready for new
glass. The windows are re-covered for security until the next session. The
furthest 7 windows were repaired by the FEBT in the 1980's, and though in need
of repainting, they were left alone to focus effort on the unrestored windows.
page by Bill Adams
