In this picture and the next five pictures I built the fireplace mantels and mouldings from 18th century boards beginning in 1988. I had the privilege of working with this couple for several years before and then on this project until 1992, from the foundation up.
Two houses, one from Durham, Ct., the Henry Crane House, an early Georgian style, the other a two over two style from Ware, Ma., to be re-erected in Litchfield County, Ct. The interior of the Two over Two house had an 'exposed' interior that was never finished, i.e., planed out. I hand planed the ceiling flooring, all the joists, girts and both summer beams, and all posts, of the 1st floor, on site. I planed small chamfers on the joists, and draw-knifed and planed large chamfers with lambs tongue terminations on all the girts, summer beams and posts. I also did the same in the kitchen of the main house, but that area was later plastered over to hide the mechanicals! And that was just the start! Great people, great workers, great job, hard work, but great fun!