Interesting findings
Extracts from a talk by Oliver Baker, City Care, to the Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc , 15 July 2013 about interesting findings discovered during the restoration of The Halfway House.
Photo: Mary O'Keeffe
Cat paws in the bricks were found when the chimneys were deconstructed. Mortar on the bricks was found to be earth.
Photo: City Care
With floorboards up the piles were revealed. In many cases these were seen to be undressed pieces of tree, which was a common and pragmatic approach to piling often seen in 19th century houses. On close inspection the piles were found to be in poor condition, and most will be replaced. Their poor condition is possibly due to the fact that the ground beneath the house would be subject to damp from runoff from the adjacent steep hill, and the location of the house on a low stream valley.
Photo: City Care
Original wallpaper was visible in some rooms, or occasionally with earlier paper revealed beneath the outer layer. Wallpaper can be a notable indication of both the use of the room (functional or public use).
Photo: City Care
Toys were found in all spaces, including plastic construction sticks, plastic boats and cars, a ceramic tea set, marbles, tennis balls and other items. Of note was a cork doll's body and separated cork leg, found in the hallway.
Where things are currently at:
- Power has been put on to the house
- The interior has been stripped back, floor boards, linings, fittings etc
- A lot of planning has taken place
The next stage:
- Building consent has been applied for which will take us to the next stage which includes:
- Re-piling
- Flooring
- New roof, guttering and downpipes
- New storm water catchment into a holding tank with the overflow going into the stream
- Re-build the chimney stacks and put in cast iron fire places, one functional and one decorative
- Make weather tight the external cladding
Keeping in mind all this work is in line with the conservation plan