The Grange has had lots of work done in recent months. As the pictures here show. The front portico has been built out with its columns. Below is a summary of the Grange’s progress from Darren Bock from the National Parks Service.
Between July 29 and 31, the clapboard covering what had been the original front entrance of Hamilton Grange National Memorial was removed. The historic sheathing boards and wall framing underlying the clapboard were removed in the following days. Additionally, the original door frame and components were transported from the storage facility where they had been since being removed from the Grange to the site on Aug. 3
This 3/4 view of Hamilton Grange National Memorial shows where the original front of the home has been opened up for a dry fitting of the from of the historic front door and its sidelights.
This was done to allow the National Park Service team overseeing the restoration of the Grange and the contractor to do a “dry fitting” of the
door frame.
On Aug. 4, the NPS team was on site to review the dry fitting and the condition of the wall opening and decide the best method for reinstalling the entire door where it was when Hamilton lived there. Once that methodology has been determined, any missing components will be replaced
and the frame re-installed, followed by the door. Then, any needed siding will be returned to the front of the Grange and that side of the house will
be prepared for painting.
National Park Service personnel and others discuss the frame for the historic front door (foreground) of Hamilton Grange. The two box-like
features on either side will hold the sidelights that will flank the door once it is re-installed.
According to the contractor, the remaining clapboard that was removed from the site of the original front entrance will eventually be used to cover
the place where the “Convent Avenue” entrance was cut following the Grange’s first move at the end of the 19th Century.
In addition, the front porch is taking shape, with heavy timbers in place to support the structure until the columns are fitted. Work on the piazzas
continues, and the eastern piazza now has its roof in place. In the rear of the Grange, investigative work has located where the back porch and its
roof were attached to the home.
Inside, the NPS team is gently exploring under the top plaster coat, looking for evidence of sconces, chandeliers or other lighting systems as
well as cleats that would have anchored shelves in various locations. Investigations have also revealed how the fireplaces were altered over time
to suit the needs of the inhabitants.
Updated photo taken October 14, 2009:
