Page 9 - scvhs_mitchelladobereconstructionplans

Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society
June 10, 1987

Recommendations

1. We recommend continuing the reconstruction in the most
historically accurate manner possible. Granted, the
authenticity of the interior will be compromised by the
application of a thick cement plaster, but the exterior can
strive to appear as it did in the historic photographs.
The idea is recreate what the building looked like without
being tempted to "pretty up" or improve o·n its actual
appearance. The only improvements should be structural and
should be concealed from public view.

An "interpretive period" is typically chosen, usually the
period deemed most important or most interesting in a
building's chronology. The building is then researched for
photographs or drawings to document its appearance during
that time frame. For this building, however, we recommend
staying with its latest appearance in the available
photographs, and not going back to an earlier time (for which
there may be no documentation). It is better to do a good
job with the information available than to try to guess at a
building's actual appearance. Thus, the interpretive period
for this building would be the latest years the school
occupied it. It is recommended practice for the interior
period of interpretation to match the exterior.

a. Match the roof framing system and fascia to that which
shows in the 1960 photograph (appears to be joists at
2' on center. Use tar paper roofing as that is what
shows in the photographs.

b. Reinstall existing windows. Do not sand and repaint,
but clean lightly with a \ brush. A watered-down coat
of whitewash may be applied, or leave windows as they
are. Wood preservative is not necessary. Renail loose
pieces. Reinstall existing door if it is available, or
reconstruct a new one as per 1960 photograph.

c. Replaster exterior with a very thin (1/8' - 1/4") layer
of mud plaster to a smooth finish. Whitewash.

2. Install a ceiling of 1 x planking on top of ceiling
(roof) joists. On top of that install plywood sheathing (as
per drawings, for structural purposes), so that 1 x board
ceiling is what will be viewed by someone standing inside the
room. The contemporary plywood ceiling will not be visible.
Lightly whitewash new 1 x board ceiling and brush with a
wirebrush to take away the new appearance.

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