THE OSCAR PALMER FARM - The Trustees of … PALMER FARM, WESTPORT, MASSACHUSETTS NCA 2 EXECUTIVE...

THE OSCAR PALMER FARM

138 ADAMSVILLE RD, WESTPORT, MA

The Oscar Palmer Farm c. 1905

courtesy of Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA

HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT

NEWPORT COLLABORATIVE ARCHITECTS, INC.

FEBRUARY 3, 2010

OSCAR PALMER FARM, WESTPORT, MASSACHUSETTS

EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 . Executive Summary 2 . Historical Overview & Illustrations 3. Farm House

i . Building Description i i . Original Structure

i i i . Development of the House Plan iv. Existing Conditions Assessment

A) Exterior B) Interior: Floor-by-Floor Description

C) Mechanical Systems, Plumbing, Electrical 4. Barn, Site & Outbuildings 5. Conclusions and Recommendations. Preservation Plan 6. Existing Conditions Photographs 7. Floor Plans: Annotated Showing Existing and Former Conditions 8. APPENDIX

1) Appendix I – Letter by Henry B. Worth, Attorney at law to Mr. Palmer, May 6,1906 copied by Oscar Palmer

2) Appendix II – Story about Oscar Palmer by Eleanor Simmons

interviewed by Mary Giles, November29, 1976

3) Appendix III – Story about Eleanor Simmons by Thomas H. Stearns, Nashua, NH , April 2009

4) Appendix IV – Newspaper Articles

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The 29-acre Oscar Palmer Farm is an irreplaceable part of Westport’s Agricultural heritage. With its 300 year-old farm house, dairy barn, blacksmith shop, corn crib, outbuildings, historic cemetery and a network of stone walls, the farm contributes historic, scenic and agricultural value to the town. The Palmer Farm lies adjacent to a 600-acre corridor of protected farmland and open space along Adamsville Road, including the Herb Hadfield Conservation Area. This area has been protected through a partnership between the Land Trust, The Trustees of Reservations, the Town and the Commonwealth’s Department of Agricultural Resources. Angeline Brook, an ecologically significant cold water trout stream and key tributary of the Westport River, passes through the property’s backland. The land is framed by iconic stonewalls – none so prominent as the Palmer Farm’s capped stonework that continues for over a quarter of a mile along Adamsville Road. The farm’s history goes back to the early 1700s. It was home to a number of the town’s first settlers and, in the days of horse-drawn coach service, served as a stagecoach stop on the road from New Bedford to Little Compton, Rhode Island. The farm was owned by the Palmer family for 121 years, beginning in 1855, when Henry Palmer purchased it from Nathan Brownell. The last member of the Palmer family was Oscar Palmer, Henry’s grandson. He was born on the property in 1884 and lived all of his 92 years there. Upon his death in 1976, the land was left to Eleanor Simmons, who maintained the farm essentially intact until her own death in 2001. Since Ms. Simmons death, the farm has been empty and neglected. Although much of the property is overgrown today, the historic farmhouse, outbuildings and miles of stonewalls stand as a testament to the property’s rich agricultural heritage. Although the Oscar Palmer Farm is an integral part of Westport’s history, community character, environment and economy, development pressures put the Oscar Palmer Farm at risk. The Palmer Farm’s extensive frontage made it an appealing target for development, and the Westport Land Conservation Trust, the Trustees and the Town of Westport have been working for eight years to protect it. In December 2008, the Westport Land Conservation Trust and The Trustees obtained a loan to purchase the Palmer Farm at auction for $901,000 and are now working with the Town to place permanent conservation and historic preservation restrictions on the property. Together with the Town of Westport, they are preparing a nomination for placement of the farm on the National Register of Historic Places. Once the farm is permanently protected, the Westport Land Conservation Trust, The Trustees and Town of Westport will identify an appropriate buyer to restore the historic structures and return the farm to agricultural use. * Partial funding for this report was provided by Westport Community Preservation Act funds. *Credits: Westport Land Conservation Trust & The Trustees of Reservations


HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The Oscar Palmer Farm is an interesting and well-preserved example of a late 17th - early 18th century farm in Westport, Massachusetts. The farm was established during the initial period of the settlement along Adamsville Road outside of the Central Village. The historical and architectural integrity of the property has been preserved for over 300 years.

The Town of Westport was incorporated in 1787 by the subdivision from Old Dartmouth with periodic land annexes from Dartmouth in 1793, 1795, and 1805. The present-day boundary between Westport and Dartmouth was established in 1828.

The lands of Old Dartmouth, purchased on behalf of Plymouth Colony in 1652, included all or part of the present towns of Dartmouth, New Bedford, Westport, Fairhaven and Acushnet, Massachusetts, and a strip of Tiverton and Little Compton, Rhode Island. John Cooke and Edward Winslow, serving as representatives of the Colony, bought the land from the Wampanoag Chief Sachem Massasoit and his son, Wamsutta. The enormous parcel was divided among 36 proprietors (including William Bradford and Miles Standish) with each individual acquiring at least 800 acres of land. Most of the first purchasers remained absentee owners and sold off their parcels after the Plymouth authorities began taxing the lands.

The Euro-American settlement in the Westport area started its development by the 1650s. The Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies began persecuting religious dissidents during this period, and as a result many sought lands at a greater distance from the seat of colonial government in the fertile agricultural lands and coastal areas of Old Dartmouth.

After King Philip’s War (1675-1676), Euro-American settlement in the Westport area increased rapidly and families began to fan from the previous concentration along the coastline. Additional farmsteads were scattered along the major Indian trails, which were improved as travel routes to connect growing community clusters at the Head, Hix Bridge and Westport Point. Historian Henry Worth’s reconstruction of Old Dartmouth settlement between 1658 and 1758 indicates that homesteads in Westport were widely separated across the southern half of town rather than tightly gathered into one small village. The topography of the Old Dartmouth land grants, including broad expanses of fertile farmland separated by ponds, rivers, and small inlets, encouraged a decentralized settlement pattern and established the Westport area as a primarily agrarian community. *

According to the letter to Mr. Palmer written by Henry B. Worth, Attorney at Law in 1906, the Oscar Palmer Farm was established by 1700. It was located on both sides of the road and belonged to Nathaniel Potter, who left the part on the south side of road (current parcel of Oscar Palmer Farm) to his son Stokes. A copy of the original letter copied by Oscar H. Palmer (ref. Appendix I) contains a mention at the end that in 1700 Nathaniel left this house (Palmer Farm House) and land on the south side of road to his son Stokes. *Credits:

Chronology of Westport History 1500 – present The Westport Historical Society Web site

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In 1717, Stokes Potter left the farm to his son Nathaniel. In 1712 there was a new house on this farm about 400 feet west of the line of the brook, which later was occupied by the widow of Stokes Potter. From Nathaniel the farm passed to his son William and in 1760 the farm was purchased by John Tripp, who owned land to the west of farm. Tripp sold the farm in 1766 in two parts: the east part to Benjamin Brownell and the west part to John Taber. In 1794, Gideon Taber sold his half to Benjamin Brownell. In 1802, the farm passed to Abner Brownell, Revolutionary War Veteran, who is buried on private Brownell - Handy burying ground adjacent to the farm. After Abner Brownell, the farm passed to Nathaniel Brownell. Henry Palmer purchased the farm in 1855. He left the farm to his son Franklin J. Palmer in 1881. In his 1906 letter, Mr. Henry B. Worth, Attorney at Law, did some analysis of the house and concluded that the dwelling was erected between 1750 and 1775 with an addition between 1790 and 1810. Newport Collaborative Architects and the Architectural Preservation Group carefully investigated the framing, finishes and the chimney stack of the farm house and determined that:

• The original three bay dwelling inside of the existing house appears to be an early 18th century structure constructed before 1720, probably c. 1700 (“Potters” period).

• During the second half of the 18th century to very early 19th century the house was expanded, fireplaces were rebuilt (reduced in size), and the roof was reframed (“Brownell” period).

• The next alterations during the mid 19th century addressed (i) replacement of the window sashes from twelve-over-twelve to six-over-six and later to two-over-two, construction of a Greek revival entrance at the north elevation (ii), introduction of wood stoves and (iii) construction of a fireplace in west addition (“Palmer” period).

• The 20th century alterations involved insulation of walls, rebuilding of the east wall & construction of the east porch, installation of hardwood floors and construction of a modern-era bathroom and kitchen (“Oscar Palmer” Period).

Please refer to Part III, 1, 2, 3 - Building Description, Original Structure & Development of the House Plan in this report. Circa 1920, Franklin J. Palmer, a carpenter and gentleman farmer suffered a stroke. His wife Amanda and son Oscar took care for him, until Amanda’s death in 1923. Shortly after Amanda’s death, Oscar Palmer hired a live-in nurse and housekeeper, Eleanor Simmons, who took care of Franklin Palmer until his death in 1932. Franklin Palmer left half of the farm to his son Oscar and the second half to Eleanor Simmons. In the 1940-s, Oscar and Eleanor had written “companion” wills, each leaving their estate to the other. Oscar Palmer was born in 1884. Although Oscar lived all his live on the farm he did not have much interest in farming. Oscar was a Town Registrar of Voters from 1906 until 1943

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when he was elected as a member of the Board of Assessors. He served as an assessor until his retirement in March of 1968. Oscar Palmer had great interest in collecting antiquities and owned a fine collection of Indian Relics, antique wooden kitchen utensils, metallic shoe buckles, flint-lock muskets and other articles. He unearthed Indian relics including arrowheads, pottery, tomahawks and other war weapons while plowing on his farm near the brook. In November 1976, Mary Giles recorded Eleanor’s memories about Oscar Palmer who passed away in May 1976 (Appendix # III). After Oscar Palmer’s death, Eleanor Simmons became the sole owner of the Palmer Farm. Eleanor lived at the Palmer Farm for more than 70 years until her death in 2001. During her life on the farm, Eleanor didn’t contact any relatives. After Oscar’s death, Eleanor neglected to re-write her will, thus the Palmer Farm fell in the hands of the Bristol County Probate Court. No one responded to the advertisement of Eleanor’s death and claimed the Palmer Farm. Eleanor was a very private person. She didn’t share much information about herself and kept secret about her family. The vital records did not provide any information: it turned out that Eleanor changed her name and the names of her parents and listed a different year of her birth on different documents. To establish Eleanor’s identity, a group of genealogical researchers was put together including Mary Ann Boyle, PHD, CG and later Edward Water, the best researcher at the American Genealogical Research. It took about two years to identify the birth name of Eleanor (Leonarda Zmuda) date of birth, names of her parents and to conduct a DNA test. This information lead to the 13 heirs of her Adamsville Road historic estate. Please refer to Appendix IV for the story of Eleanor Simmons by Thomas H. Stearns. In December 2008, the Westport Land Conservation Trust and The Trustees obtained a loan to purchase the Palmer Farm at auction for $901,000 and are now working with the Town to place permanent conservation and historic preservation restrictions on the property and place the farm on the National Register of Historic Places.


HISTORIC ILLUSTRATIONS

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Ill.1 Map of Westport, 1831

surveyed and drawn by

S. Bowrne.

Courtesy of Westport

Historical Society


Ill.2 Map of Westport, 1831 surveyed and drawn by S. Bowrne, enlarged showing Adamsville Road.

Red border approximately outlines area of Oscar Palmer Farm.

Courtesy of Westport Historical Society


Ill.3 Map of Bristol County by H.F. Walling.

Web site of Norman B. Leventhal Map Collection at the Boston Public Library


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Ill.10. Oscar Palmer Farm c. 1905. House, well and barn, view from north. Note: outbuilding behind

the house (shed #5) features exposed chimney stack before the construction of south addition.

Note: barn features gable window, roof went and swinging door. Courtesy of Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA

Ill.9. Oscar Palmer Farm c. 1905. House and well, view from northeast. Note absence of porch and

attic window at east elevation. Note beveled window lintels at east elevation (currently altered) and

massive corbelled original chimney . Note: location, orientation, shape, size and siding of outbuildings

are identical to present-day conditions. Courtesy of Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA


Ill.12. Oscar Palmer Farm, 1935. Note door overhang instead of east porch.

Ill.11. Oscar Palmer Farm, September 1966. Note haymow door at barn gable.


Ill.14. Brownell—Handy cemetery and Oscar Palmer Farm at background. View from Southwest, 1966.

Ill.13. Oscar Palmer Farm, 1966. View from Brownell—Handy cemetery. Note rear door in Black-

smith Shop (currently enclosed).


Ill.15. Oscar Palmer Farm, 1966.

Blacksmith Shop (shed #5).


BUILDING DESCRIPTION

The Oscar Palmer Farm House at 138 Adamsville Road is one of the oldest dwellings in Westport, Massachusetts. It dates to the early 18th century, probably 1700.

At present, the house is a one-and-half story four bay gable end (five bays at north elevation) heavy timber wood structure on a granite foundation. From the exterior it appears as a typical 18th century rural house, with later Greek Revival street entrance and Victorian window sashes. The House is two rooms deep by three rooms in length and contains a massive brick central chimney with stone boulders integrated into the brick masonry.

The building construction consists of a hand-hewn heavy timber frame (post and beam) structure founded on a stone masonry foundation with partial basement under the eastern third of the house. The basement walls are composed of field stone masonry (mostly granite) on lime mortar and are whitewashed on the inside.

The exterior walls have 1” thick wood board sheathing, are covered with non-original painted wood shingles siding, and are trimmed with plain corner boards. In most locations, walls have been furred out and insulated. The plank structure of the east wall has been replaced with modern era dimensional lumber. Several test openings on the first floor in the interior partitions and fireplace walls revealed under the plaster the original feathered panel boards. Later in the 18th century the walls were finished with plaster placed over the hand- split wood lath and applied directly to the sheathing boards. Beams and Posts are uncased, what is typical for pre-1720s structures.

The farm sits to the south of Adamsville Road, with the north wall of the house facing the street. The driveway from the historic main entrance runs to the east side of the house, while the farmyard is located to the south. There are three entrances into the house located at the north, east and south elevations. The east and north doorways are located in the additions to the house. The door at the south elevation is located in the original part of the house, although it is more probable and feasible that the exterior door was located in the unheated room situated along the driveway and leading to the well. Hence, it is more likely that the original doorway was located in the east wall of one of the unheated east rooms.

The street (north) door became a formal entrance into the house after the construction of the addition. This entrance features the Greek Revival doorway with two side lights and two fluted pilasters, a treatment popular in early-mid 19th century. The door is a late 19th century five-panel door, which was at some point altered by replacing of the upper panels with glass. The east (kitchen) and south (parlor) doors are four panel doors with smaller lower panels, typical for the Greek Revival style. These doors have simple trim on both sides and, like the front (north) door, the upper panels of these two doors have been replaced with glass. All three exterior doors feature compact butt hinges (which came into use c. 1840) and doorknobs.

The original gable pegged timber roof over the original structure was smaller due to the smaller width of the house. Its ridge was centered along the south chimney wall. The brick corbelling on the chimney in the attic (corbelling served as flashing) shows the exact locations of the original roof line. The original roof was reframed in the late 18th – early 19th

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century during construction of the additions to the house. “New” longer rafters (pegged timber) were installed over the west addition and they are properly numbered starting from the west wall. It seems that old rafters were sistered (to provide sufficient length for the new roof structure) and reused over the original part of the attic. The rafter leaning to the south side of the chimney did not require any replacement, however it has mark “IIII” supporting the theory, that the original rafter was replaced probably due to moisture damage around the chimney. Numbers at other rafters are covered under the sistering members. Currently, the roof is re-shingled with asphalt shingles which are in poor condition.

The center of the house contains a large original trapezoid-in-plan brick chimney extending from the basement floor into the attic. The chimney occupies the space between the North and South Parlors with its longer base running along the west wall. In the early 18th century, this west wall was the end of the house. Later, the addition was constructed to the west enclosing the chimneystack in the center of the house. The chimneystack has three fireplaces and a beehive oven on the first floor. Two fireplaces in the South and North Parlors are in place of the original fireplaces. The fireplace in the West Parlor was built later, after the addition to the west of the house was constructed. The existing beehive oven is located in the North Parlor to the west from the fireplace. The location of the beehive oven outside of the firebox is typical for the second half of 18th century. This indicates that the original chimney was altered in the 18th century. Currently, the beehive oven is blocked to give way to the flue for the fireplace in the West Parlor (addition). All existing fireplaces are currently enclosed and feature the traces of the 19th century wood stoves, which at some point were installed in front of each fireplace. The exhaust from the basement burner (out of service) runs through the chimney flue in the North Parlor.

At the east wall of the chimney, there is a small historic stair to the attic. This stair is not original, but is an early alteration. Openings in the attic revealed that a summer beam was running through this area and later was cut to give way for the stair.

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ORIGINAL STRUCTURE (photographs # 107-114N)

The two-room deep by two-room wide plan of the original c. 1700 farmhouse with massive trapezoid chimney is evident inside of the existing structure.

The trapezoid-in-plan chimney was built with its longer base along the west exterior wall and was a part of the exterior wall structure. Abandoned tenon joints from the missing posts on both sides of the chimney are in evidence and the original chamfered first floor beam is hidden between the chimneystack and the west addition. This beam, chamfered to accept an approximately sixty-five inches long brick shelf, helps the incorporation of brick chimney into the wall framing and indicates that the brick wall most likely was exposed to the exterior.

The first floor plan of the early 18th century house featured two parlors, each one adjacent to the chimney, with three smaller rooms to the east. The parlors occupied two west bays on the north and south side of the chimney. The fireplace in the South Parlor has been blocked and altered over the years to accept a wood stove. It is evident that the existing brick flue from the wood stove is located inside of a larger original firebox. From the attic it is possible to see the remnants of a larger original firebox with arched stone atop, behind the existing flue.

The test openings around the fireplace in the South Parlor exposed a stone back wall (with a stone flue) of the original fireplace. Similar to the existing fireplace, the original fireplace was a corner fireplace, but its wall was running at a different angle. The intersection of the original fireplace (north) wall and west parlor wall was located approximately in the center of the current door opening to the west parlor. The test opening in the attic exposed the chimney girt running parallel to the stone wall of the original chimney and a fragment of the board which was a panel board over the original fireplace. All exposed wood is heavily covered by smoke from the fireplace, confirming that plaster ceiling is an 18th c. alteration and that during the first period of construction all wood framing and attic floor boards were exposed to the interior of the South Parlor. The bottom side of the original attic floor boards clearly demonstrates “unsmoked” footprints of the existing framing, confirming that this framing is original and all framing and boards were untouched since the initial construction. Although the plaster ceiling is not an original feature, it demonstrates an early alteration featuring lime horse hair plaster over the hand split lath.

The existing beehive oven is located in the North Parlor to the west from the fireplace. The location of the beehive oven outside of the firebox is typical for the second half of the 18th century. This indicates that the original chimney was altered in the 18th century. Most likely, the original corner fireplace in North Parlor was built symmetrical to the fireplace in the South Parlor. If this were the case, the back wall of the original fireplace must have been located approximately four inches behind of the existing front of the beehive oven. The opening to the oven is longer than usual which confirms that this area was altered most likely to accept an additional layer of face brick. Thus, when the large fireplace was rebuilt to its present day smaller size with a shallower angle, the back wall of the original fireplace with the beehive oven become the front fireplace wall, “modernizing” the location of the oven. Later, the beehive oven was blocked to give way to the flue for the fireplace in the West Parlor.

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Smaller unheated rooms were located in the east bay of the house behind the plank wall. The original plank wall between the pantry and the modern bathroom is in evidence. This plank wall partition has been built shifted from the framing posts, thus the east bay was divided differently than the parlors. Most likely, the east bay was divided into three rooms: a bedroom in the southeast corner (open to the South Parlor), a pantry in the northeast (open to the North Parlor / Keeping Room), and an entry room with a stair or a ladder to the attic in the center (open to the North Parlor / Keeping Room). Unfortunately, after the reframing of the east wall, it is hard to trace the exact locations of the original openings. However, the historic photograph of 1905 (before the reframing of the wall) records windows in approximately their present locations. Most likely, the central window was constructed by altering the original door after the north addition (18th century) when a new entry door was constructed. This window is located off the center, giving room to the stair to the attic at the highest point of the original roof. The existing stair to the attic at the east side of the chimney is not original. This stair runs through the cut original beam and appears to be an early alteration.

The framing of the original house featured thirteen posts. Two posts (currently gone) were located on both sides of the chimney and framed the west wall. A third chimney post at the short side of the chimney (currently gone) supported framing between the north and the south parts of the house. Eight posts framed the south and north exterior walls dividing each wall into three almost equal bays. Later, in the 18th or early 19th century, the north parlor was expanded to the north and the north wall was demolished. Two wall posts are gone, but two corner posts are in evidence. We believe that four framing posts of the south wall are hiding inside of the wall (south wall was furred out for insulation). The central post between the south and the north parts of the house has been slightly shaved and is hidden in the corner of the South Parlor. The abandoned tenon joint of the central east wall post is in evidence above the bathroom window. Thus, only seven framing posts from the original thirteen are in evidence. The recreation and reinstallation of original posts (with the exception of the post in the center of the North Parlor / Keeping Room) will reinforce the original structure and enhance the appearance of the original interior. Posts and beams are uncased, which was typical in pre-1720s dwellings. The interior trim is simple. The windows and doors have very plain flat trim. Interior doors feature early (probably original) trim. All exterior walls were altered, thus original window trim is not in evidence.

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DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOUSE PLAN (photographs # 55-57, 67-84, 114)

In the late 18th or very early 19th century, the house was expanded to the west and to the north. Both extensions have a heavy timber structure, which indicates the pre-19th century type of construction. It seems that initially a new part (wider than the original dwelling) was added to the west of the house. Then, to balance this wide addition, the house was spread out to the north. The original north exterior wall was demolished and rebuilt in its new location, resulting in an enlargement of the North Parlor. The original wall posts were removed, and presently a truss in the attic supports a beam underneath. The abandoned tenon joints from the removed posts are in evidence. The room, added to the north along the original buttery wall, became a new entry to the house. At the same time when the addition was constructed, or soon thereafter, the partition between the new entry and the buttery was relocated to provide more space in the entry. Currently this room features a modern era kitchen. The buttery is still intact and features historic shelving along its historic 2 ½” thick plank side walls (wall between pantry and bathroom is original, wall between kitchen and pantry is an alteration constructed at the time of the addition). The modern bathroom was introduced between the buttery and the Southeast Bedroom. The modern bathroom is the room where we believe the original entrance to the house with the stair to the attic was located. When this area is open for repairs or remodeling, the exposed framing members may give a clue about the original arrangement of the features in this room.

The west addition featured a large West Parlor located in the center between the Southwest Bedroom and the Northwest entry hall with a new stair to the attic. An additional fireplace and chimney flue (visible in the attic) were added to heat the West Parlor. In the Northwest entry hall, the floor between the first floor and the attic was removed in the late 19th or early 20th century, converting the Northwest entry hall into a two-story space.

Currently, the attic floor features an open unfinished garret in the centre, with two partially finished unheated bedrooms along the east wall and one small finished room along the north wall. The floor plan on the second floor in the west addition replicates the plan of the first floor. A large finished bedroom is located over the West Parlor. This bedroom was historically heated by the wood stove, utilizing a chimneystack located behind the east wall in the garret. The two-story entry hall and a small, unfinished working room (which is located over the first floor bedroom) flank the bedroom.

Sometime between 1935 and 1966 the deteriorated original east plank wall was replaced with a new stud wall and a one-story shed-roof porch with “Doric” columns and concrete floor was constructed along the east elevation. The chimney above the roof line was rebuilt in a smaller size after 1966. The porch and the chimney are currently in poor condition.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

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EXTERIOR. Roof, Flashings, Gutters, and Downspouts (photographs # 12, 14, 15, 17, 22-25, 107-114) The house has a simple gable roof of moderate pitch. The original smaller timber roof was replaced in the 18th or early 19th century with a larger pegged hewn timber roof. New timber was installed over the west addition and old timber was reused over the original part of the house. The old rafters were sistered to accommodate a wider roof. Marks from a parallel saw on the sistering lumber indicate that planks were milled before the 1840s. Added posts at the south end girt indicate that during the replacement the roof was raised about 20 inches by adding tops on posts and sidewalls. The roof members are exposed to the attic. Framing and roof sheathing appear to be in sound condition. Many of the sheathing boards have been replaced during the previous repairs. It is important to inspect the structural condition of existing roof members during the upcoming roof repairs. Currently, the roof is covered with asphalt shingles, which are in poor condition, some shingles are missing. Wood ogee gutters are installed at the north elevation and around the east porch. These gutters are not original and appear to be in poor condition. Downspouts are missing. A historically appropriate solution for this historic house will be the installation of red cedar roof shingles (if funds available) or architectural grade asphalt shingles which imitate the originally installed wood shingles. The installation of new gutters is not required. However, if gutters are desired, the installation of historic wood V-type gutters will be appropriate. Chimney (photographs # 12, 14, 36, 81, 85, 86, 109-114E) The massive central brick chimneystack historically served three fireplaces and a beehive oven on the first floor and later, in the 19th century, it served four wood stoves. The chimney base is partially visible from the basement and seems to be in poor condition. The chimneystack inside of the house appears to be in sound condition, however, above the roofline the chimney is cracked and the bricks have shifted. The existing chimney above the roof line is a 20th century replacement. It was rebuilt with much smaller dimensions from the roof up. The upper portion of the historic chimney is recorded in the 1905 photographs, thus the historic chimney can be easily reconstructed using these images atop of the existing original masonry in the attic. Once restored, the original chimney over the roof will be a contributing component to the significance and integrity of the building’s historic appearance.

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Sidewalls & Wooden Eaves (photographs # 10-26, 114F-114J) The sidewalls of the original house appear to be a heavy timber frame structure. The 18th century 1” vertical board sheathing (poor to fair condition) is apparent in many locations. The original heavy timber east exterior wall was replaced with dimensional lumber in the mid. 20th century, presumably due to moisture or insect damage. The moisture and insect damage can be seen in multiple areas of the original structure. The existing sidewalls are covered with non-original wood shingles painted white color. The existing shingles appear to be in generally sound condition. The first period houses were usually left unpainted or painted with dark red, ochre or bluish-grey natural pigments, which were more affordable in the 18th century than the expensive white lead paint. The house features a simple double board eave at gables. Eaves at the south and north elevations are simple, but different, due to the later construction of the north wall. All trim and eave boards are heavily weathered. Foundation Stone Masonry (photographs # 12, 13, 15, 17, 27-32, 37-42) The house has a field stone masonry foundation and a basement under the east part of the house. The foundation walls above the grade level are dressed with long solid granite blocks which were added after the extension of the house. These blocks are exposed along the south elevation. The west and north foundation walls are parged. The parging has several cracks, but generally is in sound condition. There is a 20th century concrete landing along the east foundation wall, thus the conditions of masonry in this area are unknown. However, the interior face of the east wall which is exposed in the basement, appears to be in good condition. The original stone side walls of the bulkhead stair leading to the basement and the existing stone steps may be original and appear to be in good condition. Generally, all foundation walls seem to be in sound condition showing minor areas of pointing mortar and parging failure. Windows and Exterior Doors (photographs # 10-21, 33-35, 51, 56, 60, 71, 80, 104, 105) Expressive of the plank wall construction, the window frames project noticeably outward from the wall, and while most of window frames now have two-over-one “Victorian” sashes, the six over-six paned sashes (“Greek Revival”), remain at the window frames located at the west (rear) elevation. The original early 18th century window sashes usually feature smaller glass panes, not larger than 8” inches by 6” inches, thus a window sash in original window frames must have been twelve-over-twelve. There are no original sashes preserved. Two windows in the North Parlor are larger than the rest of the windows in the house (including additions). It seems to be a later 19th century alteration to provide more light into the large north room. Originally, window frames had beveled lintels, which are preserved in all locations, except at the east elevation. The windows at the east elevation were most likely replaced during the re-framing of the east wall in the 20th century. The 1905 photograph shows the east elevation windows with beveled lintels. The walls in the Kitchen and the Southwest Bedroom were not insulated, thus the fragments of the original window trim are in

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evidence in these rooms. The window in the Southwest Bedroom has a beaded window sash stop and the kitchen window features an early candlestick trim. These features are character and period defining elements of the house interior. All wooden exterior doors are 19th century panel doors, which are altered by the replacement of upper panels with glass. The mid 19th century Greek Revival street entrance features the Greek Revival doorway with two side lights and two fluted pilasters. All doors and trim have been subjected to weathering and excessive moisture. The remnants of the 20th century concrete steps and landing with concrete bases for planters are in evidence in front of this entrance. Porch (photographs # 10, 11, 17, 24, 30-32) The east porch is a 20th century alteration and is not integral to the historic significance of the house. Currently, it is in poor condition. The gutters and columns are deteriorated by the moisture and the concrete landing against the east foundation wall may keep undesired moisture inside of the structure.

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INTERIOR FLOOR-BY-FLOOR DESCRIPTION Basement (photographs # 37-42). The full height basement extends under the east third of the house with the shallow crawl space under the rest of the structure. The field stone granite basement walls and first floor framing in the basement (east part) are exposed in the interior. The wood framing consists of the mix of historic timber and dimensional lumber. The first floor framing and subfloors are 20th century repairs. There are several original beams, which are in poor condition.

a. Floors: Dirt floor, damp conditions. Concrete slab under burner.

b. Walls: The field stone walls have been repointed and lime washed over the years.

They are in solid condition; however, several areas are showing failure of mortar.

c. Ceiling: Framing and first floor flooring are exposed to the interior only in the east part

of the structure. Original first floor framing has been replaced with dimensional lumber supported by archaic tree trunk posts on stone bases in the centre and by 20th century wood columns along the west wall. Several original framing beams are in poor condition.

e. Fireplace: The base of the massive brick chimney in the middle of crawl space is

partially visible from the basement. It is damaged by the ductwork for the furnace.

First Floor. (photographs # 43-80, 114B, 114-C, 114F-114N). The first floor mainly preserves its historic plan as it appeared in the late 18th, early 19th century. The two original parlors are located on both sides of the fireplace in the two central bays. The North Parlor was expanded c. 4’-6” to the north in the late 18th –early 19th century. The plan of the west addition (late 18th –early 19th century) is well preserved with the exception of the stair hall, which was converted into a two story space in the late 19th or early 20th century. Four east rooms (re-arranged from three original rooms) are in evidence. Two of these rooms were remodeled in the 20th century as a bathroom and a kitchen. a. Floors: After 1938, the original wide plank floors were replaced with hardwood

floors. Oscar and Eleanor rescued cherry wood floor from a nearby house when it was destroyed in the 1938 hurricane and put it in the house. The hardwood floors appear to be in sound condition. Vinyl tiles in bathroom are presumably installed over the hardwood.

Hearth: All hearths were removed and replaced with hardwood. b. Walls: South, north and west original exterior walls were framed inside of the

original plank walls in the 20th century. Two rooms in the 18th century additions - Southwest Bedroom and Kitchen are still uninsulated and feature historic exterior plank walls, plastered in the bedroom and with wainscoting in the Kitchen on the north wall. The east gable exterior wall was reframed with dimensional lumber in the 20th century. Interior plank partitions are plastered with early horse hair lime plaster over the hand-split lath. Test openings in the North Parlor (Keeping Room) exposed feathered panel boards, confirming

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that initially the room had paneling and was plastered later in the 18th century. During the investigation we found identical early panel boards at the chimney wall in the added East Parlor. Existing historic plank walls and partitions are character-defining features of the house. They are in good condition.

c. Ceiling: At first, floor joists and attic floor boards in the original part of the house were exposed to the interior. Test openings in the South Parlor revealed smoke on joists, chimney girt and attic floor boards. Plaster ceilings in the original part of house were installed later, probably during the construction of additions. However, the ceiling in the original part of the house is a valuable early alteration featuring lime plaster over the hand split lath. Plaster ceilings are in fair to poor conditions. The plaster ceiling in the West Parlor is cracked and seems to be in the most critical, however repairable, condition.

d. Stairs: “Chimney” stair is an early, non original steep wood stair located between

the South and the North Parlors adjacent to the east chimney wall. It was constructed to replace the earlier ladder, which was probably located in this area or to replace a stair in the east room. During the construction of this stair, the summer beam was cut. The stair is very steep, but is one of the character defining features of the house. It seems to be in sound structural condition. Stair in the northwest entry hall: Historic wood stair is in good condition.

e. Window Trim: Window trim in most locations is historic, non-original 19th century

trim. It is in sound condition. The 18th century candlestick window trim is in evidence at the kitchen window. The window in the Southwest Bedroom has 18th century beaded window sash stop. Using these details it is possible to reconstruct the 18th century interior window trim.

f. Interior Doors and Door Trim: Most historic flat four panel colonial 18th century

interior doors with simple beaded trim, are preserved in numerous locations. The doors to bathroom, kitchen and attic stair feature hand forged thumb latches. These doors with trim and hardware including thumb latches are early significant components of the building. All doors have butt hinges, which were applied in the mid 19th century or later.

g. Chimney mantels: The existing simple chimney mantels in the North Parlor and in the

West Parlor are late 18th – early 19th century features which are significant to the building. They appear to be in good condition.

Attic. (photographs # 81-114, 114D, 114E). The Attic preserves its historic plan as it appeared in the late 18th, early 19th century. The roof over the original dwelling was much lower, thus only a small central area of the attic was suitable for use. All existing rooms in the attic were constructed simultaneously with the addition. Two simple unheated bedrooms are located along the east gable wall and one along the south wall. These bedrooms have simple finishes and are accessible by the steep and small “Chimney Stair” through the unfinished garret. These rooms probably served as servants’ bedrooms. The West Bedroom is located along the west wall between the entry hall and the unfinished Work Room. This bedroom has a separate access through the formal stair in the entry hall. Historically, the West Bedroom had wood stove heat and featured nice finishes identical to the finishes in the West

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Parlor. Most likely it served as the Master Bedroom. All bedrooms in the attic feature a suspended plastered ceiling with unfinished attic space above. The closet in the West Bedroom was constructed simultaneously with the room. The closet in the North Bedroom seems to be a Victorian alteration. a. Floors: Original wide plank floors with tool marks from a parallel saw are preserved

through the attic. The early 18th century plank floors are preserved in original part of attic. The bottom side of these early floorboards is covered with smoke from the fireplace and has traces of the original framing. These floors are in good condition and are a valuable building fabric with traces of the original construction.

b. Walls: The south, north and west exterior walls are intact. The east gable exterior

wall was reframed with dimensional lumber in the mid. 20th century. The interior side of this wall is still unfinished and studs and insulation are exposed to the interior of the east bedrooms. Interior plank partitions are 1” thick wide boards, which are plastered with early horse hair lime plaster over the hand-split lath at the bedroom side and are unfinished or wall papered on the garret side. Planks have tool marks from the parallel saw. Interior partitions are in good condition.

c. Ceiling: The ceilings in the bedrooms are plastered with lime plaster over the hand split lath. Garret, Work Room and attic over the bedrooms feature exposed roof sheathing and rafters.

e. Window Trim: In the West Bedroom and the Work Room, window trim is historic 18th c. trim. The 20th century window trim in the east bedrooms is unfinished.

f. Interior Doors and Door Trim: All attic doors with hardware are unique historic

features. The doors include flat four-panel colonial doors in the West Bedroom (identical to the doors on first floor), plank doors to the North Bedroom and to the Work Room, and the earliest two-panel doors in the East Bedrooms. These two-panel doors have been re-used in the attic: they have traces of hardware from an earlier application. These doors are probably from the first floor of the original early 18th century house or from the 1712 dwelling, which once was on the property.

Mechanical Systems, Plumbing, Electrical, Air Conditioning The original fireplace located in the center of the original structure, historically provided heat for the whole house. A well was located to the east of the house and has been recorded in the historic photograph. All “modern era” systems were inserted into the building over time. Currently all mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems have reached their life expectancy. They are out of service and in need of complete replacement. The house has no air conditioning.

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BARN

BUILDING DESCRIPTION

The Oscar Palmer barn is a three bay gable-end mid-late 19th century wood structure on a fieldstone foundation. The structure is a mix of heavy timber and dimensional lumber. In the late 19th – early 20th century, the barn was expanded to the north by the one-bay garage addition and one story shed addition, which was attached to the east wall. The building measures 46 feet long by 22 feet wide, including the 13 foot garage addition. The gross floor area of the barn is 1080 square feet on first floor level. The structure is about 30 feet high from the basement floor to the ridge.

The barn illustrates many characteristics of the typical bank barn, which were commonly built in the 19th century in New England:

“The bank barn gets its name from a simple but clever construction technique: the barn is built into the side of a hill, thus permitting two levels to be entered from the ground. The lower level housed animals, the upper levels served as threshing floor and storage. The hillside entrance gave easy access to wagons bearing wheat or hay. (Fodder could also be dropped through openings in the floor to the stabling floor below.) - Technical Preservation Services; National Park Service.

The Oscar Palmer barn is a north-south oriented structure constructed with its long side located on the east side of the hill, with entries from the west and south, on two opposing levels due to the sloping ground (photographs # 2.1 – 2.4). On the west side, where the hill was lacking, a bank was created by building up an earthen ramp to the upper level (first floor). This ramp, supported by a concrete retaining wall on the south, leads to the sliding double wagon doors located in the central bay. While the west (hill side) entrance gives access to the threshing floor, the lower level (basement) is accessible from the south.

Usually, the lower story was used to house animals. The stone cellar, with its doors on the downhill side facing the south, presumably was once a home to the livestock. Currently, there is no evidence of animal stalls. The basement is subdivided into three bays by tree trunk columns on stone bases. The first floor dimensional lumber framing is exposed in the basement. The east and south cellar elevations were constructed above the grade. The east wall is dry-laid field stone masonry. The south elevation of the cellar is open, however, historically it probably was a wood framed wall with a door opening in the center. The west and north walls are field stone masonry on mortar.

As in a traditional English-style barn, the floor above the cellar is divided into three bays. Commonly, the center runway with wagon doors was used for the unloading of wagons, while hay or grains were stored in the side stock aisles. Some deterioration of the floor boards in the central bay gives some evidence that this area was used for some period as a threshing surface. The side aisles are subdivided from the runway by lightweight stud construction. The separated grain was likely stored in the built-in wood bins on the north side of the bay. The first floor mainly preserves its historic plan as a traditional English-style barn with a floor area divided into three bays. The bays are separated by the stud walls with horizontal board sheathing. The original wagon door to the threshing floor is located in the west (hillside) wall. This door is large enough to admit a fully loaded hay

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wagon. The barn roof formed a traditional triangular gable. The original wood shingle roof is visible in several locations under the asphalt shingles.

The building construction is a mix of heavy timber and dimensional lumber. It features corner posts and beams as well as modern era wall studs, which were framed to receive horizontal board sheathing. Oscar Palmer did not have any interest in farming but was interested in collecting antiquities. Thus the Dairy Barn and some outbuildings slowly were converted into storage for his extended collection. Roof, Flashings, Gutters, and Downspouts (photographs # 115-118, 123, 127, 151-154) The barn has a simple gable roof of moderate pitch. The roof frame and the board sheathing of the barn appear to be intact. The roof members are exposed to the attic. The roof was originally covered with wooden shingles, which are visible at the eaves under the modern asphalt shingles. The asphalt shingles, as well as the wood shingles underneath have exceeded their life expectancy. The roof vent featured on the 1905 photograph is gone. There is no evidence of gutters or downspouts. Sidewalls & Trim (photographs # 115-125, 129, 131, 132)

The existing wood shingle siding is in critical condition. The historic wooden eaves soffit and fascia boards are severely weathered and deteriorated. The trim around the garage door is deteriorated beyond repair. We didn’t find any traces of framing of the south basement wall. However, we believe that wood framed basement wall can be constructed (if desired) to enclose the basement. Foundation Stone Masonry (photographs # 117, 125, 129, 130, 133-136, 149)

The masonry foundation walls seem to be in sound structural condition, but the west and north walls need repointing. The east wall is dry-laid wall. Concrete masonry units’ posts under the east addition are shifted. Windows & Doors (photographs # 115-121, 125-129, 132, 142, 145-153)

The barn features four windows on the first floor, south elevation and two windows in the garage. The three-over-three wood windows with simple square frames have been subjected to weathering and excessive moisture and are heavily weathered and deteriorated. The barn has two plank sliding doors: a garage door in late 19th - 20th century addition to the barn and the wagon double door. The garage door is a 20th century replacement of the original door recorded on the 1905 photograph. Both doors feature heavily deteriorated board ends at the bottom. The garage door trim is in critical condition. The north gable haymow door, which is recorded on the 1966 photograph, has been enclosed behind the siding, but is visible from the attic. The haymow door can be easily repaired for further use if desired. Originally, the barn had three-over-three gable windows, which are recorded on the 1905 photograph (north gable) and on the 1966 photograph (south gable). Floors & Ceiling (photographs # 137-150) The dirt floor with stone bases under tree trunk posts in the original part of basement is in fair condition. The concrete floor in the garage addition and the wood floors appear to be

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in sound condition. The framing and first floor boards are exposed to the interior and appear to be in good condition. Mechanical Systems, Plumbing, Electrical, Sewer The barn does not have any water or sewer services. There is no heating in the barn. The existing electrical service is outdated. SITE DESCRIPTION LANDSCAPE (photographs # 1-10, 218, 219)

The Oscar Palmer Farm is situated on a 29-acre parcel of land adjacent to a 600-acre corridor of protected farmland and open space along Adamsville Road, including the Herb Hadfield Conservation Area in Westport Massachusetts. Historically, this site is the center of a large agriculture area of farmland, pasture and woods. In general, the site slightly slopes from the Northwest to Southeast and runs down onto the banks of Angeline Brook, which passes through the property’s backland. Except for a few large trees along the property’s stonewalls, the open farmland and pastures are located in west part of the farm and along the Adamsville Road. The southeast half of the farm is covered with woods. Indians once inhabited this land and stratum contains rich archeological material. The 1935 Newspaper published a story about the Palmer Farm and Oscar’s collection of Indian relics, which he found while plowing on his farm near the brook. Archeological restrictions may apply to this property.

The House, barn and outbuildings are all situated in the farmyard, accessible from Adamsville Road through the historic granite entry gate. The gate to the farm is gone, but two large granite gate posts with two smaller granite posts for walkways on each side of the gate are in evidence.

Stonewalls run along the entire boundary of the property and divide the farm land into several pastures. The most notable of these are capped stonewalls which continue for over a quarter of a mile along Adamsville Road and are part of a scenic corridor framed by iconic stonewalls. Two granite blocks, whose shape is reminiscent of chairs, are located along the stonewall near the northwest corner of the farmhouse. Local legend tells that Mr. Palmer and Ms. Simmons used to drink their morning coffee sitting on these granite blocks.

The well was located to the northeast of the house. It is recorded near the millstone on the 1905 photograph. The millstone and long granite sill across the driveway in front of the entrance door are in evidence. The granite sill was probably an early version of the walkway across the muddy driveway to the well. The stratums around the wells usually have rich archeological content, thus this area needs some research before any physical disturbance. A small stone sink in front of the east porch is a nice detail of a simple farm life.

The Brownell-Handy private burying ground surrounded by stonewalls is located adjacent the farmland. It is accessible only through the farmland from Adamsville Road. There are 47 marked stones and 22 unmarked stones (fieldstones) in this cemetery

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attributed to members of Brownell and Handy families. Vital Records on this burying ground go back to 1805. The burying ground hosts four War Veterans’ graves as follows:

Revolutionary War (1775-1782) Abner Brownell June-22-1756 - Jan-13-1851 Benjamin Brownell June 13 1734 - Dec-3-1816

War of 1812 (1812-1815) Benjamin Brownell 1759 - Apr-11-1830

Civil War (1775-1782) Dr. James H. Handy Nov-13-1792 - May-15-1868

OUTBUILDINGS All existing farm outbuildings are important features of the Oscar Palmer Farm. Their size, location, orientation, shape and appearance are integral components of the property’s historic appearance and rich agricultural heritage. Most of the outbuildings are in poor condition and require an extensive rehabilitation. In case of demolition, it will be important to replicate sheds in their original location, using the footprint of the buildings, to reproduce the size and shape of outbuildings and to duplicate the original materials as wood shingles and board-and–batten siding. It the installation of wood shingles on the roof will be problematic, installation of architectural grade asphalt shingles would imitate the originally installed wood shingles. SHED #1. (photographs # 155-160) Shed #1 is a small ten feet by eight feet 20th century one-story structure. It is located to the north of the barn and sits in line with the barn’s east wall. The wood-framed front-gable building sits on a two-step concrete base. It served as storage for the farm tools. The shed has a plank door on the west elevation and a two-over-two window on the east elevation. The structure features wood shingle siding and asphalt shingles over the historic wood shingle roof. The wood trim features heavily deteriorated board ends. Although the wood shingles and trim are subjected to weathering and excessive moisture, in general shed#1 is in fair structural condition and can be easily repaired. SHED #2. CORN CRIB. (photographs # 161-172) Shed #2, a Corn Crib, is a small eight feet by six feet one-story structure. It is located between the house and three outbuildings, which are grouped in the southwest corner of the farmyard. The features of the existing Corn Crib are identical to the Shed recorded on the 1905 photograph, however the existing Corn Crib seems to be slightly smaller. The Corn Crib is a wood-framed front-gable building, which sits on four pyramid-shaped concrete corner posts over the two-step concrete base. The shed has a plank door on the east elevation and features board-and-batten siding. The existing asphalt roof is placed over the historic wood shingle roof. The floorboards have gaps, to allow corn to breathe during storage. The floor is covered with steel mesh to prevent access to rodents. All building features including roof, siding and door are heavily deteriorated. The Corn Crib requires extensive repairs or replacement with a shed identical to it or previously existing outbuilding recorded on the 1905 photograph. Concrete base is a 20th century feature it has cracks and is not integral to the historic significance of the outbuildings.

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SHED #3 & 4. (photographs # 173-197) Sheds #3 (eighteen feet by twelve feet) & 4 (sixteen feet by eight feet) are identical late 19th century one-story structures. They are located in the southwest corner of the farmyard facing east between the Corn Crib and the Blacksmith Shop. The wood-framed side-gabled buildings sit on the ground and have a partial stone base at south corners due the slopping site. These structures served as homes for small farm animals or as storage for the farm products. The 1905 photograph features the roof vent on Shed #3. Sheds #3 & 4 feature wood shingle siding and asphalt roofs over the historic wood shingle roofs. The identical plank sliding doors with horseshoe shaped hinges are located in the middle of the east elevations. Shed #3 has a single west elevation window located across the door. All buildings’ components including roof, siding, door and window are heavily deteriorated and will require extensive repairs or replacement. SHED #5. BLACKSMITH SHOP. (photographs # 198-217) Shed #5, a Blacksmith Shop, is a one-story 19th century wooden structure with a 20th century addition. It sits in the southwest corner of the farmyard facing east. The original L-shaped structure with exterior side chimney has been recorded on the 1905 photograph. The original part has a field stone foundation and features three-over-three sash windows. It served as a Blacksmith Shop. The interior features original plastered sloped ceiling and horizontal sheathing. The concrete floors appear to be later alterations. The interior has some unique original features including original wooden workbench, wooden toolbox, circular cast iron ceiling vent and chimney shelf. The door to the original part of Blacksmith Shop is a later replacement. The 20th century addition was constructed at north elevation enclosing the chimney. It served as coal storage and features concrete foundation, dimensional lumber wood structure exposed into interior, horizontal board sheathing, and six-over-six window. The building has wood shingle siding and asphalt roof over the historic wood shingle roof. The damaged brick chimney is in critical condition. All building features including roof, siding, doors, chimney and plaster are heavily deteriorated. In case of replacement of the original features, the faithful reproduction of damaged elements will contribute to the integrity of the building.

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CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Oscar Palmer Farm typifies the scale and structure of 18th century farm estates in New England, and plays a significant part in the history of the Town of Westport. The house features an original floor plan and unique chimney. The interiors of the original early 18th century house are relatively well preserved, and will allow for careful study and restoration of the structure. The barn illustrates many characteristics typical of New England 19th century bank barns. All existing farm outbuildings are integral components of the property’s historic appearance and rich agricultural heritage. All structures have much of their original historic fabric in place. Properly preserved and rehabilitated, this property will be an important contribution to the culture and history of both the Town of Westport and Massachusetts. It is also important to conduct archeological research before any physical disturbance of the site occurs. The following table lists each recommendation based on a feature’s contribution to the historical significance to the building and farm.


PRESERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS

ITEM BRIEF DESCRIPTION PRESERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS

1House Plan First Floor

The original early 18th century five‐room plan with a diagonal chimney in the back and three rooms in the front is unique. The original plan and late 18th century additions are well preserved .

Preservation of existing walls and partitions, with the exception of the 20th century partition between the southeast bedroom and the current bathroom. Preservation of existing windows and doors. For detailed recommendation please refer to plan A‐1.

2 Chimney Stack

Diagonal chimney stack is an original component of the building and is a rare and unique feature. Altough altered in the 18th and 19th centuries, it is generally well preserved.

Preservation of the existing chimney stack, fireboxes in North Parlor (Keeping Room) and West Parlor, and beehive oven. Reconstruction of original firebox in South Parlor, if desired. Foundation needs to be exposed and probably repaired.

GENERAL: We recommend exposing and inspecting the sill and the associated board sheathing around the entire perimeter of all structures, diagnosing and eradicating insect damage. During the repairs, all wood (old and new) will need a spray application of boric acid.

PRESERVATION CRITICAL The following items are rare, unique and character / period defining components of the house. By replacing these features, the house will lose its value and historic integrity.

HOUSE

3 Timber FramingEarly 18th and 18th century timber framing, solid condition.

Preservation of existing posts and beams. In the original part of the house we recommend that existing posts and beams not be enclosed inside of walls or above the ceiling. The existing post and beams should be restored and exposed to the interior to showcase the structure.

4Panel Interior Doors & trim

Early four‐panel and two‐panel colonial doors, simple trim, good condition.

Preservation repairs. Use the latches and hinges as sample hardware for replication on other doors, if desired.

1 Exterior WallsExterior walls (with the exception of the east wall) are historic plank walls with traces of original features, framed in, insulated, sound condition.

Preservation repairs to plank walls.

2 Partitions First Floo

Interior plank partitions (except SE Bedroom / Bathroom stud partition) are historic 1” thick wide plank partitions with early lime plaster over the hand‐split lath. Test openings in the North Parlor (Keeping Room) and West Parlor exposed 18th cenrtury feathered panel boards under plaster.

Preservation repairs to partitions and to existing plaster.

PRESERVATION HIGHLY RECOMMENDED The following items have historic and architectural value and are character / period defining features of the house. By replacing these features, the house will lose its value and historic integrity.

3 Partitions Attic

Interior plank partitions are 1” thick wide boards with early lime plaster over the hand‐split lath on the side adjacent to bedroom and are unfinished or wall papered on the side adjacent to garret, good condition. Planks have tool marks from parallel saw.

Preservation repairs to partitions and to existing plaster.

4 Stone Foundation

Field stone masonry foundation dressed with long solid granite blocks above the grade level, partially parged, minor failure of pointing mortar and parging.

Selective repointing and parging. To ensure the longevity of repairs, new mortar for repairs, parging and repointing should be compatible with historic lime mortar.

5 Roof Framing 18th century roof framing with fragments and traces of the original early 18th century roof Structurel evaluation, structural and preservation repairs.

6 Chimney mantels Historic (late 18th &19th century), solid condition. Preservation repairs.

7 Window FramesWindow Frames (except at east elevation) are 18th century historic frames (altered in North Parlor), solid condition.

Preservation repairs to frames. If a new window unit (not recommended) needs to be installed, we recommend installing new fitting with sash in the existing 18th century window frames.

Greek Revival The mid 19th century Greek Revival doorway with8

Greek Revival Entrance North Elevation

The mid 19th century Greek Revival doorway with two side lights and two fluted pilasters is a noticible alteration, fair condition.

Preservation repairs.

9 Stairs

“Chimney” stair is not original and very steep, but it is one of the character defining features of the house. Historic 19th century wood stair in northwest entry hall is in good condition.

Preservation repairs to steps, railing, balusters.

10Colonial Door Hardware

Thumblatches and h‐hinges in Northeast bedroom in the attic are 18th ‐ early 19th century hardware.

Preservation repairs. Use the latches and hinges hardware as sample for replication on other doors, if desired.

11Wide Board Floors, Attic

Original wide plank floors with tool marks from parallel saw, good condition. The bottom side of floorboards in the garret has traces of original framing.

We recommend preserving these floors. We recommend preserving floors in the garret without replacing or rearranging the boards.




1 House Plan AtticThe 18th century plan (after the building was added) is well preserved. Attic has much of the original fabric in place.

Preservation of existing partitions, windows and doors. For detailed recommendation please refer to drwg. A‐2.

2Reconstruction of chimney above the roof line

Chimney above the roof was rebuild in the 20th c. in smaller dimensions. It is damaged and is in critical condition.

Chimney needs extensive repairs and rebuilding above the roof line. Using historic images, we recommend reconstructing the historic chimney. This measure will preserve the historic integrity of the exterior of the house.

3 Roof ShinglesAsphalt shingles, poor condition. Historically, house had wood shingles.

A historically appropriate treatement for this house is (i) installation of red cedar roof shingles (if funds are available) or (ii) architectural grade asphalt shingles which imitate the originally installed wood shingles.

PRESERVATION RECOMMENDED Once preserved or reconstructed, the following prominent features will be contributing components to the integrity of the building’s historic appearance.

HOUSE

4Gutters and Downspouts

Wood ogee gutters at north elevation and around the porch are not original and are out of service. Downspouts are missing.

Remove existing gutters. Installation of new gutters is not required. However, if installation of gutters is desired, we recommend installing V‐type wood (or AZEK) gutters, which are appropriate to the time period of the house and enclosing the downspouts with wood (AZEK) casing. Gutter above the south door needs to be removed and replaced with plank rain diverter.

5 Window SashTwo‐over‐two & six‐over‐six 19th century and 20th century alteration sash, poor to fair conditions.

New multi‐pane sash: First option: twelve‐over‐twelve sash (varies in attic smaller windows)‐18th century appearance Second option: six‐over‐six sash ‐ early‐mid 19th century appearance. Window sash will be restored (if funds are available), there is also an early sash stop in the Southwest bedroom, which can be replicated.

6 Window trim

Window trim is historic, non‐original 19th century

trim, sound condition. The 18th century candlestick window trim is in evidence at the kitchen window.

We recommend preserving the historic trim. If the window trim will be replaced, we recommend using the window trim in the kitchen as an example. Window trim in the attic east rooms is unfinished. We recommend replicating the window trim in the kitchen for these windows.

f i f h i i l hiRestoration and reinstallation of all original posts, with the exception of the

7 Framing Posts Seven framing posts from the original thirteen posts are preserved.

Restoration and reinstallation of all original posts, with the exception of the post in the center of North Parlor (Keeping Room), will reinforce the original structure and enhance the appearance of the original interior.

8 Exterior DoorsAll exterior doors are 19th century panel doors, which are altered by the replacement of upper panels with glass.

We recommend restoring the existing paneled doors, frames and trim or replicating these features in case of replacement.

8 Plaster ceilings

Historic plaster ceilings are in repairable condition. The ceiling in the original part of the house is an early alteration (initially planks and beams were exposed to the first floor interiors).

Preservation repairs to lath and plaster.

1Window Frames in North Parlor

19th century alterations, solid condition. Alteration / replacement of enlarged frames in North Parlor to match frames at North Elevation.

2Window Lintels, East Elevation

East elevation lintels are 20th century alteration, solid condition.

Replacement of straight lintels with the beveled ones to match the historic lintels on the north, south and west elevations.

WISH LIST Reconstruction of the following features, which were missing or altered, will be contributing components to the integrity of the building’s historic appearance.

3 Siding &TrimWood shingles & trim, non‐original, painted white, fair condition.

During the future siding replacement, we recommend using unpainted cedar shingles and trim boards. An unpainted natural finish will be more appropriate to the period of the house.

1 East PorchThe porch is a MID. 20th century alteration, poor condition.

It may be repaired, rebuilt close to existing dimensions or demolished, as desired. In case of repair or rebuilding, keep the concrete base away from wood sill.

2Bathroom First Floor

Mid. 20th century conventional bathroom. North partition between bathroom and pantry is original, early 18th century partition.

Bathroom can be altered (with the exception of the north partition).

3Cess pool, Well, Oil Heat, Electrical

Currently all mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems have reached their life expectancy. The house has no air conditioning.

New well, septic system & heating. For AC, if required, we recommend a high efficiency Small Duct High Velocity system, which will be less harmful for the historic structure. This system can be combined with heating systems. We recommend providing new 200 amp electrical service to the farmhouse.

MID.‐ LATE 20TH CENTURY ALTERATIONS




1 Barn Framing & Pla

The barn illustrates many characteristics of the typical three‐bay bank barn. Framing and horizontal sheathing is in solid condition. Historic roof framing has been reinforced with steel bracing.

Preservation & preservation repairs to existing posts, beams, floor & roof framing & exterior walls.

2 BasementRemarkable dry‐laid masonry of the east basement wall. North and west walls feature failure of pointing mortar.

Preservation of masonry basement walls. Rrepointing of west and north walls. To ensure the longevity of repairs, new mortar for repairs and repointing should be compatible with the historic lime mortar.

Barn

PRESERVATION CRITICAL The following items are unique and character / period defining components of the barn. By altering these features, the barn will lose its historic integrity.

PRESERVATION HIGHLY RECOMMENDED The following items have historic and architectural value and are character defining features of the barn.

1 Sidewalls & Trim

The wood shingle siding is in critical condition, trim, eaves, soffit and fascia boards are severely weathered and deteriorated. The trim around the garage door is deteriorated beyond repair.

Siding needs urgent replacement. We recommend using wood shingles for siding. Trim, eaves, soffit and fascia need extensive repair or in‐kind replacement. The trim around the garage door needs to be replaced.

1 Roof ShinglesAsphalt shingles and wood shingles underneath are in critical condition. Historically, barn had wood shingles.

A historically appropriate treatement for the barn is (i) installation of red cedar roof shingles (if funds are available) or (ii) architectural grade asphalt shingles which imitate the originally installed wood shingles.

2 Windows The three‐over‐three wood windows with simple square frames are heavily weathered and deteriorated.

The windows need extensive repairs or replacement. In case of replacement, we recommend replicating the pattern of the existing windows.

The barn has two plank sliding doors: the 20thAlthough the garage door is a 20th century alteration, this door and door support arch are nice and remarkable features We recommend restoring

PRESERVATION RECOMMENDED Once preserved or reconstructed, the following features will be contributing components to the integrity of the building’s historic appearance.

The following items have historic and architectural value and are character defining features of the barn.

3 Barn DoorsThe barn has two plank sliding doors: the 20th century garage door and the wagon double door.

support arch are nice and remarkable features. We recommend restoring the existing plank doors & frames, or replicating these doors in case of replacement.

4 Interiors Interior Framing, Partitions, Doors, Floors and grain bins are 19th century features. They are in good condition.

We recommend maintaining these features.

1 Roof Vent The roof vent featured on the 1905 photograph is gone.

A reconstructed roof vent will benefit the historic appearance of the barn and will provide better ventiltion.

2 Haymow DoorHaymow door recorded on the 1966 photograph in north gable is currently enclosed by the siding.

A reconstructed haymow door will benefit the historic appearance of the barn and can be benificial for future use.

3 Gable Window (s)

Originally, the barn had three‐over‐three gable windows, which are recorded on the 1905 photograph. Window framing in the south gable is in evidence.

The gable window(s) can be easily reconstructed and installed. These windows will provide additional ventilation.

WISH LIST Reconstruction of following features, which were missing or altered, will be contributing components to the integrity of the barn.

1Concrete Masonry Units' Foundation at East Addition

Concrete masonry unit posts are shifted. Need repair or replacement.

2 ElectricalExisting electrical system is outdated. There is no heating, plumbing or sewer in the barn.

New electical system.





1Stone Walls and Gate Posts

Farm's stone walls were historically caped. Currently, several large granite caps are moved from the top and lie along the walls. Granite posts are in solid condition, but the gate is gone.

Preservation & repairs to existing posts and walls. Installation of a new simple wood historically appropriate gate, if desired.

2

Sheds #2, 3, 4, 5 ‐ Size, Location, Orientation, Shape

The outbuildings are in poor condition and require extensive rehabilitation or replacement. Corn crib is a 20th century structure, which was built to

In case of demolition, we recommend replicating the existing (or historic) sheds in their original location by using the footprint of the existing structures. It is important to reproduce size, shape, orientation, roof line and

SITE AND OUTBUILDINGS

PRESERVATION CRITICAL The following items are unique and character / period defining components of the farm. By altering these features, the farm will lose its historic integrity.

and Appearance replace a larger outbuilding. appearance of the outbuildings.

1Sheds #2, 3, 4, 5 ‐Sidewalls & Trim

The wood shingle siding and trim are in critical condition.

Siding & Trim need urgent in‐kind replacement. In case of replacement of outbuildings, we recommend replicating the existing original materials such as wood shingles and board‐and‐batten siding. Replica of concrete foundation is not required.

1

Site Features: Stone "Chairs", Mill Stone, Granite Sill, Granite Sink

Existing stone features have been located on site for a long period of time and have become a landmarks of Oscar Palmer Farm.

Preservation with optional relocation on property or as part of Westport Historical Society or Trustees collection.

2Roofs at Outbuildings

Asphalt shingles and wood shingles underneath are in critical condition. Historically, all outbuildings had wood shingle roofs.

A historically appropriate treatement for the outbuildings is (i) installation of red cedar roof shingles (if funds are available) or (ii) architectural grade asphalt shingles which imitate the originally installed wood shingles.

Windows and Doors need extensive repairs or replacement. In case of

PRESERVATION RECOMMENDED Once preserved or reconstructed, the following features will be contributing components to the integrity of the building’s historic appearance.

PRESERVATION HIGHLY RECOMMENDED The following items have historic and architectural value and are character defining features of the farm.

3Sheds #2, 3, 4, 5 ‐ Windows & Doors

Windows and doors are in poor condition.Windows and Doors need extensive repairs or replacement. In case of replacement, we recommend replicating the pattern and style of the existing windows and doors.

4Sheds # 3, 4 ‐ Door Hardware

Horseshoe shaped door hinges, solid condition We recommend restoring and reusing the existing horseshoe shaped door hinges.

5Shed #5 ‐ Repair Shop Features and Equipment

Work Bench, Tool Box, Ceiling Vent & Chimney Shelf are character defining historic parts of the shop.

We recommend restoring and reusing these features.

1Shed #3 ‐ Roof Vent

The roof vent featured on the 1905 photograph is gone.

A reconstructed roof vent will benefit the historic appearance of the shed and will provide ventiltion.

2 Historic Shack #2

Historic shack recorded on the 1905 photograph is currently replaced by Corn Crib, which is in critical condition. The features of the existing Corn Crib are identical to the historic Shed, except that the existing Corn Crib seems to be slightly smaller.

We recommend reconstructing the historic shack in its original location, and replicating it size, shape, orientation, roof line and appearance.

3Historic Shack with Shed‐Roof

Historic shed‐roof shack between shacks # 3 & #4 is gone.

We recommend reconstructing the historic shack in its original location, and replicating it size, shape, orientation, roof line and appearance.

WISH LIST Reconstruction of the following features, which were missing or altered, will be contributing components to the integrity of the farm.

Shed‐Roof is gone. replicating it size, shape, orientation, roof line and appearance.

1 Shed #1Storage shed #1 is a mid. 20th century outbuilding, fair to poor condition.

It may be repaired, rebuilt close to existing dimensions or demolished, as desired. In case of rebuilding, we recommend reproducing size, shape, orientation, roof line and appearance of the existing structure.

COLOR KEY

PRESERVATION CRITICAL

PRESERVATION HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

PRESERVATION RECOMMENDED

WISH LIST



THE OSCAR PALMER FARM - The Trustees of … PALMER FARM, WESTPORT, MASSACHUSETTS NCA 2 EXECUTIVE...

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