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BUILDING BACKGROUND
How to investigate the history of a buildingBriefing
What do we really know about any building? Is there a shady past? Do you sense a falsefront?The inquiry will have two stages:
Investigation
and
Corroboration
.
1. Investigation:
Tracking down clues directly connected with the physical structure, architecture, or construction. This includes the year it was built, names of the architect and builder, thematerials used, the cost to build, additions and changes over time.
2. Corroboration:
Gathering facts that confirm (or refute) the theories generated by Investigation.Focus on the big picture: owners, occupants, and shifts of cultural scenery. But don'toverlook trace evidence of daily life, relationships, and events on site or nearby.Pursue every lead to the bitter end, and you still won't uncover the entire truth. But youwill be able to prove some things - and claim the distinction of being a true HistoryDetective.
Investigation, from the ground up:
•
Start at the bottom, looking for brickwork in the foundation and basement.Smaller bricks may be older; two sizes signal two construction cycles.
•
Look for the obvious. Is there a year imprinted in the sidewalk? Or an addressplate with a patent number or manufacturing date? Look inside the fuse box too.
•
Check mileage to the city center. The farther you are from the original core, theyounger your house is likely to be.
•
Look around. Do you see familiar styles and features anywhere? Is thereanything with a known date, contemporary to the style of your home?
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If focal features are still original (staircase, fireplace, entryway) look at thetechniques used in metalwork, or the carving in wood details for suggestions of vintage.
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Check details of design and construction on window casings, doorframes andlintels. These are almost always done in the prevailing style of the time.
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Remnants of wallpaper patterns and paint color-schemes can be traced to aperiod style.
History Detectives Tips
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If building materials are inconsistent with a documented construction date, thehouse may have been rebuilt after fire or flood damage.
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To find the color of original exterior paint, look underneath windowsills and behindthe meter box, doorbell plate, and mailbox.
•
Look under door hardware to find original wood finish or paint. If necessary, takethe door off its hinges to check the bottom edge.
•
Shine a strong light source on upper walls at an oblique angle. You may findsigns of stencils, dadoes, friezes and other features.Provided by pbs.org television program “History Detectives”http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/diy/building.html
CHECKLIST - BUILDINGS
The #1 Rule of Architectural Investigations: lay the proper foundation. What you do in thebeginning will greatly affect the final product of your research. Create a research planand take a methodical approach designed to hone in on the key facts. Use our list as aguide, and adapt it to your needs.
Get familiar
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Learn the Local HistoryGet context. Read newspapers from the construction year. What were the big issues?
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Do Home WorkScrutinize house details. Record all clues. Additions? Artifacts? Construction? Quirks?
Get it in writing
•
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Tax Assessment RollsWatch for changes in value, indicating new construction/additions. Usually county level.
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Building PermitsConstruction details for all new buildings, and additions. City/county planning andzoning.
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Contractor (Mechanic) LiensContains the contractor(s), detailed work description, cost. County or district court.
Get the support
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Fire Insurance Maps/Rate BookletsSanborn maps of industrial areas; booklets for address, owner. Library or online.
•
Architect & Appraiser RecordsOffice blueprint copies; appraisals with photos, materials. Historical societies, et al.
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