PAWV HELPS TO FINISH WINDOWS AT OLD TRAVELER’S REST

By Rodney, Preserve WV AmeriCorps

Preservation Alliance of West Virginia carried out a workshop to help put the finishing touches on windows at the Old Traveler’s Rest near Burlington, WV.  This was the final step of the restoration project which began back in 2012.  PAWV staff were accompanied by three volunteers to support the efforts.

Thursday, June 26th was the first day of the two-day workshop.  The day began with an educational session by Statewide Field Services Representative, Lynn Stasick.  Lynn’s presentation included the proper use of wood consolidates and other treatment techniques using the Abatron line of wood care products. Immediately following was a discussion of paint history and chemistry.  To round out the morning, Lynn demonstrated hands-on methods of the type of work occurring during the workshop.

Work included using a router tool to install weather stripping along crucial edges of the wooden windows.  Other volunteers also worked to remove paint and clean up exterior and interior window sills and trim.  The next day saw the completion of weatherization and treatment of the window sills to restore the wood.  Some priming and painting will complete the window restoration.

Volunteers joined the efforts of the Mineral County Historical Foundation, directed by Foundation President, Frank Roleff and longtime friends of the foundation.  The work of the Foundation has focused on raising funds and beginning restoration of the original section of the structure.  The building was built in two segments, the first in 1810.  The original intention was serving travelers traveling along the Old Northwestern Turnpike between Parkersburg, West Virginia and Winchester, Virginia.

PAWV was fortunate to be joined by three volunteers.  The most coincidental volunteer was Alex Dye of Morgantown whose Great-Grandparents lived in the house at one time.  Lindsy Whittaker also joined the crew, looking to gain hands-on experience to supplement her recent degrees in History and Museum Studies from Fairmont State University.  Julie DiBiase, AmeriCorps with the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, who is currently serving with Arthurdale Heritage, Inc., volunteered both Thursday and Friday.
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Julie scraping old paint from historic windows.

Lindsy helping to weatherize historic windows at Old Traveler’s Rest.