One-Year Restoration Goals

At a special Board and Membership meeting on July 24, preservation architect  John Horton discussed a list of repairs, replacements and refinements needed to  complete the restoration of the Allison-Deaver House. The Society's board has  targeted August 2007 as a finish-line goal.

The first priority is to repair and rework the columns on the front porch to  improve drainage and ventilation. Among other items are finishing the interior  trimwork, replacing some deteriorating siding, installing a period stove on the  hearth in the kitchen, completing the restoration of the two first floor  fireplaces, solving foundation and under-house moisture problems, rebuilding a  set of steps off of the back porch, relocating the HVAC towers away from the  House and replacing one non-period front door and various locks and hardware  with authentic designs.

Horton also recommended removing the HVAC enclosure panels in the attic to  reveal the three periods of house construction (1815, the original three-over  three room house built by Benjamin Allison; 1840, when William Deaver expanded  the house; and 1860, when Deaver raised the roof and added the Charleston-style  double porches.

A total roof replacement will be needed in the next few years and perhaps,  Horton said, could be done in several phases.

The Society's Grants Committee, Clara Gandy and Brian du Toit, have been busy  researching various state and private foundation funding sources, but realize  that many grants require matching funds. They therefore will be spearheading a  series of appeals to the local community and Society members, with a goal of  announcing the completion of the House improvements by August of 2007, which  will mark the 20th anniversary of the Society's formation and acquisition of the  Allison-Deaver property. Contributions from Mr. and Mrs. Walter Laycek and Mr.  and Mrs. Larry Chasen have already been gratefully received.

The Transylvania Garden Club has once again stepped forward with another  contribution to the grounds surrounding the House. They will plan, plant, and  pay for a kitchen herb and medicinal gardentrue to the period extending from 1815 to 1860. Our heartfelt  thanks and bravos for their ongoing innovative interest and hard  work.

To cap off the July 24th meeting, which was covered both well and prominently  by the Transylvania Times and staff reporter Carleigh Kate Knight, architect  Horton, who has been associated with the Allison-Deaver House throughout its  history of restoration, thrilled us with a vision for the future use of the  barn. In addition to immediate repairs, he and Harris Architects drew up a plan  that would convert the barn's top floor into a large meeting and office space,  connected by a short bridge leading from the sloping field beside it. A facility  like this would provide an opportunity for onsite exhibitions, events, meetings  and office space. It would better serve and increase the Society's programs for  its membership, visitors, and the community. First we repair the House, and next  we dream about the Barn.

Access Information  on The Community Histories Project  clicking HERE.

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