Stabilization and Repair of the Bartlett Cabin, Pecos National Historical Park
Project ID: P16AC01075
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: University of Vermont and State Agriculture College
Fiscal Year: 2016
Initial Funding: $180,000
Total Funding: $180,000
Project Type: Technical Assistance
Project Disciplines: Cultural
National Park: Pecos National Historical Park
Principal Investigator: Porter, Doug
Agreement Technical Representative: Moss, Jeremy
Abstract: Background- The School of Engineering at the University of Vermont (UVM) proposes to participate with staff from the Pecos National Historical Park (PECO) and professional partners in a program of assessment, research, training, and stabilization of an historic homesteader cabin in the Glorieta Unit of the Park. Built by a homesteader and local farmer c.1895, the cabin is a single-pen log structure of hewn logs, V-notched at the corners, and covered in earthen plaster inside and out. A kitchen addition on the west has collapsed, and the main block is in the process of collapse due to drainage of the sloping site toward the building and decay of the logs at grade.
Stage 1: Condition assessment of the cabin is intended to determine the extent of deterioration and will result in a list of the materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to stabilize the building. Assessment will include evaluation of the wood (including species identification and characterization of the surviving structural section in key elements), of the earthen chinking and plasters, of foundation stonework, and of the metal roof panels, and will result in recommendations for repair.
Stage 2: Based on the recommendations developed by UVM, and feedback from the Park, repairs will be made in 2017. Repairs will be addressed using a field school format to train students and park staff in the repair techniques to be implemented and to develop in trainees the skills necessary to continue the work here and at other sites.
Objectives-
1) Assess wood elements to be repaired to locate and quantify remaining sound wood, identify wood species and material characteristics that address repair requirements, and where applicable determine the allowable grade for comparison with performance requirements;
2) Assess surviving earthen chinking and plasters, document their extent and condition, and develop recommendations for their preservation;
3) Evaluate foundation stonework and make recommendations for repair and drainage;
4) Assess metal roof panels and propose roof covering detailing that will allow for maximum retention of the current roof covering while providing adequate protection to the structure;
5) Identify and prioritize the stabilization and repair needs of the cabin, develop and present various preservation options, and develop repair plans;
6) Conduct a field school focused on stabilization of the cabin and aimed at university students, to provide training in the repair techniques to be implemented in the repair of the cabin. These techniques will address the condition of log walls, earthen plasters, period millwork, and the existing roof. This will create opportunities for students and historic preservation and maintenance professionals to interact, enhancing the students’ experience in the field. NPS will also participate in the field school activities.
7) Develop a report based on the results of field school activities. The report will include a narrative description of the work done, project goals realized, measured drawings/plans and project photo documentation.