We find the original front doors, grand and imposing, in the recesses of the basement, next to the gravestone. The wood panels and glass windows are caked with dirt and dust, but otherwise undamaged. Even the hardware is all there, down to the little porcelain fob that covers the keyhole. (See below.)
Restoring the original doors will require some surgery. We'll have to reconfigure the existing front door frame (see photo below) and recreate the shallow arch that crowns the doors in historic views of the house. (As in the drawing here.)
When were the fancy double doors replaced with a single, plain one? And why?
Whatever the answer, we are grateful that the magnificent originals weren't tossed. And that the basement stays dry, so as to preserve them.
Restoring the original doors will require some surgery. We'll have to reconfigure the existing front door frame (see photo below) and recreate the shallow arch that crowns the doors in historic views of the house. (As in the drawing here.)
When were the fancy double doors replaced with a single, plain one? And why?
Whatever the answer, we are grateful that the magnificent originals weren't tossed. And that the basement stays dry, so as to preserve them.
They don't make doorknobs--or keyholes--like this anymore.
Front door as it looks today. Brass knocker is inscribed with initials of seller's father: J. K. R.
RSS Feed
