Restoration Journal

The Elkhart County Community Foundation has made a $25,000 grant to the Ruthmere Foundation for the Havilah Beardsley House project! This important contribution will help to increase the opportunities for restoration of the home of Elkhart's founder.

During excavation of the West Wing, a unique old radiator was discovered. Like the East Wing (c. 1890s), the floor, subfloor, joists were badly damaged by insects and rot and had to be largely removed. This made it possible to stabilize the foundation and treat against further insect damage.

When the poplar subfloor (c. 1870s) was removed, an early below-floor heating system was found. This type of radiator, a metal box encased with wood, was likely found throughout the house during this period to supplement the heat from the three fireplaces. Although it is badly insect damaged, the radiator will be saved as an early artifact.

Much progress had been made in the East Wing Gallery space as of June, and in July, progress continues throughout the Master bedroom with the addition of new floors placed by the Greg Nichols Flooring Company. Pictured below is Matt Bolinger of the Greg Nichols company, carefully installing new oak floors in the soon-to-be gallery space.

The east wing of the Havilah Beardsley House has undergone a significant transformation since the house was acquired by the foundation. For many years this part of the house-- the newest addition except for the north end of the garage-- was a doctor's office. Dr. Smith, a chiropractor, and Dr. George Adkins, a hypnotherapist, both practiced in this wing. In it were a series of small rooms.
Interior walls have been removed, as has the flooring including floor, subfloor and joists. The foundation was stablized and treated to prevent ongoing insect damage, which was the cause of the need to replace so many original elements-- they had been virtually destroyed by insects. The drop-tile ceiling was removed and revealed an interesting ceiling, which was covered with c. 1920s or 1930s paper. This has since been replaced with a plaster ceiling. New moldings and chair rails have been added. An oak floor will be coming soon. The room will feature interpretive panels about the history of Havilah Beardsley and his family, his involvement in the development of the city and its early industry, the mills, and the architectural evolution of the house.
The gallery will not only serve as an orientation area but will be able to transform easily into a temporary exhibition space.

Two plaster restorers from Van Overberghe Plasterers of South Bend meticulously prepare the ceiling of the best parlor for a skim coat of new plaster. It is difficult to find artisans capable of working with ornamental plaster medallions today.

Plaster specialists from Van Overberghe recreate the ornate ceiling medallion that failed, and rebuild the cross pieces. All of the area has now been rebuild and replastered and is ready for painting.

Plaster restoration is in progress. Large ceiling medallions are under
restoration. Photos will be posted soon.

We are currently developing plans to establish a gallery in the west wing of the house for orientation, small temporary exhibitions and hands-on activities with students.

Last summer, members of the Elkhart Historic Preservation and Cultural Commission volunteered to remove aluminum siding from this National Register listed property.
The c. 1950s siding has been removed to reveal the original brick on virtually all of the structure. Ruthmere's Building and Grounds crew planted lilacs, weeded garden beds, and worked to develop the landscape at this significant local landmark.