Where Has the Time Gone?

I have now been the proud owner of the John James McCuiston house for a year! Due to my extremely busy work schedule, it has been difficult for me to update everyone on the progress of the old house. When I can work it out, most of my work has been taking place between the hours of 9 pm-1 am, which means my coffee maker has been getting quite the workout.

The first picture of the parlor was taken the first time I ever walked into the house. Since that time, a fair amount of work has been done, but I didn’t have much part in it. My friend, who purchased the property as a foreclosure in an effort to save it from further ruin, had the floors refinished throughout the house. They were in pretty rough shape, sadly. The newel post has been restored and period colors from the National Trust for Historic Preservation collection of Valspar have been applied to the old walls. The ceiling fan has been replaced with a Victorian-esque flush mount which I would love to replace in the future with an actual electrified Victorian lamp once I find the right one. This will make do for now.

Once I purchased the house from my friend, I continued with the restoration by adding period and Kimball reproduction furniture, a reproduction oil painting, an antique mantel mirror, circa 1865 pianoforte, electrified period oil lamps, and a few other odds and ends.

The second parlor picture is how the parlor appeared this past Christmas. I tried to stay as close to an 1880s interpretation that I could, but I love white lights and was terrified of actual tree candles, so that was the only modification.

I know that the challenge for this room will be restoring the ceiling–the original tongue and groove ceiling with original paint and detail still exists just two inches behind the popcorn drywall ceiling, which was attached directly to the original ceiling with furring strips. I know it will be one mess when this project comes along, and I really hate to paint over what looks to be fairly intact original paint and detail on the original ceiling, so I am saving this project for the very last interior project to be done. It is my hope that the original ceiling paint will be in a good enough condition (with only some minor touchups needed) that I can use the colors as they are and find a period wallpaper that will harmonize with it.

I discovered that the doors were all originally painted an interesting shade of green, then at some point were faux grained and heavily shellacked–probably in the 1890s–so I will be attempting to strip and restore the faux painting once I complete my upstairs library, which is in progress. That means the mantle, spindles, molding, and windows will all be dark and shellacked. I know that will be a job, too, but I am looking forward to it! I think it will really make a difference.

The fireplace in this room is currently non-functioning. Gas lines were put in for gas logs by the previous owner, but I would love to burn coal in them once again. The quotes I have received for having the chimneys lined so they can once again be used is ridiculous. One day I look forward to putting these old girls back in use! (the other fireplace is in the dining area)

Craigslist score! I found this sofa on Craigslist and bought her for a song. It is missing some woodcarvings at the bottom center, but for being from the 1850s/60s, I really can’t complain! I was quite proud of this, as you can see.

A dear friend, Gary, worked very hard on restoring the staircase. A lot of the woodwork had been painted. Sadly, I had no part in this project due to my schedule, but he did a gorgeous job!

Just look at that gorgeous grain!