Other duties as required

Last Friday, the restoration crew joined Benjamin out at Scotchtown to install the security camera. This new feature was funded through a duPont grant and adds greatly to our ability to monitor the grounds on a round-the-clock basis. Here you see Karl heading up the ladder with chain saw in hand to clear the line of sight for the camera to the rear portion of Scotchtown. Although it may not show here, full safety procedures were taken into account in planning this operation!

Scotchtown needs paint!

While out at Scotchtown for a docent meeting this morning, I had a chance again to see the condition of the paint at Scotchtown.

This is just the section above the entrance to the basement on the east facing front. Fortunately, we have the draft specifications from the Historic Structures Report. Scotchtown has been painted several times in the past 20 years and each time we have experienced rapid failure. The specifications call for very deliberate surface preparation, going down to bare wood wherever possible and use of an oil-based primer, as well as an oil-based intermediate and top coat. The architects say the use of latex top coats tend to fail in the sheets that you can see above. We are seeking appropriate contractors to bid on the painting project.