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Ep 19 The Bluff House
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Ep 19 The Bluff House

Welcome to the Means Gage House

Introduction to the Historic Home

  • Laura Chambers Babalist and Shay Chambers Helms introduce episode 19 of Chambers Chatter, featuring a tour of the historic Means Gage House, also known as Bluff House.
  • The house was built in 1790 by Robert Means after marrying Mary Hudson Barwell, whose family owned a plantation that produced Sea Island cotton.

Historical Significance and Renovation

  • Wallace Scarboro shares that the house is an example of living in a historic home while maintaining modern comforts; it underwent a two-year renovation completed in 2016.
  • The original structure spans 5,500 square feet and retains about 85-90% of its original features despite renovations.

Architectural Features

  • The drawing room contains portraits of George Gage and his family; George was involved in post-Civil War reconstruction efforts.
  • Francis Fanny Gage, George's mother, was a notable abolitionist who corresponded with Clara Barton regarding hurricane relief efforts after a devastating storm.

Preservation Insights

  • The room features original northern white pine walls and heart pine floors; these materials were common during the period.
  • Most window panes are original due to Beaufort's lack of involvement in major wars, which helped preserve many homes from destruction.

Unique Construction Techniques

  • The house is constructed using pegs instead of nails; this traditional method can be seen in the doors where pegs hold them together.
  • Katherine discusses her experience removing paint from wooden walls using a heat gun over two years, resulting in the removal of 325 lbs of lead paint.

Details on Restoration Efforts

  • Katherine preserved samples of paint for potential analysis to understand historical colors used within the home.
  • The mantelpiece is original but shows signs of previous restoration attempts; careful techniques allowed for preservation without damaging its composition.

Exploring a Federal Period House

Architectural Features of the House

  • The house is described as an early federal period home, characterized by its symmetrical design where rooms are mirror images of each other.
  • Windows in these homes feature nine over nine panes, which symbolize the early federal style from 1770 to 1810; later styles transitioned to six over six panes due to advancements in glass production.

Ghostly Encounters and Renovation Stories

  • The hosts discuss common inquiries about ghosts in the house, revealing their mixed beliefs about spirits while recounting personal experiences during renovations.
  • During a renovation in 2016, they experienced unexplained noises and found items mysteriously moved within the drawing room, suggesting possible ghostly activity.

Descriptions of Apparitions

  • They describe a potential ghostly presence—a little girl—who allegedly rearranged items quickly after they had been stacked for storage.
  • The hosts have seen her outline behind curtains and note that she appears to be dressed in historical attire (a hoop skirt), yet she has never caused them any distress.

Historical Significance of the Home

  • Acknowledging the home's age (built in 1790), they reflect on its history involving births and deaths, emphasizing their role as custodians rather than owners.

Dining Room Insights

  • Transitioning to the dining room, they highlight it as a mirror image of the drawing room with distinct molding and paint schemes reflective of period styles from 1790.
  • They used historically accurate colors from Sherwin Williams' Charleston collection during renovations to maintain authenticity.

Original Features and Comfort

  • The original fireplace remains intact; it has been converted for gas use but retains its historical charm and functionality.
  • The house's design allows for natural cooling through breezes from the nearby river, negating the need for air conditioning on pleasant days.

Archaeological Discoveries

  • The hosts mention conducting historical digs on their property that revealed remnants related to outbuildings like privies and stables dating back to when the house was first built.

Significant Archaeological Discoveries at a Plantation

Initial Findings and Historical Context

  • The speaker discusses the discovery of significant artifacts during a dig at a privy, initiated with the help of Dr. Chester Deprader from the University of South Carolina.
  • The importance of these findings is linked to Robert Means, who owned a plantation on Paris Island, suggesting connections between the artifacts and historical forts in the area.

Artifacts and Their Significance

  • A collection of fine china was discovered, believed to be imported from Liverpool around 1806, indicating its value as family heirlooms.
  • Specific pieces like platters and teapots were identified; one teapot belonged to Mary Hudson Barnwell and dates back to approximately 1779, highlighting its familial significance.

Types of Dishes Found

  • Various types of dishes were categorized by age and origin; colonial wear made by slaves was also found, emphasizing the historical context of everyday life.
  • Unique items such as hand-painted French pieces from 1795 to 1830 were noted for their aesthetic appeal alongside more common mocha wear used daily.

Additional Discoveries in the Privy

  • Other finds included small cups that may have been discarded or broken near a well, illustrating domestic activities around that area.
  • The speaker mentions an assortment of decorative ceramics known as mocha wear which reflects modern design trends despite being historically significant.

Insights into Glassware and Personal Items

  • An accumulation of black glass items was found; these are among the oldest glass artifacts from that period, often hand-blown with distinctive marks.
  • Personal items such as opium pots, vials for medicine, toothbrushes with hair bristles, and bone-handled utensils provide insight into daily life practices within the household.

Excavation Experience

  • The excavation process involved careful digging in two privies measuring about 6 ft wide by 10 ft long and up to 10 ft deep while trying not to damage any artifacts.

Archaeological Discoveries in Buford

Unique Finds from the Privy

  • A whole chicken egg was discovered, believed to have been laid by a chicken that wandered into a privy and subsequently left there until found years later.
  • Numerous buttons and coins were also excavated from the privy, indicating it was a significant site for historical artifacts.

Insights on Local Diet

  • A Megalodon tooth was unearthed about 4 feet down in the backyard, highlighting South Carolina's underwater past.
  • The diet of the local population included a lot of turtle meat, fish scales, and boar's jaw bones; suggesting seafood and pork were staples compared to Charleston's beef-heavy diet.

Historical Context of the Property

  • Jugs from Germany and chamber pots were found in the privy, reflecting daily life without indoor plumbing during that era.
  • The excavation reached about 10 feet deep with brick lining, revealing that this area once functioned as a working yard associated with a plantation.

Artifacts Indicating Daily Life

  • Horseshoes and nails found suggest the presence of blacksmith shops and stables on-site; these items can be dated based on their shape and thickness.
  • A recently assembled piece resembling a sugar bowl indicates ongoing efforts to reconstruct historical dining sets used by residents.

Architectural Features of the House

  • The central hall features original doors with unique latches designed to withstand strong breezes common in Buford.
  • Original wave risers of the staircase are preserved alongside mahogany handrails similar to those studied by historians from Williamsburg.

Renovation Choices Reflecting History

  • During renovations, original horsehair plaster was restored instead of replacing it with modern sheetrock, maintaining historical accuracy.
  • The sheen and color variations of plaster throughout different times of day contribute to its aesthetic appeal while keeping interiors cooler.

Functionality of Spaces within the House

  • The main entrance leads into an office space believed to have served various prominent figures in history during its time.
  • Visitors would enter through either carriage access or front doors into receiving rooms typical for social gatherings in the late 18th century.

Bufort T Design and Historical Insights

Overview of Bufort T Design

  • The Bufort T design features a main house structure with two smaller wings extending 8 to 10 feet, designed to capture sea breezes for natural cooling.
  • The ceiling in the rear working part of the house is notably lower, indicating its functional use compared to more formal areas.

Historical Context

  • The east room served as George Gage's office during the Civil War, where Colonel Low lived from 1861 to 1865 alongside General Saxton next door.
  • Original wallpaper was discovered during renovations; it was hand-painted and imported, reflecting historical design practices.

Renovation Discoveries

  • A dropped ceiling likely installed in the '60s or '70s concealed original plaster ceilings that may be restored in future renovations.
  • The house has a rich history with many former residents buried nearby, including Robert Means' children.

Ghost Stories and Anecdotes

  • An anecdote about a basket falling off the mantle led to a ghost story linked to Robert Means' child's wedding day.
  • To appease spirits believed to inhabit the home, a cross was placed on the mantle, which resolved issues with items falling off.

Architectural Features and Modern Updates

  • The house contains seven operational fireplaces; however, modern bathrooms were added during renovations since they were absent in the original 1790 structure.
  • Significant changes occurred when converting four apartments back into a single-family home; this included removing unnecessary walls and restoring historical elements.

Renovation Insights and Historical Context

Overview of the Renovation Process

  • The renovation involved removing two walls that were not part of the original structure from the 1790 renovation, indicating a significant alteration to the house's layout.
  • During renovations, closets and hallways were removed, revealing severely damaged flooring; a joist was found that had been cut free and was no longer supporting anything.
  • The joist was repurposed as a mantle in the living area, showcasing craftsmanship with visible hatchet marks where logs were originally shaped for construction.
  • Original beams from a Baptist church in Yemen, South Carolina, were used to replace the floorboards, milled to match 1790 specifications and arranged in a traditional pattern.
  • The addition of modern structures in the 1950s or 1960s altered previous layouts significantly; discussions about past kitchen configurations highlight how spaces have evolved.

Kitchen History and Functionality

  • The kitchen underwent substantial changes; it previously featured an entrance leading into a cramped space with minimal functionality.
  • A non-original door was removed during renovations to restore historical integrity while enhancing airflow through new window placements for better cross ventilation.
  • Despite modernization efforts, much of the house has been restored to its original state from 1790, emphasizing that living comfortably does not require sacrificing historical elements.

Historical Significance of Rooms

  • The kitchen is believed to be one of the oldest parts of the house, potentially dating back to between 1760 and 1790; it may have served earlier residents before becoming part of larger family structures.
  • Architectural discrepancies such as slanted rooms suggest different phases of habitation and construction over time within the property’s history.

Research Contributions

  • A college professor conducted research on potential uses for various rooms; findings indicated that some areas might have functioned as laundry spaces historically before evolving into their current roles.
  • Discussions reveal that certain rooms likely served multiple purposes over time—initially as living quarters then transitioning into functional workspaces like kitchens or laundries.

Material Choices and Environmental Considerations

  • Reclaimed black walnut wood sourced from Floyd, Virginia is utilized in renovations; this choice reflects both sustainability practices and ties to local heritage through existing trees on-site.

Exploring the Historical Home: Architecture and Renovation

Kitchen and Fireplace Insights

  • The kitchen has been modernized, but the original mantel was likely plain, reflecting a simple design typical of the era.
  • The fireplace is believed to be older than the house itself, with differences in its construction suggesting it may have been part of an earlier two-room structure.

Basement History and Structure

  • The basement likely served as a working area during Robert Means' time, possibly housing enslaved individuals who would respond to a bell for tasks. Remnants of this bell can still be seen.
  • Unique construction features include Charleston brick footings supporting cedar beams and heart pine floors that are not nailed down but rather rest on top of joists, creating a floating floor system.

Original Features and Renovations

  • The home retains original joists and beams from 1790, all hand-cut with visible scallop marks; these elements contribute to the home's longevity due to the durability of cedar wood.
  • During renovations, an original cistern was discovered beneath the house's flooring, which may have been replaced by a well when Robert Means built his federal-style home above it.

Men's Smoking Parlor

  • The men's smoking lounge features high ceilings (16 feet) and Palladian windows overlooking the garden; this room was used by men after dinner while women retired elsewhere.
  • Renovations revealed that side lights were originally present in this room, enhancing natural light; bathrooms were relocated outside to maintain historical integrity during updates.

Discoveries During Renovation

  • A secret bathroom was added outside the main house structure to preserve historical aesthetics while providing modern amenities; this aligns with efforts to maintain authenticity in renovations.
  • Original corner work and cedar shingles were uncovered during renovation efforts, showcasing hidden architectural details that enhance the home's historical value. Documentation exists for every owner since its construction, detailing their contributions to its history.

Restoration Insights: The Transformation of a Historic Home

Renovation Challenges and Discoveries

  • The plaster man had to restore the plaster, which added about an inch or an inch and a half due to the absence of the cap detail after removing the sheetrock. This change made the room appear larger.
  • Despite damage, original horsehair plaster was found intact beneath layers of sheetrock. After reglazing, this restoration contributed to enhancing the room's grandeur.
  • The house originally lacked plumbing facilities; chamber pots were used instead. A new bathroom was added in a section that George Gage expanded outside the main structure.

Historical Heating Systems

  • During renovations, all HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical wiring were removed. An article from 1923 revealed that Admiral Denby modernized the house with floor heating and coal-burning fireplaces.
  • The remnants of these historical heating systems included grids left behind from when Admiral Denby updated the home during his time as Secretary of Navy under Harding.

Archaeological Findings

  • Significant archaeological digs uncovered artifacts like an old Buford city gas lamp buried in the backyard, indicating previous usage and history.
  • Artifacts often surface after rain; privies were located based on findings from these digs. A well dating back to 1790 was discovered accidentally while cleaning out a water feature.

Well Discovery and Construction Insights

  • The original well was authenticated by Colin Booker, revealing it was constructed with bricks made in Charleston. It is believed that this well replaced an earlier cistern when modifications were made to the house.
  • Currently at 11 feet deep in the well, there are approximately 2,700 bricks involved in its construction. Further digging may reveal more about its depth and functionality.

Artifacts Unearthed

  • Various items have been found within the well including nails, hoes likely used for cultivation on-site, horseshoes, animal bones indicating diet choices, and pieces of china matching dining room artifacts.
  • These discoveries provide insights into daily life during different periods as they help date layers within the well through their composition and condition.

Modernization Consequences

  • While attempting to modernize plumbing systems for better functionality, unexpected finds such as a potential refuge pit emerged during excavation efforts aimed at confirming water line connections.

Archaeological Discoveries in a Historic Home

Excavation Process and Findings

  • The speaker describes being deep in an excavation pit, indicating the challenging nature of archaeological work. They mention finding a shell layer, which is significant for understanding the site's history.
  • As they dig deeper into the refuge pit, various artifacts are discovered. Some of these artifacts are displayed in their dining room, showcasing the connection between excavation and home life.
  • The process involves using a sifter to separate dirt from artifacts. This method highlights the meticulous nature of archaeology where careful handling is essential to preserve findings.
  • Artifacts such as white ware and mocha wear are found scattered around the yard, emphasizing that historical remnants can be present even outside formal excavation sites.
  • The speaker expresses gratitude for visitors and emphasizes the importance of preserving old homes during renovations. They highlight their home as one of only 250 surviving federal houses in America.

Preservation Message

  • A strong message is conveyed about maintaining integrity when renovating historic homes. The speaker urges others not to destroy original features but rather to live within and appreciate these old structures.