Native Americans

Charcoal/Iron Industry

Catoctin Iron Furnace

African American Influence

Whiskey Still Industry

Sawmill Industry

WPA and CCC

Presidential Retreat

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National Register of Historic Places

Historic Preservation Activities

Museum Collection

Catoctin's Expanded Home Page

Historic Preservation Activities

Rotting Log on Historic Cabin

Park maintenance employees are specially trained in the craft of historic preservation. Using traditional techniques and materials as much as possible, employees make repairs to preserve historic structures in the park. Both Camp Misty Mount and Camp Greentop are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These cabin camps were built in the 1930's using local materials. The cabins are made from American Chesnut which is very resistant to rot. Even the toughest wood rots, and the challenge of preservation begins.

Repairing an upright log or timber may be done by Half Lapping new material onto original material for preservation. The first step in Half Lapping is to remove the old rotted stock with precision cutting. Next, new stock is matched to the existing cut and the new material is dated (figure 1). All preservation work is fully documented and dating replacement materials distinguishes original material from preservation work. The original wood and the replacement wood are then laminated together (figure 2). The new stock is finished to match the original shape and a coat of stain is added to blend the new materials with the original (figure 3). The final touches include adding old tool marks to the wood to resemble the original material.

figure 1-date stamp	figure 2-laminated	figure 3

A Split Ring operation is used to repair rafter tails in the cabins. This method uses metal rings and bolts to join two pieces of wood stock, creating a tighter and stronger joint. Use of the Split Rings preserves the majority of the original fabric.

Using a hole saw, a hole is cut into both the origional wood and the new wood to hold the split ring (figure A). The rings are installed into 1 side of the wood for both the origional and new pieces (figure B). They are then bolted together (figure C) with the rings sandwiched inside.

figure A	figure B	figure C	Split Ring Tools

In addition to woodworking in historic preservation, some of the historic cabins also contain fireplaces. In order to repair a keystone in a fireplace, a brace was installed to relieve pressure and support the stones during repairs. The stone to the left of the keystone was removed to provide access to the keystone. The broken piece of stone was then attached with epoxy onto the original stone. The stone removed for access was then replaced, completing the repair.

 

Keystone Repair in Fireplace