Fort Vancouver Historic Structures Report

Recommendations

a. It is suggested that the architects preparing plans and working drawings for the reconstructed fur store give careful attention not only to the structural data provided in this chapter and in Chapters XI and XII, volume I, dealing with other warehouses, but also to the report on the archeological excavations of the Fur Store site.

b. Even with the information provided by the archeological report and by the historic structure report, there will remain several unanswered questions. One of these probably will relate to whether the sills rested directly on the footings at or near ground level or whether the sills were raised somewhat above the footings by wooden blocks. Available pictorial evidence and preliminary archeological findings appear to favor the former alternative. It is suggested, therefore, that the advice of the Technical Services Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Ottawa, Canada, be obtained should the final archeological report not resolve the matter. That organization has made measured drawings of a number of Hudson's Bay Company structures and is in a position to provide accurate technical information concerning typical Company construction practices.

c. Much of the feeling of authenticity required of good restorations results from attention to small details--hardware, stair tread design, door and window trim, etc. A careful, personal study by the architect of H.B.C. artifacts recovered on the building site will help to determine the types of hardware, window glass, nails, etc., employed. But an understanding of how such items were used, of the finish of doors and window sash, of the look of an original hewn timber, etc., can only come through an on-the-spot examination by the architect of surviving Hudson's Bay Company structures. A number of these buildings may be seen today at Fort Nisqually, Fort Langley, Fort St. James, Lower Fort Garry, York Factory, and Norway House. It is suggested that the architect who prepares the plans for the Fur Store--and for all other structures at Fort Vancouver for that matter--be required to study on the ground a reasonably broad sampling of these surviving examples.

d. It is suggested that the architects get in touch with National Heritage Limited, Toronto, Canada, to determine the correct shade during the early 1800s of the paint color known as "Spanish brown." This color should be used for shutters, doors, and window sash. The remainder of the structure, including door and window frames, should be unpainted.

e. The practical considerations that would make it virtually impossible to refurnish the Fur Store as an historical exhibit have been previously discussed. It might be within reason, however, to partition off one end of Building No. 8 as a baling room and furnish it with a large press and the other items needed to prepare skins for overseas shipment. In this case it would be necessary to have only a moderate number of furs actually visible. Such an exhibit would be of great interest. But in view of the high cost of furs and their maintenance, it may be impossible to provide more than one fur storage exhibit at Fort Vancouver, and this probably would be best located in the Indian Trade Shop, where furs were also kept. In this case, the entire interior of the Fur Store would be available for other administrative and interpretive uses.