The Pawling House--A Message From Our President

The Pawling House, circa 1828
May 27,  2013

      For almost 2 years the James Harrod Trust has been "looking" for a an historic property that needs to be restored. Our criteria was affordability, amount of historic fiber still left in the property, feasibilty and that the restoration would make a difference in the location. We considered at least 10 properties but finally decided on the Pawling House. Mission accomplished by the diligent effort of board members Seth Singleton, Matt Singleton and Ted Dean. Yay, I think!

     First we got the windows boarded up with plywood and plexiglass. Thank you to Robert and Toni Preston who installed it. Right after we bought the house rocks were thrown through the front windows! Some welcoming present. 

Next we tackled the garbage left in the house and garage--3 loads (full!) to the landfill.  We still have a freezer, heater and wet carpet to get out!

      We plan to apply for tax credits from the Kentucky Heritage Council so staff member Jen Williamson came to visit the property. She agreed that we own a very interesting house. The more you investigate, the more you questions you have--when was addition put on, what did original porch look like, was the addition once a porch, is there a basement or just a crawl space? And more! Jen did determine that the original roof was cedar shake and we should try to replace it with synthetic shake as well as leave the addition on the house.

     The roof is almost like a sieve--water runs right through it even after a patch was put over "the big hole."  So now we are getting bids for the roof which will basically have to be torn off and completely rebuilt. It certainly will not be cheap! But once it is dry we will begin to repair chimneys, fascia boards and hopefully keep Old Man Winter out. Water and moisture can be so damaging! 

Watch our progress and help us if you can!

Helen Dedman, JHT President