In 2008 the Historical Society received a STEAP grant from
the State of Connecticut (Small Town Economic Assistance Program). A number of projects relating to this grant
have been recently completed or are in the works. In May, Pro-Film of Torrington applied window
film at the Squire's Tavern. This film
blocks a significant percentage of ultra-violet light and has the additional
advantage of reducing glare. With many
Historical Society collection items on display at the Tavern, it is very
important for us to significantly reduce the damage from ultra-violate
light. Completing this work will help
protect historically important items throughout the building.
Another project completed this spring was the rebuilding of the exterior portion
of the chimney in the Squire's Tavern "ell". For over a year we could see that the mortar
above the roofline on this chimney was in poor condition. After the contractor inspected the chimney,
he reported that it was in worse condition than we thought. We had to completely replace the bricks above
the roof and are thankful we
were able to accomplish this before any structural failure.
Another STEAP grant project completed recently was lighting improvements at the
Tavern. We had two sets of track
lighting installed in the back parlor, which has greatly improved this
room. With poor natural lighting from
only one window, plus the fact that we have our Lighthouse display located
there, the new lighting was really needed.
In addition, we had another light added to a dark hallway area on the
second floor.
One project currently underway is the upgrading of the
electrical service coming into the Squire's Tavern. We have had problems with water entering the
basement on the current electrical service wire, even to the point of causing
problems in the electrical panel. To fix
this, we are going to replace the current overhead service with an underground
hookup. Volunteers dug a three foot
trench for the underground service.
Dave Ravasio, with assistance from Mike Ream and Ted Bachman
continue to make good progress on the Tavern shutters. When the shutters go up, it will really
enhance the appearance of the building.
A basement water leak in our main supply line has been repaired and an
outside faucet installed which will make it much easier to water the period
garden.
Previous STEAP Articles:
http://barkhamstedhistory.org/blogs/worklog/archive/2008/11/21/steap-grant-projects-well-underway.aspx
http://barkhamstedhistory.org/blogs/worklog/archive/2009/09/03/new-historic-panels-installed.aspx