The next room chronologically, the Revolutionary Bedchamber, and all the later rooms have plaster. This room is the oldest original room dating back to 1717. In the restoration of the Homestead, Kelly chose wood wainscoting for the Colonial Kitchen. Frederick Kelly, the architectural historian who wrote Early Domestic Architecture of Connecticut and consulted on the restoration of the Homestead in 1946, thought plaster was introduced later to the Hartford area, and only became widespread after 1735. In 1641, a general court in New Haven laid down day rates for lime plasterers, indicating that someone was doing the labor and needed to be paid for it. As the colonists became more established, building methods became more sophisticated. Walls were finished with wood wainscoting. Plaster was rare in the very oldest New England houses. It consists of a binding agent (clay, lime, gypsum, or cement), an aggregate (traditionally sand), and water fibers such as hair are often added for strength. Plaster has been used as an interior and exterior wall covering for thousands of years. It took several weeks to scrape layers of paint and loose plaster from the walls and ceiling of the stairwell from the first-floor landing to the attic. The stairwell project gave us an opportunity to learn more about the construction of Pequotsepos Manor, look at the original plaster up close, and learn how labor intensive the process is to use and restore plaster. “We were pleased with John’s exceptional work on the stairwell project seven years ago and asked him back to restore the peeling plaster ceiling in the Federal Parlor later this year,” said Julie Soto, Homestead Manager Over the last 45 years, Marshall Plastering has completed projects throughout New England and New York that include National Historic Landmarks, historic organizations, museums, churches, libraries, theaters, and private residences. Owner and Denison descendant, John Marshall is acknowledged as one of the top plasterers in Connecticut and is an expert at determining the proper materials and techniques for each job.
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