The main level had a rather low ceiling. 12 inch square tiles. Removing the tiles a 2nd sheetrock ceiling was revealed. The 2nd ceiling was attached to a 2×4 grid at approx. 8 feet. Both tiles then sheetrock was low enough to cover the large window upper frame om the east south and west sides.
Above these two ceilings another sheetrock then the original plaster and lath ceiling.
The south side of the octagon for both the main level and lower level was extended out 6 feet creating an additional 6 x 10 foot area which added to the kitchen space.
Typical of the 50’s construction a rounded arch led to a hallway that gave access to the bedroom kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen sink was a cast iron unit. A classic from the 50’s but the porcelain finish was chipped and in poor condition. The bathroom was very small and the shower was actually placed in the rear doorway that had originally led from the octagon to the addition.
Evidence of an 8 foot by 34 inch door was observed by the hinge cutouts on the frame. Some sort of decorative transom window had been removed and replaced by plywood above the shower.
The bedroom had 2 inch insulated walls on the west side. The windows appear to be in fair condition. Protected by weather and sun by the wrap around deck the only real issues with the windows is layers of paint and old pane glazing.
Aluminum spring supports replaced the rope and weight system in the windows.
More work will be needed to restore the windows on the south side which were not protected from weather by a porch.
Main Level Framing
- Construction of the 2nd floor original walls were 2 x 4 (not 1 1/2 x 3 1/2)
- Door headers were toenailed as 4×4’s replaced a king and jack stud combination more commonly used.
- No sole plate and only a single top plate.
The Octagon Portion main level apartment was vacant when the house was purchased. 80 percent of the walls were stone and had no insulation.