Wood in the 21st Century, Conference + Training Program

PHOTOGRAPHER:Dr. Roy Winkelman

Organized by Technology and Conservation, MIT - Department of Architecture, and the BSA/AIA Historic Resources Committee, this two day intensive program is packed with excellent speakers and geared toward experienced contemporary and historic design and preservation professionals, students and the interested public. Held March 24-March 25 in Cambridge, MA,

For full conference program, see below and link:
http://network.aia.org/events/eventdescription/?CalendarEventKey=5e2a581f-d0c6-42bd-8c61-35f87c0fd419

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Wood in the 21st Century: Design & Preservation of Contemporary & Historic Architecture

Saturday, March 24 – Sunday, March 25, 2012

Sponsored by - Technology & Conservation
- MIT Department of Architecture's Building Technology Program
- Boston Society of Architects/AIA's Historic Resources Committee

This important symposium will be held on the MIT campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Continuing education credits will be available (approx. 16 units for the March 24-25 program and 6 additional units for the optional program on March 26). Below are details on the topics to be covered, the speakers, a call for posters, hotel information, and the conference registration form...We hope that you will be joining us for this informative and stimulating conference.CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: 
SATURDAY, March 24, 2012  
7:30-8:15 am  Check-in
8:15-8:25        Welcome,  Susan E. Schur, Hon. AIA, FAPT, Publisher-Editor, Technology & Conservation, and Prof. John Ochsendorf, MIT  Department of Architecture
8:25-9:15        Perspectives - Historical-Styles, etc., Giles Downes, RIBA, Partner, SidellGibson Architects; Chairman of the Judges for The Wood Awards; Sr. Warden, Carpenters’ Company; and Governor, The Building Crafts College
9:15-10:00    Perspectives – Conservation/Restoration/Repair, Dr. David T. Yeomans, ACS Consulting Structural Engineers; and Visiting Lecturer, Bournemouth University, & Chair, ICOMOS UK Wood Committee
10:00-10:15    Lessons Learned from Historic Construction, Matthew B. Bronski, PE, Senior Project Manager, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.
10:15-10:30    Coffee Break + Posters

Developments in Technology & Materials – Properties, Structure, & Attachment 
10:30-11:00    Uses of Wood in the 21st Century (types of wood, forest management, grading, economic concerns, etc.), Dr. Scott Bowe, Professor & Wood Products Specialist, Russell Labs, University of Wisconsin - Madison
11:00-11:25    Mechanical & Structural Properties - including fire safety, Dr. Ben Brungraber, PE, President, Fire Tower Engineered Timber, Inc.
11:25-11:50    Moisture & Chemical Properties, Dr. Samuel V. Glass, Research Physical Scientist, Building Moisture & Durability, USDA Forest Products Laboratory
11:50-12:20    Biodegradation and Treatment, Dr. Brian R. Ridout, Entomologist & Senior Architectural Conservator, English Heritage 12:20-12:30    Q&A
12:30-2:10      Luncheon - MIT Faculty Club
2:10-2:25        Investigative Tools I - Resistance Drilling, IR, Ultrasonic, John Wathne, PE, President, Structures-North
2:25-2:40        Investigative Tools II - Microscopic ID, Philip L. Westover, PE, Staff Consultant, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. 
2:40-2:55        Investigative Tools III - Dendrochronology, Dr. Daniel Miles, FSA, Oxford Dendrochronology Laboratory
2:55-3:10        Investigative Tools IV -  - Wind & Seismic Properties, Prof. John W. van de Lindt, Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama
3:10-3:25        Coffee Break + Posters 

Conservation/Preservation of Buildings/Building Types Constructed from Early Times Up Through the 20th Century
3:25-3:55        Athletic Facilities, Paul Fast, PE, PIStructE, Managing Partner, Fast + Epp
3:55-4:15        Military & Cultural Buildings - Fort Adams, Fogg Art Museum, Kimball Art Museum, and others, Ronald W. Anthony, Wood Scientist, Anthony & Associates, Inc.             
4:15-4:30        Wood in Traditional Japanese Architecture, Prof. Alice Y. Tseng, Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Deaprment of History of Art & Architecture, Boston University    
4:30-4:45        Gamble House, Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, Kelly Sutherlin McLeod Architecture, Inc.
4:45-5:00        Housing (including Stickley’s Craftsmen Farms) & Mill Buildings, Ronald W. Anthony, Wood Scientist, Anthony & Associates, Inc.      
5:00-5:15        The Wooden Tomb Chamber in Tumulus MM at Gordion in Turkey, Prof. Richard F. Liebhart, Archeologist 
5:15-5:20        Archeological Wood, William C.S. Remsen, AIA, Preservation Architect
5:20-5:35        Historic Wooden Religious Structures, Nat Crosby, Bruner/Cott & Associates                 
5:35-6:05        Two Viewpoints - Building Framer and Sawyer, Jan Lewandoski, Principal, Restoration and Traditional Building; Other Speaker - TBA
6:05-6:20        Covered Wood Bridges, Arnold M. Graton Jr., Arnold M. Graton Co. 
6:20-6:30        Q&A
6:30-8:00        Reception - The Cambridge Marriott Hotel

SUNDAY. March 25, 2012 
7:30-8:00 am  Relevant Film  

New Technologies, New Methods of Retaining/Achieving Architectural Concepts
8:00-8:30 am Philosophical/Aesthetic Aspects (including wood in combination with other materials), David N.Fixler, FAIA, LEED AP, Principal, Design and Preservation, EYP Architecture & Engineering Inc.
8:30-9:15       Developments – Computer Modeling, Wood-Concrete Composites, Dr. Peggi Clouston, Assoc. Professor, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Dept. of Environmental Conservation          
9:15-10:00     Energy and Sustainability Aspects of  Wood (including certification), Jack Mackin, Chief Operating Officer, F.D. Sterritt Lumber Co.
10:00-10:10    Q&A
10:10-10:25    Coffee Break + Posters
10:25-10:55    Finishes and Coatings - Factory and On Site, Jon Graystone, Principal Research Scientist, Paint Research Association
Bringing Wood into 21st Century Architectural Design & Ornamentation
10:55-11:50    Arches, Grids, and Shells for 21st Century Architecture, Michael Dickson, FREng, FIStructE, Founding Partner/Senior Consultant, Buro Happold; and Visiting Professor, Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, University of Bath, UK        
11:50-12:05    Q&A
12:05-2:00      Luncheon - MIT Faculty Club
2:00-2:30        Improved Wood Composites, Prof. Stephen Shaler, Associate Director, Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center, and Program Coordinator, Wood Science & Technology, University of Maine
2:30-2:50    Religious Buildings including Bigelow Chapel (MN) and Lakewood Garden Mausoleum, Joan Soranno, FAIA, Design Principal/Vice-President, HGA          
2:50-3:35        Cross Laminated Timber and Other Engineered Wood Structures, Simon Smith, Director, Ramboll UK; Design Teaching Fellow, Cambridge University; and Director, TRADA UK
3:35-3:50        Coffee Break + Posters
3:50-4:15        Cultural Facility, Shane Burger, Associate/Head of Design Technology USA, Grimshaw Architects PC
4:15-4:50        Implications of Recent Research, TBA
4:50-5:10        How will New Materials and New Manufacturing Techniques Affect/Impact Design and Conservation Work, John A. Fidler, RIBA, Staff Consultant & Practice Leader, Preservation Technology, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.
5:10-5:30    Q&A

MONDAY, March 26, 2012– Optional program 
9:00am-2:00pm
Focus on maritime use of wood and introducing new systems into existing historic building. Individuals registering for the conference will be able to attend, at no additional cost, the optional program.HOTEL: For those who require a hotel room, a block of rooms (single and double)  have been reserved at the Cambridge Marriott Hotel at the special rate of $159 (plus tax) per night - group booking code for website bookings is: tnctnca. The direct link is: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boscb?groupCode=tnctnca&app=resvlink&fromDate=3/23/12&toDate=3/27/12. For booking through Central Reservations at 1-888-236-2427, the booking code is TNCC.CALL FOR POSTERS: Poster presentations on a project or research involving wood performance, detailing, specification, use, care, or repair as well as innovative wood structural design are welcomed. A poster presentation is one 30” x 40” board or two 20” x 30” boards showing project and/or research information relevant to the conference subject matter – exteriors of contemporary and/or historic/traditional wood buildings, buildings incorporating wood as a major element of their design, and other wood structures such as covered bridges and grave markers. An area will be set aside during the conference for the display of posters and discussion. Poster proposals should be submitted, by e-mail, by January 2, 2012 to: ses_tec_con@msn.com.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------REGISTRATION FORM
WOOD IN THE 21st CENTURY:
Design and Preservation of Contemporary & Historic Architecture
Saturday, March 24–Sunday, March 25, 2012

Early Rate: Prior to Jan. 30, 2012             Rate after Jan. 30, 2012                 

                 $450/person                         $525/person     .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $  ____________

Basic fee covers:
• the 8:00am–6:00pm conference program – Sat., March 24 & Sun., March 25, 2012
• the March 24 and March 25 luncheons, and                                                                               
• the Saturday evening, March 24, reception

Please indicate any special accessibility or dietary needs:  
_____  vegetarian meals    ___________________________________other needs

Guest tickets for the March 24 reception can be purchased @ $50/ticket . . . . . . . $ ____________

Optional Maritime Wood Program, March 26– no charge for persons registered for the conference
__ I would like to attend the maritime wood program _____________________

                                                                                        TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$  ____________

Check for $ __________ U. S. funds (drawn on a U. S. A. bank) for registration fee (and for any guest  tickets for the Sat., March 24, reception) is enclosed. Check should be made payable to: The Technology Organization, Inc.

Please register me (us) for the conference:

Name(s)________________________________________________________________________________________________________Title____________________________________________________________________________________________________Organization_____________________________________________________________________________________________Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________City, State, Zip (Postal Code__________________________________________________________________________________________
Tel:______________________________  Fax: _____________________________e-mail:_____________________

Each person listed on the registration must sign the following statement:
I(we) understand and agree that the participation of Technology & Conservation, The Technology Organization, Inc., conference organizers, and cooperating organizations and individuals in the 2012 “Wood in the 21st Century” conference is limited to providing educational background and guidance; that all transportation, accommodations, tour, and other arrangements in connection with this Conference are under the exclusive control of others and that Technology & Conservation, The Technology Organization, Inc., conference organizers, and cooperating organizations and individuals have no liability or responsibility whatsoever for the death of any person or for any loss, expense, delay, injury, or other damage to any person or property (however occurring) on, during, and/or in relation to this “Wood in the 21st Century” conference and the information furnished.


Signature(s) _____________________________________________________________________________   
Date  ____________________________________________

Return this form, with check (made payable to The Technology Organization, Inc.), to: 
Technology & Conservation,  76 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143

Refund policy: Prior to January 15, 2012 – 100% of the registration fee less $50 service charge; January 15-February 20, 2012 – 50% of registration fee; after February 20, 2012 – no refund.
EM-1

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you have any questions on the conference, please contact:
Susan E. Schur, Hon. AIA, FAPT
Conference Organizer/Chair
Tel: 1-617-623-4488; Fax: 1-617-623-2253; e-mail: ses_tec_con@msn.com

MIT Campus
Cambridge, MA 

Susan Schur

1-617-623-4488

ses_tec_con@msn.com

Harriett Low's Unitarian Bookshelf in China, 1829-1834

Harriett Low by George Chinnery, 1833
Courtesy, Peabody Essex Museum

Last January (2011), the author presented a paper at the American Historical Association Annual Meeting in Boston, which provides valuable comparative material with the travel experience of  fellow Salemite, Rebecca Kinsman (see earlier blog posts). Thought you might find interest in the topic and the  life of this self described, "traveling spinster."

American Historical Association Presentation Abstract

“This wretched set of people, the Catholics:” Harriett Low's Unitarian Bookshelf, China, 1829-1834

How is it that a young, unmarried antebellum Salemite, Harriett Low (1809-1877) came to make such unfiltered, vitriolic comments? Prior to her trip to China, where she served as a companion to her delicate aunt, Harriet's life centered on her large family, her Howard Street Church and her schoolgirl friends. Staunch New England Unitarians, the family's emphasis on reading, particularly religious tracts, harkened back to Puritan ancestors who made communal literacy and the Word centerpieces of their simple practices. The New England expatriates bridled at what they described as the superstitious and ignorant qualities of the Roman Catholic rites they found in the Portuguese outposts, such as Macao, which they considered their temporary home. This article will examine the contributions to Harriett's burgeoning religious ideology—the course of readings encouraged by her father, Seth Low, the sensibility of her time and natural temperament—resulting in the manner in which she framed her interactions with “the other,” in this case, the Portuguese and Spanish Catholics in Macao. Of particular interest for this study is an analysis of Harriett's readings: her description of her room and its contents (and the way she connects her own identity to the books on her table), reveals a strong leaning toward the conservative branch of Unitarianism in the years leading up to the “Unitarian Controversy” of the early 1830s. These volumes and others provide the backdrop against which Harriett and dozens of expatriates define their American identity through a comparison with “those wretched people”.

Dr. Kimberly Alexander

University of New Hampshire, Durham

January 2011

Shoe Files: Mrs. Johnson's Shoe, Lynn Museum

 Looking at this shoe (only one survives) is like setting eyes on an old friend.  It is similar in look, style, material, profile and colors to the work of mid-18th century London cordwainers Thomas Ridout, James Davis and Thomas Hose, previously featured on these pages. Unfortunately, it is not labeled or marked.

Little is currently known about the owner of the shoe, other than it belonged to a "Mrs. Johnson" who was married in 1768.  (the date of her marriage is consistent with the shoe style.) It is cream silk brocade with a vibrant (though now slightly faded) floral pattern. The Louis style heel is also covered, as was the style. The toe is slightly rounded (not the upturned, pointy toe seen in examples of approximately the same time; perhaps indicating an alteration) and there was no separate left or right shoe. It is possible that shoe buckles worn with the shoe are currently in the collection of the Lynn Museum.

Eager to examine the shoe in person during a mid February visit.

8 1/2 " long x 3" wide x 4 1/2" high

Lynn Museum Collection, Shoe # 3129

Photographs, courtesy of the Lynn Museum

Thank you to Abby Battis, Curator, Lynn Museum, for her assistance.

New work from Artnouveausquid

If you are looking for unusual gift items, explore Helena Schaeffer's newly revamped website: www.artnouveausquid.com 


Helena will also work with you to create an individualized piece.  Check back frequently as she always has something new in the works.


A sampling of recent work:

Shoe Files: Lynn Museum

This pair of lady’s shoes, c. 1780s (probably London, no markings or label) features white silk brocade, with a stylized floral pattern.  While the colors are faded, the palette was muted initially. The heels are covered in the same material and exhibit the leaner profile seen as the 18th century progressed.  A buckle was used to secure the shoe; however, no evidence of pin holes or stress on the fabric was evident upon close inspection by the Director Kate Luchini, Assistant Director, Abby Battis and the author.  The pointed tongue may have been altered, probably square. There is a straight side seam, and as was frequent, no separate left or right shoe. 

The lack of wear and somewhat unfinished appearance may indicate that the shoe was either a display sample or worn only a few times, then put away.


Courtesy,  Lynn Museum
1775-1780s. 

9 ¾” long, 3 ¼” wide, 4 ¾” high

What's in a Name? Another Zephyr - 1936 Lincoln Zephyr

Recently, a colleague asked me why I had selected "Zephyrs" as the name for my consulting practice.  I will elaborate on this further at a future point, but in the meantime, wanted to share some images which are at the root of a new industrial design-based project, consistent with the company name and philosophy.


"The Lincoln Zephyr was designed by John Tjaarda of Briggs with refinement by E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie of Lincoln. Powered by a 267 cubic-inch L-head 12-cylinder engine with aluminum alloy heads and cast steel pistons, and downdraft Stromberg carburetor, it produced 110 horsepower. Its aerodynamic body and stylish exterior made it sensational and popular, becoming Lincoln's best selling car.

The 'Teardrop' themed car was introduced at the 1936 New York Auto Show. Both the interior and exterior are Art Deco in design. So popular was the design, that it became the foundation for the 1940 Lincoln Continental, as well as Mercury and Ford models. It was the first successful " streamliner" Ford's first unibody (today known as "unitized")." 


Information courtesy of
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11910/Lincoln-Zephyr.aspx 


Enjoy!

Phebe Ladd's Purchase from the Montgomery Store

Members of the Ladd family were frequent visitors to General Montgomery's store, especially Ezekiel and James.  Phebe Ladd visited the store on December 29, 1793 and purchased a pair of shoes at 6 shillings.  Her purchase is of interest on several counts.  First, for the comparative value of a cost of pair of shoes to the cost of labor at this time and second relative to her gender.

The 6 shillings Phebe Ladd paid for her shoes in 1793 was roughly the cost of two day's of a man's labor. On the same page in the daybook, Alden Sprague writes "two indentures" for the sum of 6 shillings, presumably to hire out his services as a day laborer for two days.  In at least one instance, Sprague's name shows up in the daybook as assisting with General Montgomery's team and another hiring a sleigh to Orford (2 shillings; see entry below Ladd's in the daybook).  Given the proximity of these two listings, it may well be that the indenture was in part to cover the use of the sleigh.)

By way of comparison, a pair of calamanco shoes on display in the collection of Historic Deerfield reportedly cost 4 shillings or the equivalent of two days labor, ca. 1760s.

Unfortunately, there is no additional information regarding maker, materials, ornament or whether or not the shoes were manufactured locally or were a special order. There is certainly enough evidence in the daybook to support shoe making activities with purchases of large amounts of sole leather and small nails. There is ample evidence in regional textile collections to indicate that shoes were frequently altered and updated: Historic Deerfield has an excellent example of a Ridout and Davis shoe with a cut down heel, which drastically alters its profile.  In an particularly interesting yet practical treatment, the collection also has on view a pair of calamanco shoes with added gussets to accommodate an expanding foot, perhaps due to pregnancy (ies).  The uppers were frequently altered to match a dress by changing to a different color damask, brocade or crewel work. Alterations to tongue shape from straight to angular were not uncommon and may be evident in a pair of lady's shoes, c. 1780 at the Lynn Museum.  Of course one of the quickest ways to transform shoes was with the addition of a new buckle.

 Given the Ladd family's prominence in the community, six brothers were earlier settlers in the town and Deacon James Ladd served 3 and one half years in the American Revolution, Phebe may well have been picking up a special order.  It is interesting to note however, that the family did have a tannery located at the Oliverian Brook, making it possible to supply raw materials, and there were likely shoemakers in the town. (Research on specific trades related to factory production and transport networks continues.)

Finally, Phebe Ladd is one of only a handful of women mentioned as visiting the Montgomery Store in 1793, and the others appear predominately to be widows.  It is not known if she was in other company, but it is clear that she makes the purchase herself, perhaps continuing the long held custom of what were deemed acceptable male and female household acquisitions.

Notes:
The author thanks Ned Lazaro, Collections Manager at Historic Deerfield,  Kate Luchini, Director and Abby Battis, Assistant Director, Lynn Museum, Angelina Grippen, Costume Historian, Bridget Swift, Research Assistant for giving generously of their time. James Garvin, NH State Architectural Historian, Professor Dane Morrison, Salem State University, Jane C. Nylander, Director Emerita, Historic New England and Emma Hope, Shoe Designer, London, have also contributed to the wider scope of the Montgomery Store 1793 Daybook project.

For information on the Ladd Family of Haverhill, NH:
^ Gazetteer of Grafton County, N.H., 1709-1886 by Hamilton Child, Syracuse, N.Y.: H. Child, June 1886
^ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~hubbard/NNY_index/ladd.html

Education Note: Class Reading List

Detail, fan. Courtesy, The Bostonian Society

With UNH classes beginning next week, I thought I would share my course reading list.  The syllabus and links will follow, as will notices of guest lecturers

772/872 STUDIES IN REGIONAL MATERIAL CULTURE

Dr. Kimberly Alexander

Adjunct Faculty

Department of History

University of New Hampshire

Course Reading List

Jaffee, David.  Material Culture of Early America. Bethlehem, PA: Elibron Classics, 2005. ISBN 978-0-81224257-7

Nylander, Jane. Our Own Snug Fireside, Images of the New England Home, 1760-1860. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1993. ISBN 0-394549884-8

Sloane, Eric.A Museum of Early American Tools. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1964.

Education Note: Project Archaeology, April 20, 2012

Dear Friend of Project Archaeology,

The next Project Archaeology Teacher Workshop has been scheduled for April 20, 2012 at St. Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, NH.  The Workshop flyer and registration form are available for download on the NH Division of Historical Resources’ website here: 

http://www.nh.gov/nhdhr/programs/project_archaeology.html

This year we are introducing a new national curriculum, Project Archaeology: Investigating Shelter.  Built on the Understanding by Design curriculum model, Project Archaeology: Investigating Shelter is a complete archaeological investigation of a shelter site through nine lessons and a final performance of understanding. Students learn the fundamentals of archaeological inquiry and conduct their own investigation of an archaeological site through maps, artifact drawings, oral histories, and historic photographs. Investigating Shelter curriculum guide is for students in grades 3 and up, however the lessons are specifically designed to fit state and national standards for grades 3 through 5. This new curriculum is endorsed by the National Council for the Social Studies.  

Past participants are welcome to take the workshop again (you will receive the new workbook, Investigating Shelter).  Space is limited so register early!

Please distribute this email and/or the web link to others who may be interested in attending. 

Thank you.

Sheila Charles

Historic and Archaeological Consultant

15 Boylston Avenue

Nashua, NH 03064

603.883.6574

shearch27@gmail.com

Tanya E. Krajcik Archaeologist & Records Coordinator
NH Division of Historical Resources
19 Pillsbury Street  Concord, NH 03301 603.271.6568 FAX 603.271.3433

tanya.krajcik@dcr.nh.gov

Project Archaeology Mission:

Project Archaeology uses archaeological inquiry to foster understanding of past and present cultures; improve social studies and science education; and enhance citizenship education to help preserve our archaeological legacy.