Links

Day 9 Report

In spite of the fact that the crew was driven from the site mid-day by rains of Old Testament proportion (2.3" of rain), good progress was demonstrated on new work and old. With a brief respite from the storm, the giant C5A cargo planes continue to practice their approaches to the Wright-Patterson airbase, treating us to a deafening low-altitude experience several times an hour. Unlike the airplanes, the railroad doesn't even slow down when it flies through here with multi-engline mile-long freights. We feel like we're in the middle of something.

The new wood under the big top is gradually being replaced with old work as the sills and replacement parts are being completed and installed. The deck framing is going slowly. The new joists look quite at home nestled amongst their ancient brethren, and the 25' long forebay joists have been hewn square where they protrude past the sill/plate, some still showing a vestige of red paint from their original incarnation.

This day ended with more rain and a remarkable sight of timber framers dancing with graceful folks in period costume. There is just no telling what will happen next.

Captions: One of our tasks to make sure we use as much of the original Hertzler Barn (taken down in 1951) as we can. Joist struggle: truck straps to pull old work into new, tapes to find our where it should be. Hot and heavy work. More questionable and curious material from the original structure on the site. Kevin Brennan and assistant prepare a Stumpkin for the evening festival. Joint install with hydraulic assist. From left to right: Tom Cundiff, Don Rice, Charlie Simonds and Tim DeVore. Offstage is Vincent Leyendecker at the controls. Wall Flowers. Left to right: Ric Beck, Tom Haanen, Charlie Simonds, Vincent Leyendecker and Tom Cundiff. And around we go. Dance photos courtesy of Jim Campbell.