Historic Wood Windows Program on Staten Island
Historic Wood Windows Program
On Saturday, December 5, 2009, 2:00-4:00 P.M., the Preservation League of Staten Island will host a talk on historic wood windows. The program will be led by Russell Powell, President of Island Housewrights, and Don DeFilIo, a member of the firm. They will discuss the history and evolution of wood windows in America The subject of wood window repair and restoration will also be briefly covered. Island Housewrights, a Staten Island business begun in 1987, offers museum-quality restoration services.
The demonstration will be held at the Boardman-Mitchell House, 33 Brownell Street, Stapleton, a designated New York City Landmark. The house contains several distinctive styles of fenestration, including large four-over-four, faux casement windows, tall french windows and small casement windows in both basement and attic.
Historian Barnett Shepherd will speak briefly of the history of the house, which was constructed in the ltalianate bracketed style around 1848. It was built for Dr. lames R. Boardman, resident physician of the nearby Seaman’s Retreat, and was later owned by Eugene Mitchell, a prominent Sandy Hook pilot. For 30 years it was the home of Gordon and Lelia Roberts. Mr. Shepherd inherited the house from Mrs. Roberts and is undertaking its restoration.
The house fronts at 710 Bay Street, but access is best at the rear of the property: 33 Brownell Street.
For further information write to: [email protected]
Shepherd is a dedicated and deeply knowledgeable architectural historian whose publications in the field, especially concerning Staten Island, have received enthusiastic kudos. This prsentation in an historic setting should be an invaluable and unique opportunity for both layman and specialist.