Captain Sutton House, C. 1690
Ipswich, MA—Timber Frame
This First Period treasure has been disassembled, repaired, moved and re-built saving 95% of the original structure. A major restoration project complete with additions, kitchen cabinetry, and custom woodwork throughout.
Details revealed as layers uncovered joinery not seen for 300 years as the strucure was carefully disassembled. Time was taken to inspect and remove the various components of the timber frame.
The structurally integrity of the house was compromised and extensive work was required for sills, posts, braces, girts, plates and the lintel. Determinations were made for what could be saved and repaired retaining as much original material as possible.
Members were brought to the shop for repairs with epoxy, molds, and fitted pieces of white oak.
The repaired frame was then erected on a new foundation with new white oak sills and the original sheathing was installed on the roof and sides.
This was a historical move for the Captain Sutton House; totally disassembled, repaired, moved and reconstructed. For other raspects of the restoration
"The Sutton House was originally a one over one. The posts are jowled with the common english tying joint. The frame is completely White Oak and the Hall Summer is chamfered with a simple lambs tongue termination, crudely executed. The roof framing is of principal rafter/trenched purlin design with some purlins being replaced apparently when the building was added to on the south side, becoming a center chimney 2 over 2. The roof had a generous gable overhang, as the overhanging top plates on the south side were intact, albeit mortised to pick up the top plates of the (parlor) addition." JDW