As custom woodworkers, we are called onto many jobs that require our quality craftsmanship and problem-solving skills to create pieces for our clients that stores and catalogs can’t. One of our specialties is historic restoration. We can study an old home with a style long since passed and replicate it, repairing existing furniture or architectural details to their former glory, or making new pieces that match the home’s original style. We had the opportunity to work in one of Indianapolis’ own historic home sites, the Benjamin Harrison House.
A Bit of History
Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd president of the United States, from 1889 to 1893. Before his presidency Harrison was an attorney, and in 1868 he purchased a lot on Delaware Street in what is now the Old Northside Historic District of Indianapolis. In 1874, he and his wife Caroline began construction of their 16-room Italianate style house. It was home to the Harrison family until President Harrison died there on March 13, 1901. The home became a National Historic Landmark in 1964, and a museum in 2003.
We were brought in to create the above two wooden stands that would hold signs for visitors inside the home. However, the museum foundation did not want the stands to look out of place in the house. Another custom woodworker who had previously created pieces for the foundation recommended us as the perfect craftsmen for the job.
We first visited the house to get a feel for the period style. An original chair inspired us to match it with a little decorative piece across the top of the sign. We built the pieces using a special white oak, which was the type of wood used throughout the rest of the house. Though the signs do look newer, the style matches very well.
The design requirements of these pieces were such that the stands could not have been without the hand of a knowledgeable woodworker. Working in this historic home was a simple, fun project for us! Have questions about this project, or need historic renovations or period-pieces? Send us an email or give us a call at 317.679.5890.
Marvelous Woodworking also had the opportunity to help with historic renovations at the Parry Mansion. Read more about that extensive project here.
