Over the past two months, our crew of maintenance volunteers have been hard at work making repairs to the old storage shed at the south end of the Jamestown Freight Shed/Depot. The shed dates back to the 1970s and despite its age has held up very well. However, it has become increasingly evident over the past couple of years that it is in need of extensive repairs.
The 1897 Freight Shed and its additions (the last addition dates from 1920) have settled significantly over the past 127 years, which has caused the storage shed to shift to awkward angles, making it difficult to fully open and close the doors. The framework and deck boards at the base of the shed have also deteriorated.
The primary cause of these problems is the rotten wood sills and footings on which the building rests; the issues with the storage shed are merely a symptom of a larger problem which has been observed and documented by State Parks management over several years. While we await a more permanent solution to the larger problem of the Freight Shed's gradual deterioration, approval was given to begin repairs on the storage shed.
First, the old deck boards had to be removed in order to stabilize the shed's footing. Old rotten 2x4's and 4x6's were replaced and concrete footings were installed. Old tree roots also contributed to the upheaval of this portion of the building and were cut back. Once the foundation work was completed, new deck boards were installed. The lower framework of the storage shed also required repairs. Lastly, all of the old plywood siding was replaced.
As usual, our volunteers continue to demonstrate just how valuable they are as well as the work that they do is! The amount of effort it takes to maintain a historic site in the 21st Century is simply too much for State Parks to provide with paid staff alone. Sherry Anderson once said, "Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." We wholeheartedly agree! Thank you everyone for your contributions to Railtown!
