Historic Structures Report, Part I: Pump House (Bldg. 17)

Weig, Melvin; Levy, Benjamin; Spiegler, Arthur; Sounder, Norman

The Historical Data section of this report reveals that the Pump House, Building No. 17, Glenmont Unit, was of early construction, almost if not quite as early as the Edison Home itself, which was built in 1880. That part of the report also summarizes all known information about how the structure was used during and even after the lifetimes of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Edison. Every effort has been made to preserve the Pump House within the limits of regular maintenance since its acquisition by the Government. Among other things, the old pump and motor were cleaned up and prime painted, and the exterior of the building was painted anew in 1963. However, as described in the Architectural Data section of this report, fairly extensive replacement of deteriorated wood parts, sheetmetal work, and other structural elements is necessary to restore the Pump House to its condition in the historic period, and restoration of the elaborate cornice facia and trims will entail hand crafting to duplicate their Victorian features. Our only addition to recommendations in the Architectural Data section is that the rusted tin valleys and other sheetmetal work of this building should be replaced with lead-coated copper or stainless steel, rather than with the existing type of material. The report contends that rehabilitation of the Pump House as proposed will reduce annual maintenance costs on this structure and will result in preservation for visitor enjoyment of an intrinsic part of the historic scene at Glenmont.

Historic Structures Report, Part I: Pump House (Bldg. 17)

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