Hickory Hill Engineering Report

Gustafson, Lee

"The purpose of this report is to provide an Engineering Analysis for the historic Hickory Hill Residence, located in Hardy County, West Virginia, near Moorefield and Petersburg. The report is to include a description and condition assessment of the North Wall in particular, plus a description and condition assessment of the interior of the building including all architectural features and elements, and graphic recordation with photographs and drawings of at least the first and second floor of the north east rooms. The history of Hickory Hill has been well documented since its construction by Solomon Cunningham and Catherine Seymour in 1809. The background information referenced in this report was primarily taken from narratives and publications issued by the Owner, Donna Alexander, and found in various areas new releases. Reports indicate a possible makeover in 1839, when Jane Cunningham married Felix B. Welton. After the death of Catherine in 1872, major upgrades were made including an electric generator, a Kitchen Addition, and indoor plumbing, and the home passed on to the Welton family in 1873. Stabilization cables were installed from front to back in the second floor structure of the two wings following an earthquake in that area of Virginia in the late 1800s. Other improvements including changes in heating and electrical systems continued through the 1900s, and the house and farm stayed in the family until what family remained in 2001 moved to Moorefield. The house was unoccupied for 14 years until it was purchased by Donna Alexander, daughter of Jack and Frances Welton, from Cousins Judith and Patricia Welton. The house is currently undergoing restoration with plans to allow all to enjoy the History of Hickory Hill. Hickory Hill was registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. As listed in the Historic Properties Inventory Forms on file with the West Virginia Department of Culture and History, the Hickory Hill House is currently described as a five bay, four bedroom, historic house occupying a portion of the original farm. The 209 year old Federal Style brick and wood frame structure remains in very good condition, but maintenance is a constant requirement to prevent deterioration from exposure to weather and limited occupancy." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Arts, Culture, and History, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number P18AF00021).

Hickory Hill Engineering Report

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