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WHIDBY ISLAND LODGE #15, F. & A.M., COUPEVILLE, WASHINGTON: 
A HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT 
by 
KRISTIN GAYLE MONAHAN 
A TERMINAL PROJECT 
Presented to the Historic Preservation Program 
in partial fulfillment of the requirements 
for the degree of 
Master of Science 
December 2006 
- --- ~•~ l__t _!._lJ  -l 
"Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M., Coupeville, Washington: A 
Historic Structures Report," a terminal project prepared by Kristin 
Gayle Monahan in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master 
of Science degree in the Historic Preservation Program. This terminal 
project has been approved and accepted by: 
Donald Peting, Chair of the Examining Committee 
December 11, 2006 
Date 
Committee in Charge: Donald Peting, Chair 
Dr. Leland Roth 
Rob Harbour 
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© 2006 Kristin Gayle Monahan 
An Abstract of the Terminal Project of 
Kristin Gayle Monahan 
Presented in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Science in the 
Historic Preservation Program, School of Architecture and Allied Arts. 
Title: Whidby Island Lodge# 15, F. & A.M., Coupeville Washington: A 
Historic Structures Report 
Approved: __________________  
Donald Peting 
The Temple which houses the Whidby Island Masonic Lodge # 15 is 
a simple structure of frame construction built in Coupeville, Washington 
in 1874. The Lodge, founded by some of the original settlers of what 
has since become known as Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve 
on Whidbey Island, was incorporated in 1869. Formed more than two 
decades before Washington was granted statehood, the Temple was 
built by one of its founding members, John Alexander. Over the last 
132 years, the Temple has continued to serve in its original capacity, as 
a shelter and meeting place for members of the fraternal organization 
known as the Freemasons. Though modified in its original appearance, 
the historic structure of the building remains in tact, as do the traditions 
and rites practiced therein. 
The purpose of this terminal project is to author a Historic 
Structures Report; an intricate document which will serve as a 
permanent and indelible record of the building and its uses, as well as a 
detailed history of the Temple and its members. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
I would like to thank my committee for their assistance in the 
realization of this project: thanks to Don Peting for his mentorship 
throughout my Graduate career, as well as for his belief in my abilities 
and his willingness to lend an ear; thank you to Leland Roth for his 
council and knowledge, and also to Rob Harbour, who did so much to 
help me with the logistical aspects of completing this project. 
Bonnie Donaghy, Zachary Dunlap, and Annie Kidd all deserve 
thanks for their help in measuring and recording the Temple; and 
Zachary deserves special thanks for risking life and limb to climb some 
very tall ladders in my stead. Thanks, too, to Sue, Gary, and Briana 
Monahan, as well as Bonnie Donaghy and Lauren Kuei for their keen 
eyes in helping to edit the final product. 
Much credit goes to the Janet Enzmann of the Island County 
Historical Society for her knowledge and for allowing me access to the 
Society's Archives. Many thanks also to the citizens of Coupeville such as 
Roger Sherman, who provided me with photographs or stories about the 
Temple. 
This project could never have been undertaken had it not been for 
the unbridled enthusiasm exhibited by the Masons for the undertaking. 
A special thank you goes to Lynn Bailey and Douglas Jerome for their 
knowledge and support, as well as for granting me access to the Temple. 
Finally, most special thanks goes to my family in appreciation 
of their abiding support and encouragement of every single one of my 
endeavors; without which none of this would have been possible. 
"Endeavor to prepare yourself for an important part in life, eat not 
the bread of idleness, wear not the habiliments of sloth, let the midnight 
lamp find you at your studies, and the noonday sun find you reflecting on 
and digesting what you have read." 
Isaac Neff Ebey, in a letter to his brother, Winfield. 
Olympia, Oregon, April 25, 1851. 
vii 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Chapter Page 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .... 1 
INTRODUCTION .... .. 5 
Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M., Coupeville, 
Washington ... . .. 5 
What's in a name? ...... 6 
Notes ...... 8 
IMPORTANT MASONIC TERMS AND SYMBOLS ..... 9 
Notes .... ..... .......................................................................... 13 
1. WHIDBY ISLAND LODGE #15 , THE LAND, THE TEMPLE, ITS 
HISTORY, AND ITS MEMBERS ... ........................................... 14 
The Land and the People ... 15 
Early Pioneers ............... 18 
The Ebey Family ... .......... 19 
The Crockett Family .21 
The Alexander Family .............. 23 
1869: A Lodge is Forged .............. 25 
King Solomon's Temple Reborn ............. 29 
Modifications and Additions Abound ........... 31 
The Early Years, 1874-1902 .. ········· 3I 
The Middle Years, 1903-1960 . . ........... 35 
The Age of Expansion, 1939-1954 ............ 38 
The Modem Era, 1960- Present ............ 41 
A Long and Winding Road .... ...... 44 
Notes .. ········· 45 
Illustration Credits .... ····· 49 
Timeline of Changes to The Temple ········· 51 
II. WHIDBY ISLAND LODGE# 15, F. & A.M. 
TEMPLE INVENTORY ········ 53 
...... 100 
.................. 101 
Ill. WHIDBY ISLAND LODGE #15, F. & A.M. 
CONDITION ASSESSMENT ... . 104 
IUustration Credits .. . ............... 122 
IV. WHIDBY ISLAND LODGE #15, F. & A.M. 
REHABILITATION DIRECTIVES .. . ............ 124 
Stabilization .. . ........... 124 
Operations Responsibilities .......... 126 
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~ 
viii 
Rehabilitation Directives .. ....... 128 
Rehabilitation Directives .. . ..... 139 
CONCLUSION .. 140 
BIBUOGRAPHY ...... 143 
APPENDIX 
A. Scaled, Measured Drawings 
B. Technical Supplements: 
Chart delineating the cost effectiveness of preventative 
maintenance, from Stewart Brand's How Buildings Learn: What 
Happens After They're Built. 
The Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Rehabilitation 
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation 
Preservation Brief# 10: Ext.erior Paint Problems on Historic 
Woodwork 
Preservation Brief #9: The Repair of Historic Wood Windows 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
View of the Temple from the northeast. Photo, K. Monahan, 2006. 
General Understandings: 
The Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M .'s Temple is an important 
structure as a physical embodiment not only of the history of the Lodge 
and the tenets of Freemasonry, but the history of Whidbey Island 
in general. One of the ten oldest Temples in Washington State, and 
the oldest surviving Temple in the Puget Sound region, the structure 
houses a thriving contingency of approximately 250 members. Since its 
construction in 1874, it has been consistently used for the intentions 
for which it was designed, including the housing of Lodge meetings 
and serving as a social gathering place for members of the surrounding 
community. It is very rare indeed to find a communal structure which is 
being used by the group who originally built it in the same manner as it 
was used when constrncted 132 years earlier. This fact is just one of the 
many reasons why this Temple is so very special. 
Today, the Temple has the potential to serve as an early example 
of building design and construction on Whidbey Island, as well as to 
speak to the inevitable evolution of a structure over the course of its 
lifetime. The Temple's numerous additions speak to changing social 
conditions, especially the increased sense of fraternity and camaraderie 
that became apparent after soldiers returned home from World War II. 
The exponential increase in Lodge membership which resulted from this 
mass return alone was enough to necessitate numerous expansions and 
updates to the structure. The Temple serves as a physical representation 
of the values and ideologies which guided the American Freemason in 
the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and as a result, the building must 
be read based on both its architectural merits and its evolving social 
history. 
The Temple structure and building site have been analyzed 
based on their historic integrity and condition. The underlying historic 
structure of the Temple was found to be intact, though much modified in 
its original appearance by the installation of numerous major additions. 
As has been already mentioned, these additions reflect the changing 
membership and increased usage of the building. The additions and 
modifications which have occurred to the structure also reflect changes 
in building technologies such as the use of concrete in constructing 
foundations, and the discovery of exterior siding materials which were 
purported to be virtual ly maintenance free. Despite these modifications, 
the Temple remains in good condition visual ly. Preservation issues 
addressed by this report focus on the loss of some of the Temple's 
historic spatial identity which has resulted from numerous and continual 
modifications to the structure over its long history. 
The purpose of this document then, is to serve as a management 
tool for the members of the Whidby Island Lodge which will help them to 
understand the importance of performing continual routine maintenance 
on the Temple order to afford its historic fabric and features some level of 
protection. It will also serve as a guide to help the Lodge reclaim some of 
the historic integrity which has been lost within the Temple, as well as to 
protect the structure for future generations. 
Completed Research: 
This document is represents the product of a terminal project 
undertaken in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the presentation 
of a Masters Degree in Historic Preservation from the University of 
Oregon. The scope of the project was limited to the Temple structure, 
though the entire building lot was considered as part of the general 
assessment of the site. 
Five areas of research or investigation were undertaken for this 
project: 
1. A comprehensive history of the Lodge and its Temple, which 
was used to provide historical and social context, as well as to 
inform the technical sections of the document. 
2. A complete inventory of the Temple and its features, including the 
building site. 
3. An exhaustive condition assessment of the interior and exterior 
elements of the Temple. 
4. Documentation of the structure in the form of photographs and 
measured/scaled drawings (floorplans, elevations, sections, details) 
5. Directives for the stabilization, operation, and rehabilitation of the 
bui lding. 
As necessary, technical supplements to aid in the implementation of 
these directives have been included in the appendix section of this 
document. 
Major Research Findings: 
At the time of this writing, the Temple is days shy of its 132nd 
birthday. Many of the problems delineated in the condition assessment 
and rehabiJitation directives sections of this document are the direct 
result of aging and continual use, climactic impact, or the construction 
systems employed in the installation of the Temple's many additions. 
1. The Temple is truly an architectural gem, not only in terms of its 
age, but in its socio-historical context, and continual use as well . 
It provides a strong context which will inform the interpretation of 
early settlement construction on Whidbey Island. 
2. There were three major additions to the Temple; these occurred 
on the southern elevation in 1939, the eastern elevation in 1948, 
and the western elevation in 1954. All of these additions were 
installed more than 50 years ago, and as such, they are all now 
considered to be historic. No major modifications have been 
undertaken on the Temple since this time, excepting the installation 
of a spiral fire escape on the northern elevation in 1964. 
3. The historic structure of the Temple is still intact, though 
it is covered by the n u merous additions to the building. Key 
structural systems have been covered by the additions, and these 
systems cannot be conclusively defined without further intrusive 
investigation. 
4. On the interior of the Temple, no original wall , cei ling, or floor 
finishes a re readily visible, and the historic spatial configuration 
has been greatly expanded by the multiple additions. However, 
though the square footage of the interior has more than doubled, 
the arrangement of the various rooms follows the strictly prescribed 
diadems of Freemasonry which regulate how a Temple should be 
designed. 
5. The condition of the Temple, both on the interior and exterior, 
is general.ly good. The expected issues which arise from deferred 
maintenance and inappropriate additions or repairs raise the most 
concern. 
6. Many of the additions and modifications which have been 
undertaken on the Temple were done with the sole aim of increasing 
the immediate usability of the structure. As such, most of these 
were done without an acknowledgement of the importance of 
preserving the historic integrity of the structure, and without the 
consultation of preservation guidelines. The loss of historic integrity 
to the structure due to insensitive modifications is an issue of major 
concern. 
7. It is imperative that all future work performed on the Temple take 
into consideration the importance of the structure as a building 
important to the history of the entire community. Modifications 
should not be undertaken solely for the purpose of increased 
utility unless they are also considerate and mindful of the historic 
nature of the building. AJI future work should be undertaken with 
a preservation plan in mind, and should utilize a professional 
consultation and review process. 
It is sincerely hoped that this document will be used by the Masons 
to reawaken themselves to the importance of this truly remarkable 
building, and to foster a pride of ownership which will compel them to 
preserve the structure for the future . It is hoped that this document will 
provide enough historical background, detailed analysis, and technical 
recommendations in order to help direct the Lodge in any future 
endeavors relative to the structure. The potential of the Temple greatly 
impressed the a u thor and caused her to become impassioned with it as a 
cause. It is truly a remarkable place that merits preserving. 
INTRODUCTION 
Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F . & A.M., Coupeville, Washington 
The Masonic Temple which stands at the corner of NW 8 th and 
Main Streets in the quiet town of Coupeville, Washington is a large, 
but rather unassuming structure. Rectilinear in form, and featuring a 
steeply pitched, east-west facing gable roof, the exterior of the Temple 
is plain and simple, the only ornamentation being contained in the few 
Masonic emblems which grace the exterior facades, and in four large, 
fluted Doric columns which support the Temple's projecting second 
story on its eastern elevation. Clad in asbestos shingles, the Temple 
appears as a hodge-podge of architectural elements; it has the air of a 
mid-twentieth century structure with dassical and utilitarian elements 
sprinkled in. What is not readily apparent from the exterior is the true 
history of the structure; that it is in fact a product of the last decades of 
the nineteenth century, a s leeping behemoth rich in history just waiting 
to be revealed. 
The Whidby Is land Lodge # I 5 was formed as a chapter of the 
fraternal organization known as the Freemasons on July 22, 1869, 
chartered under d ispensation of the Grand Lodge of Washington 
Territory (under the jurisdiction of the Willamette Lodge # 11 in Oregon), 
a fu ll twenty years before Washington was granted statehood. 1 Today, 
it is the oldest surviving Lodge in the Puget Sound region, and it is 
among the ten oldest Lodges in the State. Nine Master Masons, most 
of who were from amongst the first fami lies to settle on Whidbey Is land 
in the 1850's, organized to form the Lodge, and in 1874, they set about 
bui lding a Temple in which they could practice their centuries old craft. 
Constructed by one of the Lodge founders John S. Alexander, Jr., the 
Mason ic Temple has stood now for almost 132 years, and it still serves as 
the meeting place for the brethren of this fraternal organization. 
Over the course of almost a century and a half of use, the Masonic 
Temple which houses the Whidby Is land Lodge has undergone dramatic 
and drastic changes to both its form and materials. Numerous additions 
have been made to the structure, which given their age, are all historic 
in their own right, and innumerable changes have occurred to the 
exterior and interior finishes and decorative elements. These changes 
were la rgely informed by a growing and enlivened membership, which 
necessitated spatial changes to the structure. This trend continues 
today, as the Lodge now boasts approximately 250 members. Despite 
the modifications which resulted from the membership boom, the 
structure of the Temple itself remains intact, and probing study reveals 
a wealth of information on the history, people, and uses of this building. 
Given its long history, the period of significance for the structure is also 
long, beginning with the Temple's construction in 1874, and continuing 
through the last major addition, which occurred on the western elevation 
in 1954. 
The purpose of this Historic Structures Report is to utilize the 
modern theories and technologies of historic preservation to reveal the 
rich architectural, social, and political history of the Whidby Island Lodge 
# 15. Historical research on the development of Freemasonry in America, 
its doctrine, symbols, and architecture, helped to place the Temple within 
the larger context of Freemasonry as an ideological fraternal movement; 
while a detailed account of the architectural and social history of the 
Lodge itself was used to place the Temple within the larger context of the 
physical environment in which it is located. 
Balancing the conceptual portions of this document are the 
technical chapters, which include an exhaustive condition assessment, 
a~ well as rehabilitation directives and measured drawings of the Temple 
as it stands today. It is sincerely hoped that this document will be 
utilized as a whole in order to understand the history of the Temple as 
a ways and means of preserving it for the future. This project does not 
seek to fu lly restore the Temple to its 19th century appearance, but rather 
to find a way to amicably blend the history inherent in the structure 
with the real need to adapt it to the ever changing needs of its long-
time caretakers. It is hoped that the result will be a harmonious one; 
one which once again imbibes the Temple with a sense of history and 
purpose, while at the same time being understanding of history as a 
continuum, an ever changing entity. 
What's in a name? 
When reading through this document, one is bound to notice the 
varied spellings of the word "Whidbey." These variations are not born of 
error, but rather of changing trends in nomenclature. 
Called Tscga-kole-chy by the Native Skagit peoples who identified 
this island as their home for 10,000 years before the arrival of the first 
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European settlers, Whidbey Island was named after Joseph Whidbey, 
Master on the HMS Discovery, an English vessel captained by George 
Vancouver. In the 1790's, the Discovery and her crew were sent on an 
expedition from England to explore the area of the Pacific Coast which is 
now known as the Puget Sound. After setting off on his own to explore 
the area, Joseph Whidbey fi rst discovered Deception Pass, and by proxy, 
the second largest island in the continental United States. Thrilled by the 
discovery, he rushed back to inform Captain Vancouver, who honored 
him by naming the land mass Whidbey Is land. 1 
Over the years, Whidbey Is land has been known by a number 
of different variations including Whidbey's Is land, under which it 
was officially charted, Whidbey's Island, Whidby Island, and Whidbey 
Is land, which it is known as today.' When the Whidby Island Lodge 
#15 in Coupeville was chartered in 1869, the current spelling of the 
name of the Island did not include the "e." Consequently, the Lodge 
still uses the historic spell ing to this day. It must be noted, however, 
that this steadfast resolve is not merely an unwillingness to conform to 
modern standards, but rather one of necessity. In order to officially list 
themselves as "Whidbey Is land Lodge #15," the Masons would literally 
have to re-write their charter; in effect, forming a new Lodge. 
Due to this quirk in nomenclature, al l references in the following 
pages to Whidbey Is land as a physical location will be written using the 
modern spelling, while all direct references to the Lodge or its Temple 
will use the historic spelling. Also, all references to the "Lodge" should 
be interpreted as meaning the members of the organization, while those 
references to the "Temple" will indicate a discussion of the building 
which houses them. This is done for accuracy and clarity, as well as out 
of respect to the members of the Whidby Island Lodge # 15, who have 
been so enthusiastic and supportive of this undertaking. 
Notes 
1 Kellogg, George A .. A History of Wbidbey's Island, (Coupeville, Washington: lslund County 
Historical Society, 2002), p. 2. 
l Grand Lodge of Washington Territory, Dispensation Leuer to fonn Whidby Island Lodge #15, 
22 July 1869. 
1 Daryl C. McCJary. " Island County---Thumbnail History;' Historyl ink org. Essay #7523, 14 
November, 2005, lnteniet On•line. available fro m http://www.historyli nk.org/essays/output.cfm?file_ 
id=7523, accessed 08 August, 2006. 
IMPORTANT MASONIC TERMS AND SYMBOLS 
Phu10, Krist/11 Mom1hr111, 1006. 
ABIF: A Hebrew word signifying a title of honor. This title was given to 
the Tyrian builder Hiram, who constructed King Solomon's Temple. 1 
AFFILIATION: A word which designates a Mason as being a member of 
a particular Lodge. 
ARCHITECTURE: A fine art which differs from the other fine arts in that 
(1) it is based on uti li ty, and (2), that it e levates mathematical laws to the 
rules of beauty, correct proportion, and perfect symmetry. 2 
BLUE: The great color of Freemasonry, blue is the color of the heavens, 
and therefore stands as an emblem of universal friendship and 
benevolence, traits which should be as extensive in a Mason as heaven 
itself. "It is therefore the only color, except white, which should be used 
in a Master Mason's ITemplej."3 
BROTHER: This is the term with which fe llow Masons always address 
one another whi le in the Temple. 
CANDIDATE: A cand idate is a person who is seeking membership 
or affiliation in a Lodge. Before he is accepted, his moral and social 
character wi ll be verified. 
CHARTER: A document issued by a Grand Lodge to a certain number 
of individuals, which empowers them to organize a Lodge and confer 
degrees. 
COMPASS: One of the major symbols of Freemasonry, the compass 
represents amiable conduct, benevolent fee ling, and charitable action, 
things which a Mason must perpetually strive to achieve.4 
DEGREES: There are th ree degrees which are attainable in Freemasonry, 
these being (1) Entered Apprentice, (2) Fellow Craft, and (3) Master 
Mason. 
JO 
DEMIT: When a Mason severs a ll connection with either a particular 
Lodge or Freemasonry in general, he is said to have received a demit. 
DORIC: "The Doric is the second of the five orders of architecture ... lt 
is the most natural and best proportioned of a ll the orders; a ll its parts 
being foun ded on the natural position of solid bodies."~ 
EAST: In Freemasonry, the east is considered to be a place of knowledge 
and light . The Master s its in the east to open the Lodge, symbolizing the 
rising sun, which opens the d ay. 
EASTERN STAR, ORDER OF THE: An adoptive system of Freemasonry 
for Women. It was introduced into the United States in 1778. The 
system's obligations are based upon female honor, as well as the 
principles of equality and justice. Those entitled to receive the degrees 
are the wives, widows, s isters, and daughters of Master Masons. 6 
F . & A.M. : This acronym stands for "Free and Accepted Masons. " Some 
Lodges use this designation, while others use A.F. & A.M., which stands 
for "Ancient Free and Accepted Masons." This discrepancy arose in the 
1750's, when a Lodge of Irishmen living in London rejected the first 
Grand Lodge, formed in 1717, and formed their own Grand Lodge . These 
men claimed that the Englis h Grand Lodge was following a "modern" 
interpretation of Freemasonry, while their own Lodge followed the 
"ancient" traditions of the craft. Hence, Lodges which operate following 
the doctrines of the original Gra nd Lodge of London are known as "F. & 
A.M.," while those fo llowing that of the Irish Grand Lodge a re known as 
"A.F. & A.M."6 
FORM OF THE LODGE: (Quoted from Robert Macoy's A Dictionary 
of Freemasonry\ "The form of a Masonic !Temple] is said to be a 
parallelogram or oblong square- its length being from East to West- its 
breadth from North to South. A sq uare, circle, a triangle, or any other 
form but that of an oblong square, would be eminently incorrect and 
unmasonic, because such a figure would not be an expression of the 
symbolic idea which is intended to be conveyed . At the Solomonic Era-
the era of the building of the Temple at Jerusalem- the world, it must 
be remembered, was supposed to have that very oblong form, which has 
here been symbolized ."8 
G: This letter is the most sacred of the Masonic symbols, used as it is as 
a symbol of the Diety, as well as of Geometry. To the Masons, God and 
Geometry symbolize both the spiritual realm and the material world , or 
Heaven and Earth. 
GOD: "The highest and most perfect intelligence in which all things exist, 
and from which al l things depend ."9 
II 
JEWELS: The Lodge and its Temple are furnished with three moveable 
and three immovable jewels. The immovable jewels are the square, level, 
and plumb, and these must never be removed from their proper place 
in the Temple. They belong to the principle officers and chairs of the 
Lodge; the Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden, respectively. The 
moveable jewels are the rough and perfect ashlars and the trestleboard.9 
JUNIOR WARDEN: The Junior Warden, along with the Master and 
Senior Warden, is one of the chief officers of the Lodge. His job is 
primarily to insure the Lodge's security by preventing unqualified visitors 
to enter. 
LODGE: A group of Masons who have been granted a charter al lowing 
them to meet and confer degrees by a Grand Lodge. 
MASTER: The presiding officer in a Lodge of Freemasons. The duties of 
a Master include 11) assembling his Lodge, (2) presiding over the Lodge, 
(3) regulating the admission of visitors, (4) controlling all discussions in 
Lodge meetings, and j5 ) to appoint committees, among others. The jewel 
of the Master is the Square. 
MINUTES: Detailed records of the proceedings of each Lodge meeting. 
NORTH: A place of darkness. Accordingly, no officers of the Lodge are 
stationed in the north of the Temple. The north symbolizes those who are 
uninitiated. 
PERFECT ASHLAR: A stone which is perfectly square, and can only be 
tried by the square and compasses. The perfect ashlar represents the 
man after he has attained the degree of Master Mason. 
PLUMB: The plumb reminds the Mason to follow the straight path of 
virtue and honor to all of his life's endeavors. 
ROUGH ASHLAR: A rectangular stone with roughened edges and 
surfaces, the rough ashlar symbolizes the state of a man's soul before he 
becomes a Mason. 
SENIOR WARDEN: The Senior Warden's job is to serve in the place of the 
Master should he be incapacitated or unavailable. 
SOLOMON: Jewish King during the golden era of the Hebrews. He built 
the Temple upon which many of the symbols of Freemasonry are based. 
SOLOMON'S TEMPLE: "This is the most important as a symbol to a 
Freemason, for in its time it was considered as the most regular and 
12 
most magnificent building." 11 
SOUTH: The south is important in Freemasonry, as the sun's path 
follows from the east to the south, and eventually the west. 
SQUARE: The square is a symbol which reminds the Mason to keep his 
mind and body at all times within their proper limits. 
SQUARE AND COMPASS: "The square and compasses surrounding 
the letter 'G' form the standard emblem of Freemasonry. The square 
teaches Masons to be honest and true in their actions. The compasses 
teach Masons to circumscribe their desires and act in moderation. The 
'G' represents geometry and is the initial for the name of Diety. Just as 
geometry is central to an understanding of the physical world, so is God 
central to Mason's livcs."12 
TEMPLE: The structure erected by Masons as a meeting place for their 
Lodge. 
TWIN PILLARS: Ornamental elements within the Temple which 
represent the two pillars of King Solomon's Temple. These are set at the 
entrance to the Temple (or in this case, the entrance to the Lodge Room), 
and represent Jachin, or the pillar of the cloud , and Boaz, or the pillar of 
fire.ll 
TYLER: Along with the Junior Warden, it is the Tyler's job to prevent 
any unauthorized visitors from entering the Lodge meetings. He stands 
outside the entrance to the Lodge Room with a sword in hand and 
verifies the credentials of each visitor before granting them entrance. 
WEST: The west symbolizes the setting of the sun and the arrival of 
night. As such, a Mason enters from the west and crosses to the east, 
symbolically raising himself from darkness to light. 
13 
Notes 
1 Macey. Robert , A Qictionnrv of FrcemasoOO' (New York: Grammercy Books, 1989). p. 74. 
1 Ibid, p. 90. 
1 Ibid, p. 237. 
• Ibid, p. 468. 
' Ibid, p. 491. 
' Tabbert, Mark A. • Amrrican Freemasons· Three Centuries o[ Building Communities, (New York: 
New York University Press, 2005), p. 27, 
1Macoy, p. 123. 
• Ibid, p. 145. 
' Ibid, p. 155. 
1• Ibid. p. 672. 
11 Ibid, p. 182. 
11 Tabbcn, p. I. 
11 Macey, p. 616. 
14 
CHAPTER! 
WHIDBY ISLAND LODGE #15, THE LAND, THE TEMPLE, ITS 
HISTORY, AND ITS MEMBERS 
Fl/tfrNl:H,4.S~..,,,__._.,.,,,rlnvt_,if,_TntfW 
'""'"" 
Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M, was established in Coupeville, 
Washington in 1869. In that year. nine Master Masons who had settled 
in the area of Whidbey Island in the preceding two decades joined together 
and petitioned the Grand Lodge of Washington Territory to issue them a 
charter. The charter being granted, the Lodge constructed a Temple in 
which to practice its ancient and honored craft in 1874. The Temple which 
these men built as a meeting house and physical symbol of the tenets 
of the fraternal organization known as Freemasonry still stands today 
on the comer of Eighth and Main Streets, though much modified in its 
original appearance. Careful study of the structure and its history unveils 
a story which goes beyond the Masonic craft and speaks to the founding 
of Whidbey Island, of pioneers, sea captains, and societal influence on 
architectural expression. This is the story of the Whidby Island Lodge. 
15 
The Land and the People 
Jn the opening pages of his short yet rich pamphlet describing the 
history of Whidby Island Lodge # I 5, Frank C. Coates makes the following 
observation: 
This was new country. Population was scanty as the first settlers 
had come barely eighteen years earlier. Settlers in a new country 
are always a sturdy and adventurous people. The first ones are 
most usually from the better classes and in this case there was a 
considerable number of Masons. • 
This "new country" was the Pacific Northwest, namely the large land 
mass in the Puget Sound which was known as Whidbey Is land. Named 
by George Vancouver for 
the Master of his ship, HMS 
Discovery in 1792, Whidbey 
Island was a breathtakingly 
beautiful land rich in 
agricultural resources, 
and free from the scars of 
capitalization or industry. 
Used by the native 
Salish and Skagit peoples 
Fk•n> J : 11 11$~1Wr....,_c,,,,._.ir,y~r--.ltad.ldlql,Jt'h#. for thousands of years, the 
b,yas/tsS...lt11S,\ l.aNr ll'INc6ry~dvl"'-l"N<'l\6NnAif-•l191 prairie lands of Whidbey 
Is land had already been cleared of timber by burning, and so were 
readied for the growth of food and fiber plants, as well as to provide 
forage for game animals (figures 4 & 5, next page) .: This land was ripe in 
opportunity for the adventurous white settlers who had begun to explore 
the Puget Sound Region in the first haJf of the nineteenth-century. 
One such man, Thomas W. Glasgow, was the first white person who 
attempted to settle on the Island, claiming a plot of land in almost the 
exact location on which Colonel Isaac Neff Ebey would settle a few years 
later. 
Arriving in the spring of 1848, Glasgow staked a claim in the 
rich prairie lands abutting the Puget Sound on the Western coast of 
Central Whidbey Island. Here, Glasgow built a cabin and began to plant 
potatoes, peas, and wheat. He took a Native American wife, whom he 
called Julia Pat-Ke-Nim. Scholars posit that Glasgow's marriage was 
partially for companionship, and partially to afford him some measure 
of protection against violence by the Native Americans. Even with his 
16 
Fit •"''' '11wn.:l,pn,,rl<!lond$ofu,,rr,,J 1+1tlJM)• l• lund, W/lttlt Fip,.. j: 711,, femlr N II ufl,mJOII t:~•"s />Tairir ,.,., pvl,op, 1/w 
fto,,,•~-1/tmJofPmn tCow ""'J()'r,1,,,,.,,,,,,,;"Kjac,,w jo,'Jdtlr-nt ;,, 1/"s""° /Jo 1/w 1/IJO} 
security measures, however, Glasgow's settlement was to be short-
lived. Determined to drive the white settler from hls claim, thousands 
of Native Americans representing every tribe in the Puget Sound 
Region, including the Chehalis, Nisqually, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, 
and Duwamish peoples, arrived on the shores of Whidbey Island and 
set up camp in Penn Cove. One of Glasgow's companions, Antonio 8. 
Rabbeson, remarked that there were "about eight thousand of these wild 
men."1 On the third day of their encampment, the tribes held a meeting 
and invited Glasgow and his compatriots to attend. At this meeting, 
numerous leaders spoke of unifying the tribes in order to attack the 
three encampments of white settlers on the Puget Sound (Tumwater, Fort 
Nisqually, and Cowlitz Farm) and drive the "King George men" (British) 
from their land. That night, Glasgow's wife learned of a plot by the chief 
of the Snohomish Peoples, to kill her husband and his friends. Informed 
of the immanent threat to their lives, the group clandestinely abandoned 
their claim and stole away in the night.• 
Despite threats from Native American tribes who were 
understandably upset by the encroachment of white settlers on their 
ancestral lands, explorers and adventurous men continued to scout the 
Puget Sound with a mind on establishing claims. The Oregon land bill, 
otherwise known as the Donation Land Claim Act, which was passed 
by Congress on September 27, 1850 made the drive towards settlement 
too hard to resist, as it guaranteed every settler free land regardless of 
17 
sex, and with very few stipulations. It was under this Act that Isaac Neff 
Ebey, the first permanent settler on Whidbey Island, arrived in the "new 
country" and staked his claim.s 
,011:. 
rAn 
·-----. 
\ 
The Donation Claim Land Act guaranteed each settler 320 acres 
of un-platted land if they were single, and 640 acres if married. Since 
the land was not platted, the newcomers were free to claim their land 
wherever they pleased. As such, Isaac Ebey arrived on the Island 
and staked his claim on October 15, 1850, cutting a 640 acre swath 
diagonally across the most fertile land of the open prairie. Under the 
Act, first-class claims were granted to those settlers who had come to 
Washington Territory before September of 1850, but who had not staked 
a claim until after the Land Claim Act was passed. Consequently, those 
settlers who held first-class claims in addition to Isaac Ebey were William 
Hastie, John Kineth, Isaac Power, Richard Lansdale, John Condra, 
Joseph Smith, and Samuel Crockett. The Donation Land Claim Act 
expired on December 2, 1855, by which time fifty-seven claims had been 
filed on Whidbey Island.• 
18 
Early Pioneers 
The early pioneers of Whidbey Island found themselves in a 
wholly new country in the middle decades of the nineteenth century. 
Washington Territory had not even been created when the earliest 
settlers arrived on Whidbey Island in 1850 and 1851 , it being considered 
part of Oregon until the territory was officially designated on March 2, 
1853.' Everywhere they went, they were creating anew. Here they settled 
an Island and a region, established a town, and formed a county. These 
early pioneers would be the catalyst for social, political, and architectural 
change for centuries to come. 
While many settle rs availed themself of the opportunity afforded 
them by the Donation La nd Claim 
Act of 1850, not a ll of them stayed 
on to become permanent settlers 
of the Island. According to the 
extensive diaries of Isaac Ebey and 
his wife Rebecca, the fami lies who 
had become permanent residents 
of the Island by 1853 included 
the Ebey's, Davis' (Rebecca Ebey's 
family), Crockett's, Alexander's, 
Lansdale's, Bonswell's, and 
Smith's (2 fami lies), as welJ as a 
number of bachelors. The diary 
entry of Rebecca Ebey dated 
February 21, 1853 states that the 
population numbered six famiJjes 
and fifteen children, as well as 
eighteen bachelors or youths.• Of these six original Pioneer families, 
half would have a strong and lasting affiliation with the Whidby Island 
Masonic Lodge # 15, the members of two would actually petition for the 
Lodge's formation, and one in particular served as the Lodge's builder. 
Those families of particular importance to the history of the Lodge and 
the history of Whidbey Is land were the Ebey's, the Crockett's, and the 
Alexander's. 
19 
The Ebey Family 
After becoming the first permanent settler on Whidbey Island 
under the Donation Claim Land Act in October, 1850, Isaac Neff Ebey 
immediately began to build a home. plant crops. and make preparations 
for the eminent arrival of his family from Missouri on the rich loam of 
prairie which he had claimed on the western shore of Central Whidbey 
Island (see claim map, page 18). Born outside of Columbus, Ohio in 
1818, Ebey was an industrious and adventurous young man. In 1849 
he, along with others, purchased the brig Orbit and began to charter the 
Puget Sound in search of a suitable place to make his home.• In his short 
life, Isaac Ebey served as a military leader in the Indian War of 1855-
561' , mined in California, worked as a customs collector, practiced law, 
farmed, and served as a politician. 11 Ebey had a hand in the legislative 
business of Washington Territory, including involvement in the formation 
of Jefferson, King, Pierce, and Is land Counties, of which the latter 
included Whidbey Island. In her February I , 1853 diary entry, his wife 
Rebecca speaks joyfully of the news from Olympia that Is land County 
had been formed. 12 Once established on Whidbey Island, Ebey and his 
family brought as much distinction to their new homeland as they had to 
all their previous endeavors, the end result being the naming of the area 
which they settled as Ebey's Landing; now a National Historical Reserve. 
Rebecca Ebey headed westward from Missouri with the couple's 
two children, Eason Benton and Jacob Ell ison (called Ell ison). as well as 
her family, the Davis', via emigrant train in 1852. By March of that year, 
the families had arrived in Olympia, from whence they were transported 
by scow to Whidbey Is land, being settled by the middle of the month ." 
Isaac's brother, Winfield Scott Ebey, had served as guardian to his 
brother's family in his absence, yet remained behind when Rebecca and 
the children went to join Isaac in 1852. Winfield would emigrate to the 
Island in 1854 with six other Ebey's, including Isaac's parents, Jacob 
and Sarah, his two sisters Ruth and Mary, and his niece and nephew, 
Almyra and Polk. The descendants of Mary (Ebey) Bozarth still inhabit 
the Puget Sound region to this day. 1 ◄ 
Had not tragedy intervened, the Ebey contingency on Whidbey 
Island would certainly be much stronger today. By 1866, nearly a ll of 
the Ebey's who had settled the Is land and leant their name to the area 
had died unexpectedly or tragically, including Isaac. Jacob and Sarah 
20 
died in 1862 and 1859, respectively. Ruth, who was deaf and dumb, 
passed on unexpectedly after falling off of a bluff in San de F'uca while 
gathering berries. Winfield, after the loss of his parents and brother, 
moved to Petaluma, California, where he died of consumption at the 
age of 33 in 1865 (he is buried in Sunnyside Cemetery on Whidbey 
Island). Rebecca, Isaac's beloved wife, died shortly after giving birth to 
their third child, Sarah Harriet (Hattie) in I 853, after a prolonged bout 
with tuberculosis. 15 Hattie herself never grew to adulthood, dying in the 
custody of a guardian at the age of 7. Isaac himself was not immune 
to the tragedy his fami ly seemed to suffer so unduly, and his death was 
perhaps the most bizarre of them all. 
The mid-1850's was a time of great trepidation between the white 
settlers of the Island and the Native inhabitants of the same. A number 
of blockhouses were even erected to protect the pioneer families from 
attack by the Native tr ibes. In 1856, the US warship Massachusetts was 
responsible for an attack which led to the death of 27 Kake tribesmen 
from Sitka, Alaska, that were camped in Port Gamble. Of the casualties, 
one "tyee" or chief was s lain. In 1857, the Kake returned to Whidbey 
Island with the aim of s laying a white "tyee" in retaliation for the deaths 
of their own fallen brethren . After their first target, a Dr. Kellogg, was not 
home, the tribe went to the home of the next best tyee, who happened to 
be Isaac Ebey. On the night of August 11, 1857, Isaac Ebey was shot and 
beheaded, making him the only white casualty of the Indian Wars. 16 
While the Ebey fami ly suffered so much tragedy, those that did live 
went on to be involved in many great things on the Island, including the 
Whidby Island Masonic Lodge #15. Eason Benton Ebey, the eldest son of 
Isaac and Rebecca went on to become a member of the Lodge, petitioning 
for the degrees in 1874, the year the Temple was constructed. 11 It is well 
known that Winfield Scott and Isaac Ebey were also Masons, Winfield's 
tombstone proudly bearing the Masonic Emblem of the Square and 
Compasses. It can only be assumed that, had they lived, they too would 
have supported the formation of a Lodge on their new homeland, and 
petitioned to become members. The Ebey's good friends from Missouri, 
the Crockett's would have an even more profound impact on the Whidbey 
Island Lodge than their tragedy plagued neighbors. 
21 
The Crockett Family 
Colonel Walter Crockett, Sr. was born in January 1786 on the 
upper Roanoke River in Virginia. Like many of the early settlers of Ebey's 
Landing, Crockett came from an upstanding East Coast family who had 
distinguished themselves within their community. Jimmie Jean Cook, 
one of the founding members of the Island County Historical Society 
and author of many local histories, had this to say about the family: 
"The lineal representatives of some of the distingujshed members of 
the Atlantic states have been the 
builders of our own communities. 
Such was Colonel Crockett, a 
member of an old Virginia family 
that moved west to settle in the 
early days of the Revolutionary 
War."•• 
Colonel Crockett distinguished 
himself both militarily and 
politically, by serving in the War 
of 1812 under the command of 
Captain Floyd, who later became 
Governor of Virginia, and as a 
member of the Virginia legislature, 
where he helped to place Andrew 
Jackson (a fellow Mason} in the 
office of the President. Walter's 
wife, Mary Black Ross, was also 
Fi1Mr,l: C""-IHOJ1,..('rorltt1. Sr, p,a1rUtrrlt q/r/J,,Cro<"4mfami/y 
from a prominent Virginia family, 
her father being the founder of the city of Blacksburg.1' 
Despite his military and political success in Virginia, Colonel 
Crockett grew weary of life on the east coast, and so began his family's 
western migration in 1838. Their first stop was Boone County, Missouri, 
after which they moved to Putnam County, Missouri. During these years 
spent in Missouri, the family met and became close with Isaac Ebey and 
his family. 
Walter and Mary's eldest son, Samuel had headed west on his 
own in 1844, arriving just in time to join the first migration train to 
the Puget Sound.20 In October of the next year, Samuel joined a small 
band of emigres led by Michael Troutman Simmons, and together 
22 
they formed one of the first American settlements in the Puget Sound 
region in Tumwater, just outside of present day Olympia.21 Immediately 
smitten with his new home, Samuel 
wrote a glowing letter to his father 
in Missouri, raving about this 
beautiful new country. Partly due 
to Samuel's fulsome accounts, the 
Colonel decided to move the rest of 
his family to the Sound and, along 
with Rebecca Ebey, her two sons, 
and her brother, Thomas Davis, 
the party landed on Whidbey Island 
in March of 1852.11 Once on the 
Island, the Colonel was joined from 
Tumwater by Samuel, and the pair, 
along with sons John, Hugh, and 
Charles each took up a claim. 
Like the Ebey's, the Crockett's 
had a rather large contingency of 
family members on the Island in the 1'~ •r~ f:s.-lllodo.rlm,t1,nt/UJ llu,ptnlt'd~of 
early days of settlement. Walter's .,...,Sowwl,-.,pnll,uf-"1"'~'"'" 
son John, who came with his father to the Island, brought with him his 
wife Ann (nee Crockett, a distant relative from Kentucky), and their son, 
Samuel D. Over the course of the next 15 
years, John and Ann would have nine more 
children; William, Sarah Frances, Susan 
Mary, Georgia Ann, Emma, Elizabeth Ellen, 
Jane de Vane, John Harvey, and Margaret. 
The only other child of Walter and Mary 
to have children was Susanna, and she 
adopted.n The Crockett 's , the Ebey's, and 
the Alexander's all formed a very close-knit 
contingency in the early days of settlement 
on the Island. Rebecca Ebey's diary makes 
frequent mention of daily interactions with 
both families, including Hugh Crockett's 
;ng_,,,,_of H1tldby J,"-'~.,, frequent visits for dinner, communal house 
raisings with all three families, and John Crockett's daughter Susan's 
23 
apparent enamor with her own sons, Eason and Ellison. This sense of 
community and camaraderie would continue through the years, even in 
the establishment of the new Masonic Lodge. Hugh Crockett and John 
Alexander would both petition for the formation of the Lodge, and Hugh's 
brother, Walter Jr., and Nephew, William (John and Ann's son), would 
both affiliate. 24 All of these men would also go on to hold positions of 
high esteem within the Masonic organization. 
The Alexander Family 
John Alexander, Sr. was born in October 1805 in Ireland, and 
at an early age, he immigrated to Canada. His wife , Frances Sharp, 13 
years his junior, was also born in Ireland, and she immigrated to Canada 
in 1822 at the age of three. The couple married in 1833, when Frances 
was just 14. In 1851, they immigrated once again, this time to Peoria, 
lllinois. zs Alexander's family was among the first to catch the fever for 
westward expansion and migrate to 
Whidbey Island, and they are frequently 
mentioned in the diary entries of Isaac 
and Rebecca Ebey. John and Frances 
came to the Island with their two sons, 
William, and John Jr. It was be the 
f younger John Alexander who, along 
with Hugh Crockett, petitioned for 
the formation of the Lodge, and who 
received the commission to actually 
build the Temple. 
The Alexander's arrived on 
Whidbey Island on June 22, 1852 
and staked their claim. Shortly after 
their arrival, their third son, Abram 
Lansdale Alexander, was born; and he 
Figuff I I: Jol,,r Sharp A/a,.,uJ,:r, J,. founding memMr of had the distinction of being the first 
Wlridby Island wdg~ ~I .'I, wui builder ofi lJ Temple. 
white male born in the Puget Sound, 
and the third white child born on Whidbey Island.~ Unlike the Ebey's 
and the Crockett's, the Alexander's did not choose to settle on the high 
open prairies, but rather on the lower lands which abutted Penn Cove 
on the eastern part of the Island. Upon their arrival, there were only 
three other families settled in this portion of the Island, those being Dr. 
24 
Richard Lansdale and his family, Captain Lovejoy and his family, and the 
Coupe's, led by Captain Thomas Coupe, for whom this entire area was 
named Coupeville . Interestingly, Captain Coupe's Daughter Sara married 
Thomas Cranney, another early pioneer who was a petitioner/founder of 
the Whidbey Is land Lodge and who served as its first Secretary.ii 
John Alexander Sr. was known as a ski lled craftsman and 
carpenter, talents which 
wou ld be inherited by 
his son, John Jr. The 
Alexander's lived with 
Thomas Davis, Rebecca 
Ebey's brother, while 
John Sr. was working 
to craft the first of two 
houses he built for his 
family. In February of 
1853, this was finished, 
1:1x,,,,, 11: Jouph B l/lllN-y 1/o,,u. /n,i// l870byJohnAl«:xa"'1er. Jr. /'ho«) circa 1890 
and on April 4 th , the 
home served to house 
the first meeting of the 
newly elected Island 
County Commissioners, 
of which John Alexander 
and John Crockett, 
among others, were 
members.n It was at 
this meeting that Isaac 
Ebey, Daniel Show, and 
Samuel Crockett were 
appointed to lay out a road from Ebey's Landing to Coveland along the 
western shore of the Island; and where Hugh Crockett was made the 
Is land's first sheriff. The second house built by Alexander was raised 
with the assistance of Colonel Ebey and Samuel Crockett, and it stood 
on the plot of land which is now occupied by the Island county Historical 
Society and the Alexander Blockhouse.19 
On December 9 , 1858, John Alexander Sr. died , and was buried 
in a casket which was hoUowed out of a cedar log by his sons and some 
Native American friends. Following his father's death, John Jr. went on 
25 
to marry Annie Lanning in December of 1869]0, and to have a successful 
career as a carpenter and saloon owner. 31 Alexander worked on many 
buildings in the town of Coupeville and within Ebey's Landing, including 
the Libbey House !see figures 12 &13, previous page), which he built in 
1870, and the Temple for the Whidby Is land Lodge." 
The formation of the Whidby Island Lodge was a long process, and 
required the combined efforts of many people, some of whom have been 
described on the preceding pages of this story. It is doubtful that, in such 
a new place with so few established traditions, a Lodge could have ever 
been formed so early on had it not been for the sense of camaraderie 
and shared history that was exhibited by the earliest settlers of Whidbey 
Is land. Fraternity, Loyalty, and Charity being some of the hallmark 
tenets of Freemasonry1 the early pioneers of Whidbey Is land who had 
a lready demonstrated these qualities during their settlement were ideally 
suited to apply these affectations towards the formation of something 
much larger than themselves; the Whidby Island Lodge was the result. 
1869: A Lodge is Forged 
In the months and years before the establishment of Whidby 
Island Lodge # 15, F. & A.M. in Coupeville, the closest Lodge to the new 
settlers of the Is land was in Port Townsend; a Lodge which could only be 
approached by a dangerous, and often impossible trip via canoe across 
the heavy seas of the Straits of Juan de Fuca.31 Given the distance and 
danger inherent in attending such a Lodge, it is unsurprising that many 
of its members who lived on Whidbey Island wanted a Lodge of their own. 
As they had already conquered the Island and shaped it according to 
their will, it is only logical that they would want to create a wholly new 
26 
Lodge and infuse it with their pioneer spirit. 
In June of 1869, Port Townsend Lodge #6 received a petition from 
nine of its members asking for their recommendation and support to the 
Grand Lodge of Washington Territory for the formation of a new Lodge in 
Coupeville, on Whidbey Island . The Port Townsend Lodge agreed , and on 
June 24th , both the Lodge, and the petitioners sent letters to the Grand 
Lodge in Olympia requesting dispensation.34 The nine men who petitioned 
the Grand Lodge were all Master Masons of high regard , seven of whom 
were members of Port Townsend #6; their names were listed as follows: 
COLONEL GRANVILLE 0. H ALLER, Past Master, Port Townsend 
H ERBERT PATTERSON, Past Master, Tualitan [sic] 
THOMAS CRANNEY, Master Mason, Port Townsend 
J OHN ALEXAN DER, Master Mason, Port Townsend 
J ONATHAN MITCHELL, Master Mason, Port Townsend 
HENRY E. MoRGAN, Master Mason , Port Townsend 
HUGH CROCKETT, Master Mason, Port Townsend 
HIRAM W. HARMON, Master Mason , Port Townsend 
DANIEL PEARSON, Master Mason, No AffiliationJi 
Colonel Granville 0. Haller fought in 
both the Indian and Civil Wars, serving in 
New York, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, 
Texas, Mexico, and finally Washington 
Territory, where he arrived at Columbia 
Barracks in 1853. Before coming to 
settle on Whidbey Island, Haller was also 
stationed a t Fort Dalles, Oregon and 
Fort Townsend , where he was stationed 
until 1860. In 1866, his wife Henrietta 
initiated the purchase of 1/2 acre of land 
from Captain Thomas Coupe's Donation 
Land Claim for $1 , as well as $1250 for 
Figu,~ 17:Colo~/G,,m,illeDwf'nHalln:foundin11 stock in the store which was previously 
men,lwro/WhiJbylslandl.odgd/5,anJitsfi1a1Masre, built on th e property. Haller, never one to 
miss an opportunity, relocated to Coupeville, enlarged the house of the 
previou s land owner, and set up shop. l6 While the records are not clear 
on what type of "store" Haller ran, it seems as though he was more in the 
business of making loans rathe r than of selling goods. A master of self-
aggrandizement, Haller bespoke of his capita l undertaking by saying, 
27 
[IJ did more. perhaps than any other citizen in that vicinity, to 
enable settlers who had only their robust health and brawny arms 
to support themselves and families while clearing off public lands 
for homes, to remain on their claims and improve them from year 
to year until they had the means to pay .. .31 
While Haller was arrogant, and by all accounts, impetuous, he 
was a strong willed, upstanding, and prominent figure in this newly 
d eveloping society. He had served as the first Worshipful Master of the 
Port Townsend Lodge, and his clout made him the ideal candidate to 
serve as the Worshipful Master of the new Lodge as well. It would not be 
long before this designation became official. Dispensation of permission 
to form the new Lodge was granted, and on July 22, 1869, six of the 
aforementioned petitioners and eight visitors met to officially organize 
Whidby Island Lodge# 15, F. & A.M.• 
The dispensation for Whidby Island Lodge was granted by 
Benjamine E. Lombard, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand 
Lodge (M.W.G.L.) of Washington Territory, who authorized the following 
allocation of positions: 
Worshipful Master: Granville 0. Haller 
Senior Warden: Herbert Patterson 
Junior Warden: Henry E. Morgan 
Secretary: Thomas Cranney (temporary) 
Treasurer: Daniel Pearson (temporary) 
Senior Deacon: Hugh Crockett (temporary) 
IYkJ:: Hiram W. Hermon (temporary) 
Junior De con: Joseph Kune (temporary) 
In the third Lodge meeting, held on September 16, 1869, these positions 
were officially assigned, with the exception of the Senior Warden position, 
which was given to Hugh Crockett, rather than Herbert Patterson." By 
this third meeting, a number of measures for the successful operation 
of the Lodge had been introduced, including the establishment of a 
committee to draft a set of bylaws, one to consult on matters of finance 
and accounts, and one to adjudicate grievances and rule on charges 
of Un-Masonic conduct.• This last committee would prove especially 
important to Colonel Haller, who was one of the few people to ever level 
the charge on a brother Mason. Haller never won any of these decisions, 
and his diminished sense of propriety did not allow him to leave well 
enough alone. After losing each of the cases, he resigned from his office 
of Master, and asked for demit (re linquishment of membership) from the 
• 
~ .:-ui 
I 
28 
Lodge itself. In each case a "consoling committee would then wait upon 
him and persuade him to retum."~ 1 A number of men also petitioned for 
the degrees between the first and third meetings, many of whom were 
among the earliest pioneers mentioned in the Ebey diary; those men 
were Henry Averill, Robert C. Hill (who participated in the house raising 
of John Alexander), Walter Crockett, Jr., and Will iam Engle (the Island's 
first mailman).' 2 
By June 24, 1869, a change in officers had once again occurred, 
with the following results; Worshipful Master, Granville Haller; Senior 
Warden, Hugh Crockett; Junior Warden, 
Jonathan Mitchell; Treasurer, Robert 
C. Hill; Secretary, Thomas Cranney; 
Senior Deacon, John Alexander; Junior 
Deacon, W.8. Clark; Tyler, Hiram 
Hermon; Chaplain, Herbert Patterson; 
and Stewards, Andrew Frasier and 
Henry Morgan.•J With the membership 
of the Lodge growing quickly, the 
opportunity arose for the allocation 
of more positions, such as "Chaplain" 
and "Steward," as well as for the re-
delegation of certain officers to positions 
for which they were better suited. 
Herbert Patterson, for example, was 
Fi,:ur~lll: lodge mi,ml,i,,,,m/Tre,,.u,er Roher1 C. llill. 
installed as the Lodge Chaplain, a 
position for which he was ideally suited, given the fact that he was the 
Pastor of Coupeville's Methodist Church.•• During this time the Lodge also 
witnessed a number of candidates receiving more than one degree in a 
single evening. Frank Coates remarks that, at the time, thjs practice was 
not at all unusual; in fact, on a number of occasions, a petitioner was 
conferred al l three degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master 
Mason) in a single evening.•s 
As the Masons of Whidby Island Lodge #15 had not yet constructed 
a temple of their own, their early meetings were held in the hall owned 
by the International Organization of Good Templars (1.0.G.T), a group 
dedicated to the promotion of temperance which was founded in Sweden 
in the early 191h century. The 1.0.G.T. Hall was connected to the Central 
Hotel, a landmark building on Coupeville's Front Street which was 
29 
owned by Jacob Jenne, a member of the Lodge (and one of the few men 
to be accused of Un-Masonic conduct), until it burned down sometime 
in the mid- 1940's. The first discussion which took place in regards to 
rw-~1,: ~C,-,,/ l f<wl.ow-'<ftlo,,nPlftlllyto..,.M-«rJ..:o4>.h-w.""-"1lwfOOT/lul/llll,u6iu<i-.,-J 
,-,..urwdasdw-..i,wrplatt/tw~-.btnl,,efo,r1Jw,,.r,..,,._1,.,,h 
the construction of a Masonic Temple to be used by the Lodge occurred 
at the meeting which was held here on March 17, 1870. At that 
time, a committee consisting of Thomas Cranney, Jonathan Mitchell, 
Hugh Crockett, and a man named Barker (first name unknown) was 
entrusted to "investigate the possibility of obtaining a hall," and to 
report back to the Lodge at the next meeting. 'Iii The expected report by 
the committee was apparently never made, and on December 1u  of that 
year, the committee was discharged Y Over the next few years, the Lodge 
continued to meet in the 1.O.G.T. Hall on Front Street and have frequent1 
if fruitless discussions regarding the construction of the Temple. Progress 
was eventually made, albeit s lowly, and by the spring of 1874, work had 
commenced on the new Temple. 
King Solomon's Temple Reborn 
Plagued by the frequent starts and stops inherent in a newly 
formed organization, the Whidby Island Lodge# 15 seemed to be 
suffering from a bout of hiccups relative to the construction of a temple 
of their own. By February of 1871, the Mason's had progressed so 
far as to have organized another building committee charged with 
30 
"[making! arrangements for a lot in Coupeville, either by gift or by 
purchase upon which to build a Masonic [TempleJ.'' On March 30, the 
committee, comprised of John Cranney, Jonathan Mitchell, and Walter 
Crockett reported that R.C. Fay and his wife {John Alexander's step-
father and mother) had been paid $50 for the deed to a half-acre lot in 
Coupeville on the corner of Eighth and Main Streets.~• The deed to the 
lot being secured, the task of financing the Temple's construction fell 
to the Masons. To that end, another committee was organized on July 
26th , which consisted of Masonic Brothers Walter Crockett, Robert C. 
Hill, Jonathan Mitchell, Taylor, and DeJorup (Neils or Peter).'" This 
committee's presentation of their findings was continually postponed, 
and no record of their delivering the same exists in the meeting minutes. 
At any rate, it would not be until January 1, 1974, that another mention 
is made relative to the Temple construction. 
In the December, 1871 elections, John Alexander was elected 
Master of Whidby Island Lodge, a position he would be re-elected to 
multiple times. Under the direction of Alexander, discussions of the 
Temple 's construction intensified, and financing for the undertaking was 
eventually secured. The final impetus pushing construction occurred 
in the months between March and June 1873, when frequent and often 
heated discussions were held between the Masons and the 1.0.G.T. over 
the Lodge's u se of their hall. 
During these months the 1.0.G.T. imposed numerous restrictions 
on the Mason's use of the hall, and increased their rent a number of 
times. After issuing an apology in reference to some complaints the 
1.0.G.T. had leveled at the Lodge regarding the way they used the hall, 
the Masons decided that enough was enough, and informed the Good 
Templars that after the first of the year, they would no longer require 
the use of the building.50 On New Year's Day, 1874, Walter Crockett was 
authorized to draw up specifications for the new Temple, and the very 
next day a special meeting was called for the purpose of considering 
the ways and means with which to accomplish this goal.11 In March, the 
Building Committee announced its decision to give the building contract 
to John Alexander, whom they called "a Master Mason in every way 
competent to fulfill the specifications of the contract."n 
John Alexander had already established himself as a skilled 
craftsman, and census records list his profession as "carpenter. " 
Undoubtedly, Alexander's recent Mastership of the Lodge and his work 
31 
towards securing financing for the construction were also large factors in 
granting the commission to him. Alexander's commission for the project 
was $1200, of which he was paid $588 in four installments. Materials 
which valued the balance of Alexander's commission were provided to the 
Lodge by Thomas Cranney (who was co-owner of Grennan and Cranney 
Lumber Mill, as well as a merchant51), and Robert C. Hill (a former 
lumberman), and likely formed the bulk of the materials used in the 
Temple's construction .:w Work on the building progressed s lowly, and it 
was not until December that minutes indicate Lodge meetings were being 
held in the new Temple .•,  
Modifications and Additions 
Abound 
The Lodge's meeting minutes 
are chock full of notations regarding 
changes, modifications, additions, 
and removal of materials from every 
part of the Temple. Fortunately, 
these minutes were meticulously 
recorded, noting the cost down 
to the penny of everything from 
rug cleaning to the purchase 
of spittoons. These entries are 
invaluable to the understanding of 
the evolution of the Temple, and 
the changing ways in which it has Flg•"11: nu 1'J6pltatogn,pl,UtM«irlta1t.o,. ... vuwu1-
been used over its 132 year history. conlaf1J. Tff!Pl,10A,cl, ,........-11,pkdr,,u/,o,u. Duappn,n 
For the purposes of this history, 10s1towW 7n..,.,,..sJ, ... or,p,,1tyro,u,...,~ 
all major structural changes will be discussed in detail , and minor 
alterations or additions will be mentioned as necessary. 
The Early Years, 1874-1902 
The early years of the Temple were the busiest in terms of 
modifications and additions to the structu re. During this time, most of 
the changes made were in order to improve either the structural stability 
or the functionality of the building. It was a lso during this time that we 
glean the most clues as to how the interior of the Temple was organized 
and used, as the minutes make frequent mention of furnishings, wall 
32 
treatments, and utilities, as well as making record of the various groups 
who rented space in the Temple, and for what purpose. 
Jn December of 1874, as the Lodge was just settling into its new 
surroundings, Walter Crockett presented a bill for the first interior 
furnishings recorded in the minutes. Totaling $56, the bill was drafted 
for items to be purchased from three different vendors and included 
a large stove and pipe ($16), lamps and curtains ($30), and a small 
stove and pipe ($10).Y> The first mention of modification to the lot itself 
occurred in February of 1881, when it was declared during a meeting 
that any member of the Lodge would be allowed to erect a building on the 
lot so long as its purpose was to stable horses.n It is unlikely that anyone 
acted upon this offer, as no such structure is ever mentioned again, 
but at any rate the offer prompted a lot clearing, which was undertaken 
by Lodge member Dr. Joshua Highwarden (the local pharmacist) in 
November. 
In March 1881, one of the first records of the Temple being rented 
is made, and it indicates that the Island County Commissioners would 
be renting the Lower Hall of the Temple (the main room on the ground 
floor) for use as offices. To that end, Robert C. Hill was credited a sum 
of $28.75 for lumber he used in retrofitting the Lower Hall for this 
purpose. The Island County Commissioners had specified to the Lodge 
that they required this space to be divided into at least three rooms, 
but unfortunately no indication of the exact location of these partitions 
exists; S3 as such the drawing in the "measured and scaled drawings" 
section in this report which indicates changes to the interior of the 
Temple over time shows these changes to the Lower Hall as dotted lines. 
A number of significant repairs were made to both the interior 
and exterior of the Temple between 1886 and 1887 which warrant 
mentioning. After a meeting in November of 1885 which broached the 
subject of making improvements to the Temple's foundations, work 
actually commenced on the undertaking in December of 1886, at which 
time the concrete platforms were replaced by Brother G.S. Williams for a 
fee of $6, and a wooden walkway was installed by Alvah D. Blowers along 
the eastern (front) side of the Temple. S9 Blowers appears to have been an 
industrious and enterprising young man who was both well known and 
well respected about town. In addition to being President of the Island 
County Bank, he was part owner in the mercantile company of Blowers 
and Kineth, business manager and half-owner of the Island County 
---l~b 1  
33 
Times, chief stockholder of the Glenwood Improvement Company, and 
half-owner of all the interest in the town of Brooklyn, which was situated 
on the west side of the Island. He also served as Island County Treasurer 
and Probate Judge, and during this time was responsible for renting out 
offices in the Temple to the Island County Commissioners. '° 
Work on the Temple foundations continued in 1887, and in that 
year the underpinnings were replaced by Joseph Power for $12.00.61 
Currently, the underpinnings for the Temple are constructed of brick. As 
no other mention of replacement of or modification to the underpinnings 
exists in the minutes, it is assumed that the current underpinnings are 
the ones installed by Power in 1887. A month before the replacement 
of the underpinnings, $75 had been allotted to pay for the application 
of two coats of paint to the exterior of the structure. This is the first 
mention of exterior paint, though it remains uncertain whether the 
wooden siding of the Temple was painted at all before this time."' A HABS 
photograph from 1936 shows the Temple painted white and the cement 
asbestos shingles which currently clad the building are also white. 
While the exterior of the Temple was receiving a coat of paint 
in 1886, the interior was receiving wall treatment as well . Calcimine, 
a white liquid which contains zinc oxide, water, glue, and powdered 
pigment was used to coat the interior walls (and possibly the ceiling) of 
the Temple. This is the first mention of any kind relative to the historic 
interior wall treatments. 6.l Exploration of the space between the first 
and second floors of the Temple revealed walls and a historic cei ling 
which had been coated with a blue-green colored paint (see figure 2 1, 
next page). This may be the remnants of the calcimining applied at this 
time. The only other improvements to the Temple which occurred in the 
1880's both also re lated to the interior of the structure and include the 
installation of carpeting (no mention of where) and a chandelier, and the 
allocation of$122.70 for furnishings.M 
After 1887, improvements to the Temple occur more sporadically, 
at an average rate of 1 per year. Many of these improvements were 
minor, and included carpet replacement and installation in 1893 and 
1897, the purchasing of spittoons (cost, $0.45 each) in 1900, and the 
installation of chairs in the Lodge Hall (2nd floor) for the Master, Senior 
Warden and Junior Warden in 1907 .65 Major alterations or additions to 
the Temple which occurred during this time included the construction of 
a cistern to the west of the Temple by L. Boyer in November 1891, and 
34 
the installation of ventiJation 
shafts in June 1898."' A 
number of importa nt gifts 
were presented to the 
Lodge in 1896, including 
the first cook stove by 
Mose Mock , a nd a pair of 
marble rough and perfect 
ashlar blocks, architectural 
Flg~,, Jl:Sp,,,:llNf><wnlMjin10,.,J~jloona,i1~N>day.sA,,,rn,g(I) Masonic symbols for the 
1Mart,i""1fin1jloorn-o/•"1,0)llwlti.rwrit'tn.._(J)1Nn>kun1n1,,g.Qrl,u,,,,.~..,.,// state of a man as he enters 
foiblt,ONl(4)tNett,1,,_,johlSjo,-1Mcwrrntdropt:rila,g membership in the Lodge, 
and his state upon attaining the degree of Master Mason, which were 
presented by C.H. Stackpole.61 
Stackpole, who 
petitioned for the degrees 
a number of times before 
being accepted, became a 
great benefactor of the Lodge, 
presenting it with many of its 
emblems. In February of 1897, 
he presented the Lodge with a 
Square and Compass Emblem, 
which was gilded and placed 
in the Temple's eastern gable 
end {this was unfortunately 
by-blods-""-"_,.,,,,,,,..,a/klJTltui1howi1,,,,,,,...,.1/(){loy. 
thrown away when an addition 
was added to this elevation in the 1946) , and in April 1902 he made the 
gift of an "All-seeing eye" {whereabouts unknown)." 
In 1903, after numerous alterations and repairs had been made 
to the building, the first mention is made in the minutes about the 
possibility of either relocating to another facility, or constructing a new 
Temple." What is unclear; however, is the motive for this discussion, 
which would continue off and on for at least the next 70 years. Whether 
this discussion was borne out of a need for more space or the rising 
costs of making repairs remains unknown. Fortunately for historic 
presezvationists, the Lodge neither relocated nor constructed a new 
Temple, and in the years since 1903, they have continually opted to 
35 
make changes to their existing structure rather than start anew. While 
so many layers of history makes the accurate reading of the structure 
exponentially more difficult, in this particular instance it is far preferable 
to have a building exhibit the marks of continual change than to have 
it be demolished or abandoned. As a result of this continual discussion 
of the Temple, the improvements and additions to the building which 
are mentioned in the minutes between 1903 and 1960 are much less 
concerned with minor changes to small scale e lements, like they were 
in the early history, and are more focused on getting the best and most 
economically viable use possible from the structure. 
The Middle Years, l 903-1960 
Following the discussion begun in 1903 about the possibility 
of purchasing a new building, the Lodge decided that, at least for the 
time being, they would remain in the Temple. It seems at though this 
conversation was at least partially motivated by spatial concerns, as a 
committee was appointed to investigate the construction of an addition to 
the Temple on January l01h of that year. A partial report was presented 
at the next meeting, he ld on 
February 71h, but nothing 
came of the idea (as was 
so often the case), a nd by 
1907, no action had been 
undertaken. 111 In January 
1909, the discussion was once 
again renewed. At that time 
the Lodge went so far as to 
approach the Congregational 
Fix~rr }J:P~raphdrrullJOOsllow/,,g1MMtuonK'Tmipl~on,~r;gh,,-i1M Church with an inquiry 
fot,,W1;,,,,o{,M/>,,f:nSm.NIA-"-Yi,,,Mfowro,,,,d. T"Mlodgujfrned,al,,,y over purchasing the lot 
immediately adjacent to the 
northern elevation of the Temple, which housed the s tone foundation 
that once supported the old Puget Sound Academy Building (once the 
only institution of higher learning north of Seattle, it had burned a 
number of years earlier). but the Church's asking price was too high . 
Apparently, the Lodge aimed to use this lot for a major expansion to the 
Temple, as it would have been ludicrous to erect a new structure next 
door to their own (when they could have just as easily torn the Temple 
36 
down and built anew). 11 
The fires of expansion temporarily reduced to a smolder, the 
Lodge focused for the next two years on the instal lation of a fence and 
a sidewalk. Like so many other things, the plan to build a new fence 
petered out, owing to the fact that an older fence still existed; but the 
plan to install a concrete sidewalk to replace the wooden walk built by 
Alvah Blowers in 1886 did achieve fruition. In April 1911, Ira L. Todd, 
who was partners in a local construction firm with Lodge history author 
and fellow Mason Frank 
Coatesn, was paid $21.50 
for installing a walk 
between the entrance to 
the Temple and Blowers' 
wooden walk. A year 
later, he was once again 
commissioned, this time 
to replace Blowers' work. 
The commission was for 
a walkway five feet wide 
and four inches deep, to Fi6•trU: C~,..,,,houyinst<IIINby Tudd"""C~ln/9Jl. ...· hidoNJIIMCW 
be installed at a cost of ,~re,,,p1~e,,,r,-y,0 1M,;riginal~ .. .,,,tw,a1kdl,yAt.... B~lnl886. 
$0.80 per linear foot . Coates assisted, and in total, the pair was pa.id 
$104.06 for undertaking the work.11 It was during this period that the 
Lodge acquired additional property in the lot immediately adjacent to the 
Temple's western fac;:ade after Brother Crawford, a longtime member of 
the Lodge, died. 
Crawford his widow with little more than this building lot. In 
I 910, it was agreed that if the widow Crawford deeded the lot to the 
Lodge, they would build upon it a house where she could live out the rest 
of her days. The house was built at a cost of $138.85, and it still stands 
to the west of the Temple. 74 By March 7, 1914, Mrs. Crawford having 
passed on, the decision was made to rent her house from month to 
month, a function which it still retains to this day.n In May of 1915, the 
decision was made to build a brick chimney for this house, as ventilation 
had previously been attained through a metal pipe which protruded from 
a piece of sheet iron in a lowered window.76 While historic preservationists 
will be heartened by the fact that the Lodge built a house for the widow 
of a former Brother, others may find it perplexing that, given their own 
37 
yearning for a new or enlarged facility , they did not invest the money into 
their own building. The rationale behind this move is unclear, though it 
likely was motivated by the sense of fraternal brotherhood and charity 
practiced by the Masons. The move actually turned out to be a smart 
one, as after the death of 
Mrs. Crawford, the Lodge 
was in possession of a 
property which was income 
producing, and could be 
used in part to fund their 
other expenditures. 
G iving credence to 
the house building as a 
humanitarian expenditure, 
yet another committee 
was formed in 1914 with 
the purpose of investigating the cost of building a new Temple. Though 
they s ubmitted plans two months later, the committee's findings were 
either found to be unfeasible, or they were ignored. This scenario was 
repeated again in 1922, with the exception that two reports were made, 
and once more in 1927. In 1928, the Lodge made a bit more progress in 
this arena, getting as far as submitting plans and instituting a savings 
account to serve as a building fund , but once again the plans fell 
through. After several more miss-starts and failed attempts, the issue 
was put to rest. It would be 1931 before the subject was broached once 
again. 11 In February of that year, plans and estimates for a n addition to 
the Temple were made and submitted, and a committee appointed, but 
once again the project was stym.ied by indecisiveness, and nothing was 
done. 
Given the failed attempts by the Lodge to either build a new 
Temple or expand their current structure, monies once reserved for 
these purposes began to be re-allocated to other, smaller scale projects. 
For example, in 1931 withdrawals were made from the building fund 
in order to buy new chairs ($72.50) as well as to procure two 3000 
watt electric heaters for the purpose of heating the Temple. By 1939, 
however, a change in strategy must have occurred, as it was in this year 
that the first addition to the Temple was actually built, being located 
on the southern elevation of the structure. 11 The staircase which in the 
----- -~ 
Ell~ - ■ _ 1 _1 
38 
HABS photograph of the Lodge from 1936 is shown as a rectangular 
projection off of the main face of the southern elevation was enclosed by 
FJx•ft'16: no, • .,.,,., Tt-,WMl'flM.,•fer,.,,...UmtHIS1adu• ...... ~•M- TH-111..uitiMI 
ittn,,p,,,,affJ,,.,._;,-y,,,..,.,._;,.,u ffJfH.tllS,,,,_"f#,_,,.;_...,'°"J'-Jtlltll•ilJitf6. 
this addition, which expanded the wall plane of the stairwell projection 
to the roofline, as well as to the eastern and western ends of the 
Temple. Besides greatly modifying the pitch of the east/west gabled 
roof, this addition created one bathroom and some storage space on 
the first floor, as well as the space which currently house the Women's 
Changing Room/Bathroom on the second floor. It is unclear whether any 
bathrooms existed in the Temple before this time, and if so, where they 
existed. 
The construction of the Temple's southern addition marks the 
beginning of an era of expansion for the Lodge, both in its membership 
and in the physical space occupied by the Temple. By 1955, all of 
the major structural changes to the Temple were already constructed, 
and changes after that time tended to be large in scale, if sporadically 
u ndertaken. 
The Age of Expansion, 1939-1954 
Between the years of 1874 and 1942, 1929 showed the highest 
recorded Lodge membership, with 109 registered members. By the 
l 950's, this number had swelled, owing to the huge number of new 
members who petitioned for the degrees after returning home from 
39 
fighting in World War II . The military contingency in the Lodge was 
50 large, that in September 195 1, the Entered Apprentice degree was 
conferred by a completely uniformed degree team. 'l'f Activity was so 
perfuse during this era, that the Town Council of Coupeville sent the 
first of many letters to the Lodge requesting that they control the parking 
in front of the Temple so as to minimize the disruption to local traffic. 
Given the influx of new blood and the sheer manpower now available 
within the organization of the Lodge, it is easy to understand how a 
number of major additions or a lterations to the Temple could occur in 
such a s hort period of time, given the fact that a ll previous attempts at 
modification had been stymied , forgotten, or dragged out for decades. 
1-'ifl"" 11: No,rtM,mrrn rl~VUI;,;,,, ,,i,,,Mmgob>·ll>wltl1fferrr1Nt in tM rolorof~.,.,.,.,.,..~.,o, f/t/n/(lr, 
,.,,,.,M). whklt Im~ up ,1,,,.,,,1,, M'lllt rlw fiw..J.,11r,,u ef1/,,f 19~/l r,,Jlrrn mUm,,n 
During the mid to late l 940's the first discussions of another 
addition, this time to be installed on the eastern fa9ade, took place, 
and the first mention of a steel fire escape occurred . In 1948, it was 
decided that twenty feet would be a dded to the eastern fa9ade utilizing 
volunteer labor, with an estimated cost for materials of $620. This 
decision followed a series of discussions which were first broached 
the previous year. It was a lso decided this year that asbestos s hingles 
would be installed on the exterior surfaces of the Temple as soon as 
finances permitted ... While it is unclear when the installation occurred, 
irregularities in the installation of the asbestos shingles which become 
apparent approximately twenty feet from the eastern edge of both the 
north and south walls would indicate that they were originally installed 
before the addition was constructed, and that more shingles were added 
~ -------
:11-- ■ __ J  _/ 
40 
to cover the addition at that time. If the shingles had been installed after 
the addition was completed then the visible anomaly in the tiles would 
likely not have occurred. 
H1t•ull: €,r/)·J()rllm111,,ypl,o,,,grapltoflMO..llarl>or BrundoofE-111Jo,,i.8,.,l,..,/IJI0.11twlur.ti,.....,..,,. 
<'0/wm,u,.....,~,-Jod.JN,o/M M,ISO#WTe,,-,pkinCo,,,-,Jl,ill /9'/l~IM6-l: ...apwrl,om~,.,...... 
When the eastern extension was added to the Temple in 1948, the 
doric columns which have become one of the character defining features 
of the structure were added as well. The columns were donated to the 
Lodge by one of its members, Brother Lloyd Patton , who also paid to 
move them to the Temple in 1948. Patton had recently purchased the 
building which formerly housed the Oak Harbor branch of Everett Bank, 
with the intention of remodeling it. As the demolition got under way, he 
thought that the columns might look nice on the front of the Masonic 
Hall, and so donated them to the Lodge. As it happened , the addition 
was only to extend outward from the second story, and the res ultant 
projection would have required extra structural support anyways.11 The 
last major addition to the Temple occurred in 1954, when 14 feet was 
added to the western elevation, resulting in what is now the Kitchen, 
Men's Res troom, and two storage closets on the first floor, and the 
Archives Room on the second floor. 12 
With all of the additions to the Temple now con s tructed , the 
Temple moved into its "modern phase," which continues to the present 
day. Modifications during this period become even more s pora dic, and 
the minutes mention the Temple building less and less. Most of the 
41 
minutes after 1980 do not mention the building at all, instead referring 
to the large number of applicants who were accepted into the Lodge. The 
trend begun after World War 11 of heightened membership continues to 
this day, and the Lodge now boasts over 250 members. 
The Modern Era, 1960• Present 
Given the ever expanding membership the Lodge continued to 
experience beginning after the end of World War II, it is unsurprising that 
many of the modifications which occurred in or around the Temple were 
directly related to this growth. Quite a bit of discussion was given over 
to rectifying the parking situation which had begun to give the Lodge 
trouble in the early 1950's, as well as to the front sidewalk and ditch, 
which had begun to dis integrate due to the continual presence of parked 
cars. 
In January of 1960, the Lodge received yet another in a very long 
succession of warnings from the police and the city council regarding 
their parked cars blocking the local traffic . In February, the suggestion 
was made that a parking lot be constructed, but not until April or May, 
owing to the inclement weather. This lot was eventually constructed on 
the south side of the Temple, but it is unclear as to when this occurred. 
By 1983, there is mention in the minutes of lighting being installed here, 
so the construction certainly predates this entry.• The large ditch that 
abutted the sidewalk on the Temple's eastern side also seems to have 
become quite a thorn in the Lodge's side, as it had badly eroded due to 
al l of the cars which parked there. 
Not willing to accept full responsibility for the degradation, owing 
to the fact that Coupeville required the Lodge to install the ditch when 
they first installed the concrete walk, a motion was carried to provide 
the City with enough tiles to fill in this chasm, if they would accept the 
responsibility of installing it. As of March of 1961, the City stated that 
it had no intention of taldng on the responsibility of repairing either 
the sidewalk or the ditch. It wasn't until September of 1963 that the 
Lodge and the City finally came to an agreement regarding this issue, 
and the decision was made that the City would assist in the installation 
of drainage tiles in the ditch as much as possible, providing that the 
Lodge purchased them. A committee was then formed to price this 
expenditure, but the October 15th motion to purchase the tiles failed."' 
The last major alterations to the Temple landscape occurred in 
-- .-=!lhu ' i 
42 
between 1960 and 1973. In February 1964, the steel spiral fire escape 
was installed on the northern elevation of the Temple. Access to the 
escape is granted from the interior via a door in the Lodge Hall room, 
which given its truncated height and the location of its threshold being 
two feet from the floor, appears to have been converted from a former 
window. The installation of the 
fire escape was first discussed in 
December of 1946, but at that time 
the addition to the eastern side of 
the building took precedence." In 
1973, after plans were presented 
for the construction of a detached 
storage building on the Temple 
lot, the concrete block structure 
currently located on the west 
side of the building was e rected 
at a total cost of $950.• Other 
than these two major projects, 
alterations to the Temple s ince the 
late l 950's have been relatively 
minor, and could most readily be 
classified as "improvements." Once 
again, modifications began to be 
made to the interior of the Temple, 
and mentions of furnishings and 
small scale repairs begin to re-
occur. The most major of all these 
improvements occurred in the 
Fil M" If: Sitt/ ~p,r,Ju,gjirr ucape on ,,., non~ rlnvllon of1 /w Temple's Kitchen, and they began 
taking place in the late I 950's. 
Between October 1973 and March 1978, the Lodge congregated 
on three separate occasions to discuss improvements which needed to 
be undertaken in the Temple. The general consensus at these meetings 
was that the interior of the structure would benefit from a flooring 
upgrade, and to that end new flooring was purchased for both the 
refreshment and kitchen a reas on the first floor, and new carpeting was 
also purchased. In March 1987, deficiencies in the sound and electrical 
systems were brought to the attention of the Building Committee, and 
43 
recommendations were made for their improvement. The electrical 
system had been at least partially upgraded when fluorescent fixtures 
and a new lighting system were installed in the Grand Hall in 1983 (it 
is assumed that the vaulted ceiling and acoustic tiles were installed 
here at the same time), though no further upgrades following the 1987 
recommendations were noted.17 
It must be noted here that the "modern" electrical system had been 
first been discussed for installation in the Temple in August of 1916. In 
h is History, Frank Coates remarks that before this time • 
... the hall had been lighted by acetylene gas, as were many of the 
better homes, both churches, a nd probably one store. While much 
in advance of the old kerosene lamps, people were now finding the 
costs of carbide and maintenance too high, and were looking for 
something better.• 
This was an age in which individual Delco lighting plants were springing 
up a ll over the place. Mr. Cheney, a local man who ran a repair shop, 
owned one such lighting plant, and with the aid of a Ford engine and a 
one kilowatt generator, he was able to supply power to his own shop, as 
well as to some of his neighbors. After some modification, he was able 
to supply power as far away as the Ralph Lindsey Home (a few blocks 
away). In November of that year, it was decided to wire the Temple for 
electric lighting and purchase the current local ly. This decision came 
after the Building Committee decided not to purchase a Delco Plant of 
their own. The first bill for e lectric current was paid to the Is land Electric 
Works. This company was apparently owned by Mr. Cheney, who must 
have dropped the name shortly thereafter, as the next electric bill was 
pa id directly to him . Masonic Brothers Sergeant Boichat and Or. E.F. 
Ristine were both paid for their contributions of e lectrical supplies, and 
Sgt. Boechus and Brother Kottke were thanked for their kindness in 
volunteering to install the lighting system." 
A number of repairs to the Temple roof have been undertaken 
over the years, the most recent of which occurred in 2000. The notion 
that the roof would need to be repaired was first introduced in 1967 as 
the result of colonization by a family of woodpeckers, who had bored a 
number of holes on its northern side. Years passed, and it was not until 
1972 that a contract was drafted in order to make the necessary repairs. 
In the October 1981 minutes, the roof repairs are recorded as being 
recently completed. It seems strange that fourteen years would have 
passed between the initial call for repairs to the roof and the completion 
44 
of the work, but given the Lodge's track record for completing scheduled 
work projects it is just as likely that this actually was the case.• At 
any rate, by February of 2000, the Temple roof was once again faltering 
and in need of repair. At this time, the Lodge met and approved the 
expenditure of $12,096 for its replacement. In June, it was decided that 
one of the Lodge's Certificates of Deposit would be cashed in order to 
fund the project, as well as to pay for the installation of new carpet in 
the Dining Room (formerly the Lower Hall). By August, $5,628.66 had 
been transferred to the Hill Masonic Temple Association IH.M.T.A), the 
managing body of the Temple, and by September, the work had been 
completed and the H.T.M.A. was thanked for completing the task." This 
is the last major alteration or repair that is recorded in the meeting 
minutes of the Whidby Island Lodge #15. 
A Long and Winding Road 
The almost 140 year history of the Whidby Island Lodge #15 is 
complex in that it reveals not only insights on the way a Masonic Lodge 
operates, but in that it speaks to a much broader social , political, and 
historical context. The Whidby Island Lodge is completely intertwined 
with the history ofWhidbey Island, and more particularly, the pioneer 
families who first settled the land in the mid-nineteenth century. As 
such, this is not the story of a Lodge or a Temple, but rather one of 
a community and a place. Just as the Lodge has grown and adapted 
over the centuries, so to has its Temple; the architectural incarnation 
of its history and values. It is sincerely hoped that this document will 
promulgate the further preservation of the Temple structure, so that 
it may continue to serve as a vessel for this shared history for many 
generations to come. 
45 
Notes 
1 Coates, Frank C. "Some Notes on the History of Whidby Island Lodge #15. F. &A.M. 
Coupcvilk. Washington, .. (Coupeville. WA; Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A. M .• 1964). p. I. 
: .. A Brief I hstory of Whidbey Island." Internet On-line. Available from <http://www.nps.gov/ 
archi"e/ebla11our tourO.htm>, Accessed 01 October 2006. 
J Lange. Greg, "Na11"c Americans force settlers to leave Whidbcy Island in August 1848," 
Jils toryl ink prg, Essay #5246, 19 February 2003, lmemel On-line, Available from <http://www.historylink. 
org/essays/output.cfm?file id--5246>, Accessed 14 September 2006. 
flistoryli11k.org ism, 011/ine archfre ofe ,,cyc/opedic articles 011 the history of Waslimg/011 Stme. and yields 
a wealth of infomwrion on the s11bjec1. 
• Cook.Jimmie Jean, "A Particular friend Penn's Cove·· A llistorv o[tbc Seu!ers 
Claims and Bnild1m•s of Central Whidbcy ls];md, (Coupeville, \V.A.: Island County llistorical Society, 
1973); reprint ed.; 1988, p. 16. 
' Ibid. p. 17. 
' Ibid. 
7 ··congressional Delegations from Washington State," His1oryl ink OD'· Essay #5463, 19 August 
2003, Internet On-line. Available from <h11pJ/www.his1orylink .org/essays/ou1put .cfm?filc id=<5463>, 
Accessed 14 September 2006. 
' Farrar. Victor J. '"The Dmry of Colonel and Mrs. I.N. Ebey." Washington llistoricai Otmosclv 
Vol. VIII (July 1916) ; 133. 
'Cook, 19. 
IO Ibid. 
11 Farrar. 241-243. 
11 Ibid., 128. 
I) lbid.,241 . 
14 lbid., 242 . 
., Ibid., p. 243. 
. "Stensland. Jessie. '"lhstorian Fails in Scalp Hunl," Whidbey News-Times 24 May 2003. Internet 
On-lme, Available from <httpJ/www.islnndhistory.org/wntTrebon.htm>, Accessed \8 July 2006. 
17 Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F. & A.M. Coupeville, Washington. Lodge Meeting Minutes. 17 
December 1874, Vol. Ip. 164. 
' 1 Cook, p. 24. 
" Farrnr,p. 146. 
• Ibid., p. 246. 
46 
li Cook. p. 26. 
12 Farrar. p. 246. 
" Ibid. 
z4 Coates, Frank C, .. Nnmes and Dates in 1-!istory;· (Coupeville, WA: Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. 
& A. M., 1964), p. 3. 
i, Cook, p. 35. 
16 Farrr.tr, p. 3 10. 
11 Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A.M, 16 December 1869, Vol. I p. 22. 
it McRobcrts, Patrick ... Island County's fi rst Commissioners' meeting takes place in Coveland on 
April 4, 1853," I Iis tory! ink prg. Essay #5259, 21 Febmary 2003, Internet On-line, Available from <http:// 
www.historylink.org/cssays/output.cfm?fil c_ id;5259>, Accessed 14 October 2006. 
l'I Farrar, 135. 
XI Island County, Washington, Marriage Certificates 1855- 189 1. Marriages, returns filed and 
recorded in Probate Record, Clerks Office, Records available On-line from <hllp:l/www.rootsweb.com/ 
-waisland/marrlisc.1x1>. accessed 05 September 2006. 
Ji U.S. Census Bureau; ··1871 Federal Census, Island County, Washington Territory;" Published 
and transcribed 1998. Ralph L. Seefeld, Genealogical Society ofSouth Whidbey Island, Available from 
<hnp://www.rootsweb.com/~wagsswi/census 187 1.htm>, accessed 29 September 2006. 
» Hayton-Keeva. Ancestral Walls· Old Abodes o f Central Whidbey Jsland (Coupeville, 
Washington: Sagn Books, 2003), p. 37. 
u Coates, p. 1. 
:1-1 Rothschild, D.C. H, Letter o f recommendation to the Grand Lodge of Washington Terri tory for 
the fonnation of11 lodge on Whidby Island, as recommended by Port Townsend Lodge #6, 24 June 1869. 
Jl Haller, Granville 0. , et nl, Request for dispensation to the Grand Lodge of Washington Territory, 
June 1869. 
36 Cook, p. 78. 
JJ Ibid. 
)I Whidby Island Lodge# 15, F. & A.M , 22 July 1869, Vol. I p. 3. 
)9 Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F. &A.M, 16 September 1869, Vol. I p. 10. 
-00 Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F. & A.M, 22 July 1869, Vol. I p. 5. 
" Coates, .. I listory of Whidby Island Lodge," p. 2. 
41 Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F. &A.M , 19 August 1869, Vol. I p. 6. 
43 Whidby Island Lodge # I 5, F. & A.M, 24 June, 1869, Vol. I p. 24. 
47 
_.. Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M. 7 July 1870, Vol. I p. 45. 
"' Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A.M. 17 March 1870. Vol. Ip. 35. 
u Whidby Island Lodge # l5, F. & A.M, I December 1870, Vol. Ip. 57. 
41 Whidby Island Lodgc#l5, F. & A.M, 30 March 1871, Vol. I p. 80. 
-09 Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A.M. 26July 1871. Vol. Ip. 87. 
" Coates,p. 14. 
11 Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M, I January I 874, Vol. I p. 153. 
•i Whidby Island Lodge#15, F. &A.M, 20 March 1874, Vol . I p. 155. 
u U.S. Census Bureau; "'1860 Fedcml Census, Island County, Washington Territory;" Published 
and transcribed April 26 1999, Dianne L. Arthur and Kevin Fraley, USGenWeb Census Project, Available 
from <http://www.rootsweb.com/%7Ecenfiles/wa/island/l860/60ic.txt>. accessed 29 September 2006. 
)' Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A .M. 20 March 1874, Vol. I pp. 158, 165. 
~ Whidby Island Lodgc#15, F. & A.M, 27 December 1874, Vol. I p. 169. 
" Ibid .. p. 168. 
' 1 Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F. & A .M, 12 February I 881, Vol. I p. 243. 
st Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A.M, 12 March 1881 , Vol. I p. 245. 
,. Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F. & A .M, 11 December 1886, Vol. 2 p. 34. 
60 Cook, p. 83. 
61 Whidby Island Lodge# I 5, F. & A.M. 8 January 1887, Vol. 2 p. 37. 
61 Whidby Is land Lodge #15, F. &A.M. 11 December 1886, Vol. 2 p. 34. 
6J Ibid . 
.,. Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A .M. 28 November 1888, and 15 December 1888, Vol. 2 pp. 49, 
so. 
~ Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F. & A.M, 4 June 1893, 9 October 1897, 8 September 1900, and 19 
October 1907, Vol. 2 pp. 102, 209, 243 , Vol. 3 p. 116. 
" Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F. & A.M, 14 November 1891, and 4 June 1898, Vol. 2 pp. 256, 210. 
• 1 Whidby Island Lodge# 15, F. & A.M, 22 February 1896, Vol. 2 p. 172 . 
.- Whidby Island Lodgc # l5, F. & A.M. 13 February 1897, and 19 April 1902, Vol . 2 pp. 189, 226. 
" Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F. &A.M. 10 January 1903, Vol. 2 p. 281. 
48 
11 Ibid. 
71 Whidby Island Lodge #15. F. &A.M, January 1909, Vol. 3 pp. 148- 150. 
r:z Cook, p. I0 0. 
n Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A.M, 21 September 1912, Vol. 3 p. 220. 
1• Coates, p. 41. 
7' Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A.M, 7 March 1914, Vol. 3 p. 248. 
1" Coates, p. 49. 
n Ibid. p. 54. 
11 lbid.,p. 57. 
~ Ibid., p. 58. 
• Ibid., p. 59. 
II Ibid .. p. 60. 
u Ibid., p. 68. 
" Freemasons, Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M., Coupeville, Washington, •·11istory of the 
Lodge 1960-2000," (Coupeville, WA: Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A.M., 2000), p. 92. 
~ Ibid., pp. 57-60. 
"Coates. p. 59 . 
.. Freemasons, p. 73. 
11 Ibid., pp. 87-91. 
11 Coates, p. 39. 
" Ibid., p. 48. 
• Freemasons, pp. 67-89. 
" Ibid., 202-207. 
49 
Illustration Credits 
Figure I : JIABS photograph, 1936.Available through the Library of Congress Digital Collections. Internet 
on-line. available from <hnp://mcmory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/S?pp/hh:@ field(TITLE+(a'od I (Masonic+ Hall 
+Whidby+lsland.+Coupcville,+lsland+county+\VA)). Accessed 13 September 2006. 
t-· igure 2: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
fi gure 3: '"!IMS Discovery;· Internet on-line, Available from <ht1p://bergoiata.orglfc/herl).kawainui-kand 
\.0yagcrs csg074 hms disco.,,ery.J pg>. Accessed 20 September 2006. 
fi gure 4: "Ebey's Landing from South Penn Cove," Internet on-line, Available from <h1tp:/fscaule1imcs. 
nwsourcc.com/art/pacificnwn004/0613/covcr0 l .jpg>, Accessed 22 September 2006. 
Figure 5: "Ebey's Pnuric," Internet on-l ine, Available from <http://scuulctimcs.nwsource.com/ .. J0613/ 
cover07 .jpg>, Accessed 22 September 2006. 
flgure 6: Cook. Jimmie Jean, "A Particu\;u friend Peon·s Cove·· A liistory of the Scltlers Claims nod 
Bm!dim•s ofCSJUral Whidbey Island. (Coupeville, W.A.: Island County l listoricnl Society, 1973; reprint 
od.: 1988). p. 18. 
Figure 7: Neil. Dorothy. De Ja Viewr )fr;torical Pictorial o[Whidbey Island (Oak llarbor. W.A.: Island 
Images. Inc., 1990). p. 3. 
Figure 8: Cook. Jimmie Jean ...A  Particular friend Penn's Cove .. A l tistorv of the Ssl!lec; Cln,ms nod 
Buildmgso[Cemrnl Wh1dbcy !slnnd- (Coupeville, W.A.: Island County Historical Society. 1973: reprint 
ed., 1988), p. 24. 
Figure 9: "Samuel Crockett, ca. 1865," University of Washington Libraries Digital Collections, Internet 
on.line, Available from <hnp://contenLlib.washington.edu/portraits/imagc/349.jpg>, Accessed 15 October 
2006. 
i,·1gu re 10: "II ugh Crockett," Cour1esy of Island County 1-hstoricnl Society Photograph Archives. 
Figure 11 : Darst. Peggy Christine. Srnrit of the Island A Photo l lisiory of Oak llorbor whh Coupeville 
nod Sao de fuca on Beautiful Whidbey Isle. (San de Fuca, Washi ngton: Peggy Christine Darst, 2005), p. 
307. 
Fl~ure 12: Cook, Jimmie Jean, "A Particular Friend Penn·s Cove" A l listory of the Sen\ers Claims and 
Bmldiom; o[Centrn) Whidhey Island. (Coupeville, \'I.A.: Island County ll istoricnl Society, 1973; reprint 
ed.; 1988), p. 71. 
fi gurt 13: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu,.e 14: .. Daniel Pearson," Counesy of Island County Historical Society Photograph Archives. 
figu re 15: .. JohnAle:umder, Jr.," Councsy of Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A .M. 
1-'igure 16: '•Thomas Cranney," Cour1esy of Island county I listorical Society Photograph Archives. 
Figurr 17: "Colonel Granville Owen Haller," Cour1esy of Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M . 
Figu ~e 18: Cook, Jimmie Jean, "A Particular Friend Penn's Cove" A llislorv oflhe SsuJecs Claims and 
Bmldmgs o[Centrai Wbidhey Island. (Coupeville, W.A.: Island County l listorical Society, 1973; reprint 
ed.; 1988). p. 49. 
50 
Figure 19: "Central llotel," Courtesy of Island County lhstorical Socie1y Photogrnph Archives. 
figure 20: HABS pholograph. 1936. Available through the Library of Congress Digital Collections, 
Internet on-line. available from <h11p:11memory.\oc.go, -'cgi-biniquery,S?pp/hh:@ ficld(T ITLE+@odl 
(~lasonic+l-la\l.+Wh1dby+lsland.+Coupcvillc, +lsland+County+WA)}, Accessed 13 September 2006. 
Figure 21: Zachary Dunlap, 2006. 
Figure 22: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 23: "Temple circa 1900," Courtesy of the Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A.M. 
Figure 24: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 25 : Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 26: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 27: Kristin Monahan, 2006 
Figure 28: Neil, Dorothy, De Ja Views· 1-lisrorjca] Pictorial of Whidbey Island (Oak I larbor, \V.A.: Island 
Images. Inc., 1990), p. 62. 
Figure 29: Knstin Monahan. 2006. 
51 
TIMELINE OF CHANGES TO THE TEMPLE 
1869: Dispensation is granted by the Grand Lodge of Washington 
Territory, and the Whidby Island Lodge# 15, F. & A.M. is formed. 
1874: The Temple is built by member and Past Master John Alexander, 
Jr. 
1881: The Lower Hall is retrofitted to house the offices of the Island 
County Commissioners. The Lower Hall would be rehabilitated 
numerous times, and served as a residence/office for two doctors. 
1886: Foundations are upgraded. Brick underpinnjngs and concrete 
platforms are replaced. 
Calcimining applied to the walls of the Temple interior. 
1891 : A cistern is installed to the west of the Temple by a Lodge member. 
1896: A gift of rough and perfect ashlars is made to the Lodge by 
member C.H. Stackpole. 
1897: C.H. Stackpole makes a gift of a square and compass emblem, 
which is gilt and placed in the gable peak on the eastern elevation. 
1898: Installation of ventilation shafts. 
1903: The first mention is made in the meeting minutes of building a 
new Temple. 
1910: The bungalow on the lot immediately adjacent to the Temple's 
western elevation is built by the Masons for the widow of one of 
their deceased bretheren. 
1911 : Concrete walk is installed in front of the Temple. A year later, a 
walk connecting this to the front entrance is installed. 
1916: Temple is electrified. 
1939: Addition is installed on the southern elevation. The former 
stairwell projection is enclosed. 
1948: An addition to the eastern elevation is installed. Twenty feet 
is added to this facade, including a projecting second story. The 
four fluted Doric columns on this elevation were removed from a 
bank in Oak Harbor and installed on the Temple at this time. 
52 
1954: The final addition to the Temple is installed on the western 
elevation. Fourteen feet is added to this facade, and the roof 
configuration is changed from gabled to hipped with a clipped gable. 
1964: Steel fire escape is installed on the northern elevation. Historic 
window is rehabilitated as a means of egress from the second 
story. 
1973: The concrete block storage building on the western side of the 
Temple is constructed. 
1981: Repairs are made to the north side of the Temple Roof. 
1983: New lighting system installed in the Lodge Room. Electrical 
elements and sound system also upgraded in this space. 
2000: Roof replaced. 
53 
CHAPTER II 
WHIDBY ISLAND LODGE #15, F . & A.M. 
TEMPLE INVENTORY 
Style: Eclectic mix of utilitarian and neo-classical elements. 
Form: Two story, gable roofod, east-west facing Masonic Temple. 
Configuration: Rectilinear, with a one story projection on the eastern 
elevation which is supported by four Doric columns. 
Site Description: The Temple is located on the southwest corner of 8th 
and Main Streets, and s its back approximately 25 feet from the ma in 
thoroughfare. The lot is bounded to the north by a large berm of earth , 
which abuts a gravel driveway; to the west by another gravel driveway, 
to the south by S.W. 8th Street, a nd to the east by Main Street. S haring 
the lot with the Temple a re a concrete storage building and cistern to the 
west, and an oi l tank to the north. 
The front elevation of the Temple is oriented to the east, in fo l-
lowing the tenets of Freemasonry. The eastern elevation connects to 
the public sidewalk via a nother concrete walk and three concrete steps. 
A parking lot on the southern elevation Hows directly into the asphalt 
54 
surface of 8th Street. Concrete pathways and stairs lead from the south-
ern entrance to the structure and the parking lot to the western eleva-
tion. 
Structural Members: The structural systems employed in the construc-
tion of the Temple are complex and varied in both their design and ex-
ecution. Given the age of the structure, it is likely that the original por-
tions of the Temple were constructed using a balloon framing system. 
Without intrusive investigation which would necessitate the remova l of 
some building fabric however, this fact cannot be conclusively deter-
mined. Likewise, it is believed that the additions to the eastern, western, 
and southern elevations, given their age, were installed using a modern 
platform system of construction. 
Exploration of the Temple attic and the crawlspace between the 
first and second floors do reveal a wealth of information about the ways 
in which the Temple has grown over its long life. Original floor joists 
visible in the attic were installed running east to west, and are made of 
nominal 2" x 6" rough-sawn boards spaced 16" on center. In the area of 
the crawlspace, the floor joists are not original, and these members are 
nominal 2" x 4"s, which are planed and spaced 16" on center. Historic 
wall studs which can be seen in the western portion of the attic in the 
a rea of the original gable end are also nominal 2" x 4" members. These 
are made of rough-sawn lumber, spaced 2' on center. The studs which 
formed the wall of the modified western gable end after the 1939 addi-
tion to the southern elevation were made of planed 2" x 4"s, and these 
were scabbed directly onto the historic wall studs of this elevation {see 
figure 2, below). The rafters and other framing members in the rest of 
the Temple attic are also 
installed in a haphazard 
fashion. In the central 
section of the attic, the 
framing system is espe-
cially discordant. 
It appears as 
though the attic was 
originally constructed 
with a common rafter 
flgi,,~ J: Viewo/1/«> ~i.s,o,-lc ,..,11 Jt""-' IHI tM "'t~l,rn JI,,, ufth, T~Mf1/, (urrowJ. u"'I system, made up of 
thescu/>ixd1Htst,,,l< far1M /9J9,1<IJ/1 frm 
55 
2" x 6" rough sawn lumber spaced 16" on center. Horizontal bracing 
members of the same dimensions and materials were nailed to the out-
side edges of these rafters. When the 1939 addition was added to the 
southern elevation, the roof slope was greatly modified to a 10/ 12 pitch. 
The rafters which were installed to support this new roof are also 2" x 6" 
members, though they are planed rather than rough sawn. 
While the bracing system in the original portion of the attic roof is 
regular and orderly in its system, the bracing within the modified por-
tion of the roof, while repeated in each subsequent bay, appears random 
in its installation (refer to the cross section drawing in the appendix of 
this document for an image of this element). Here, two l" x 8" members 
provide cross bracing to the roof, though they do not span the entire dis-
tance of the roof at their lower edges. Intersecting these elements on the 
south side of the building are a series of additional cross bracing mem-
bers. These are made of nominal 2" x 4" lumber, and they are connected 
to both the rafters on the south side of the building, and the 2" x 6" floor 
joists which run from north to south in this section of the structure. 
Vertical bracing members measuring 2" x 6" run from the rafters 
on the north side of the roof, attaching to these members near the roof 
peak and running down to the large diagonal bracing member which 
starts on this side of the structure. To this vertical member attaches a 
horizontal one. This is attached to the eastern edge of the rafters, and 
measures a nominal 1" x 6". 
One final framing system is present in this a rea of the roof, and it 
is made up of 2" x 6" members placed horizontally, with a piece of lum-
ber of the same dimensions vertically s upporting each of its ends. In 
addition to this wildly confusing framing system, additional vertical and 
diagonal bracing members made of recycled pieces of the historic exterior 
siding are peppered throughout the attic. 
The Temple's exterior walls are of a uniform 8" thickness, except 
in the area of the Lodge Room on the second story, where modifications 
to the sheathing on the room's interior have resulted in an overall wall 
th ickness of approximately 10". Without intrusive investigation, the ma-
terial which was used as insulation within the original frame wall could 
not be determined. Historically, many kinds of material, ranging from 
earth to fabric could have been utilized in this space for this purpose. In 
the non-original portions of the structure, modern insulation has been 
instal led. 
---- --- -- -7 
--- ■ __ Lj 1 
56 
The Temple foundations are comprised of multiple systems, and 
include field stone, board-formed concrete, and poured concrete sections. 
Without gaining full access to the underside of the building, it could not 
be determined how structural or lateral loads are carried by these foun-
dations, or how the foundations connect to the structure or its footings. 
Brick underpinnings which were installed in the 1880's can still be seen 
via the limited access to the underside of the building which the door on 
the northern elevation provides, but access could not be granted to the 
point where the connection between these elements and the rest of the 
foundations could be determined. 
What appears to be a wall stud is visible on the exterior of the 
southern e levation, due to some breakage in the lowest course of ce-
ment-asbestos shingles which are used as siding. However, this element 
appears to interrupt the plane of what wou ld be the wooden sill plate. 
If this is the case, then this wall stud (which would be the result of an 
addition), appears to be improperly installed, as the sill plate should be 
uninterrupted in its length. 
Given the level of investigation of the structural systems of the 
Temple which was able to be undertaken without the aid of intrusive in-
vestigatory techniques, it is very hard to definitively classify the framing 
system(s) used in its construction, or the connections which were em-
ployed in the floors, walls, cei lings, or foundations. The additions which 
are apparent in the attic have been haphazardly installed, with mem-
bers being scabbed di rectly onto those they are immediately adjacent to. 
Thus, the Temple appears to lack continuity of its structural systems. 
The services of either a structural or preservation engineer need to be re-
tained in order to definitive ly determine the systems used in the Temple's 
construction (both in its original and now-historic portions) 
Physical Description: 
The Temple which houses the Whidby Island Lodge # 15, F'. & A.M. 
is the result of 132 years of additions, modifications, and alterations to 
a simple wooden frame structure which was erected in 1874. It features 
a rectangular plan, with an east-west facing roof. The roof is gabled on 
the eastern elevation, and hipped, with a clipped gable louvered vent on 
the western elevation. Currently, the roof is clad with composite shingles, 
as it was replaced in 2000. The Temple's walls are currently clad entirely 
in cement-asbestos shingles, and they rest atop the structure's compos-
57 
ite foundation. On the eastern elevation, the second story projects from 
the wall plane of the first floor, and it is supported on its outer edge by 
four matching fluted columns with Doric capitals. There are entrances 
to the Temple on the east, west, and south sides, and a steel spiral fire 
escape provides a means of egress from the second floor on the northern 
elevation. Inside the Temple, the floorplan is subdivided into a number 
of different spaces. The first floor contains a large open space (used for 
general congregations). two rest rooms, two storage closets, a food prepa-
ration area, and a kitchen. The second story contains the Lodge Room, a 
large space where the Masons conduct their meetings, as well as a dress-
ing room for the initiates and officers, an Archives Room/Office, Women's 
Changing Room/Restroom, and the Tyler's Room 1 where a member's 
credentials are inspected before he is granted access to the Lodge Room. 
Landscape Description: 
The landscape of the Temple is characterized by a relatively simple, open 
plan. Few formally landscaped features are present, those that are be-
ing found on the eastern and southern elevations. On the southern 
elevation, two large planters made of 6" x 6" logs run the length of the 
building, and are situated one on either side of the ADA accessible ramp 
which leads to the entry door on this elevation (see site plan , next page). 
These planters are filled with Rhododendrons and other ornamental 
shrubs (Figures 3 & 4, below). 
~1, ..... 1, Pi.,,._n,,u,rw,_..,.....,,,u.. -·""~- No,,ry 
IHN9W'°l""""''"""'-
On the eastern elevation, formal landscaping is present along the side-
walk which runs parallel to Main Street. There are also two large bushes 
which have grown immediately adjacent to the exposed board-formed 
concrete foundations on this elevation, which are located on the north 
and south sides of the centrally placed stair (see figure 6, next page). 
58 
A number of young trees are 
also present on the southern 
elevation; these are located to 
the north and south of the large 
ornamental bushes {see figure 7, 
next page). 
On the northern elevation, 
two large Rose Hip bushes are 
located on the western side of the 
Temple, one being placed right 
next to the remains of a historic 
tree stump (figure 8, next page). A swath of overgrown blackberry bushes 
form a buffer on the northwestern lot line of the Temple plot, providing 
an effective partial barrier between the Temple property and that of the 
Crawford Bungalow, built by the Masons in 1910 (figure 9, next page). 1 
Fit •" l:J.,..~,,__,,_,,,iJr_r/not-, l i,,o< Fit•lll: i,.pRowH,pboultltKakd,...tN..-nt~ms;.hof 
/(dUf8,ft<ff ,,.,_,,.,.,,, r~-. N<Jtr ltu,o,-ri-shmtp 
Fit•nf: °'""7J'ro,,,.,~t,mlws.,.,,1w.,n1..,.,,lalllM. f it... 
Structural Description: The Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M. Temple 
sits atop a composite foundation which is the result of numerous ad-
ditions to the structure over its long history. The historic foundation is 
formed from large field stones, and this element is visible on the northern 
elevation (see figure 10, next page). The southern addition of 1939 and 
the eastern addition of 1948 both were installed with a board-formed 
concrete foundation (figure 12 , next page), while the western addition 
of 1954 features a poured concrete foundation. The foundations are 
60 
supported underneath the Temple by a series of large brick underpin-
nings. These were instal led by Lodge member Joseph Power in 1887.2 
flg11,rs 10 (11b,,..,,) 11,rJ II (M/11,.'): Cltume•~ Um:ltqfhmoricfolds"""' fou..da"°"'· ..· lt,cll ure vulb/11 
o" ,M ,,,mJir,,. eln-arion 0/1/uo r~,,,,,1~. B~Jo" c.,,,,rw1,~ p~,upJ, o(tltU rl~m,·n1 
The Temple's roof 
system is unique in its 
construction, owing to the 
numerous modifications 
which were made to it dur-
ing the installation of the 
many additions. In form, 
a common rafter system 
is employed, along with a 
system of horizontal and 
,.,,..,~rn rllMll/0" diagonal bracing. Many 
of the bracing members used in the Temple roof are made from recycled 
pieces of historic exterior siding (see figure 13, next page). On the interi-
or, no historic wal l, ceiling, or floor finishes are visible, except in the area 
between the first and second floors. 
61 
f'lK•r,IJ: \ 'o,t,\•i,,hil(dwTn,rpl,r<lff1t . ...,_..rwvclol,-caoflt.-a-s;Ji,,,iii.n,,bn,r-,J..,--,,,:;,I 
Ma,.,.,,,__ W..,..\arubol!n-.urd,,,,..,,.,._,twamc(orbatlr~attdlton:u#.,/..........,~ 
Exterior Elements: 
Walls: The walls of the Temple are all framed with 2" x 4" studs, 
and covered on the exterior with cement-asbestos shingles. The walls 
measure 6 inches in thickness. On the interior of the building, there 
is evidence of lathe and plaster being used for the wall construction, a 
detail which may be observed in the space between the first and second 
floors on the eastern end of the Temple (see figure 14, below). Wooden 
trim pieces and facia boa rds measuring 4" in h eight are located on all 
comers of the Temple, and around all doors and windows. These ele-
ments have all been painted white. 
NORTH: The wall 
plane of the northern el-
evation is pierced by five 
windows which, while not 
original to the structure, are 
historic. On the first floor, 
three 3-light fixed windows 
with wood sashes, frames , 
and rnuntins are present. 
All of the wooden elements 
F,i•rtJ./:z..o\an,0....,~llw4'..,....blw-'~">Ji&.,UOfcovwl-
0n these windows have been 'P"«~ * finl-'--'floors .,,,,......, i..rr,..,,,.._,. 
painted white. The windows alJ feature wood trim which is approximately 
4" tall, and this feature has a lso been painted white. 
I 
- ~- - ~. - ... L J ~ 
62 
The walls of the northern elevation, like those on alt other eleva-
tions, are clad entirely with cement-asbestos shingles. Precisely when 
this element was installed is unknown, but it is assumed that the shin-
gles were put in place sometime before the 1948 addition on the east-
ern elevation was erected. As the massing of the Temple is so great, the 
northern elevation receives very little direct sunlight and, as a result, the 
walls of this elevation are almost continually damp; a condition which 
has resulted in rampant mold and mildew growth on nearly every sur-
face. The fungal growth on the northern elevation walls is particularly 
acute in the center, or historic section of the building, and along the bot-
tom most courses of shingles. Here, the shingles have a lso suffered dam-
age in the form of breakage, a condition which is not confined to this one 
elevation, as the wall sheathing on the whole Temple has become weak 
and friab le. 
In addition to the windows and access door , a number of types 
of metal vents pierce the wall plane on this e levation. Four rectangular 
vents are located a long the bottom shingle course, and two s maller units 
a rc present on the western side of this elevation, providing ventilation to 
the Temple's kitchen. All of the vents show evidence of corrosion, and the 
kitchen vents have an excess of glue on their lower edges. 
WEST: The facade of the Temple's western wall is pierced by three 
non-original, historic windows, which are wood, l / I single hung units 
with wood frames, sashes, and trim. An entry door also pierces the wall 
on this elevation. Several heavy duty wires attach to the wall of this fa-
cade at its southwest corner, and these in turn attach to the various 
lights, electrical boxes, and conduits on this western wall (see fi gures 17 
and 18, next page). 
The walls of this elevation are clad with cement-asbestos s hingles, 
63 
which have become friable and started to break, especially along the low-
est courses, and underneath the northern window on the first floor. The 
lowest three courses of shingles are also discolored, owing to backsplash 
from rain. 
SOUTH: The southern elevation 
serves today as the main entrance to 
the Temple, immediately accessible as 
Fl,i•rr/1:Pk,,.,,,.,,of,..irn"·/rkltco,,11«11r1 1M 
J10t1/,,..~s,com,,ref1111i!M'fit,.,.,,tfn,,tion. it is from the parking lot which is also 
present on this elevation. As on all other elevations, the walls here are 
clad with cement-asbestos shi ngles, which have suffered some degree of 
degradation. The wall plane is pierced numerous times by windows and 
doors, and of a ll the elevations, this is the most asymmetrically arranged 
facade (see character sketch, below). There are four windows present 
on the south wall of the Temple, of which, only two are of the same size 
and configuration. Three windows are located on the first floor, two of 
which are 1 / 1 wood .--------------------, 
s ingle hung units 
with wood frames, 
sashes, and trim. 
The third window 
on the first floor is 
identical to those 
found on the first 
floor of the north-
ern eleva tion, it 
being a three 
light, fixed window with wood muntins and frame. The single window 
64 
present on the second story is identical to the western most window on 
the first floor of this elevation, except for the fact that it does not have 
textured glass lights. 
The cement-asbestos shingles of the southern elevation, whi le 
relatively free from mold or mildew or other fungal growth, have suffered 
quite a bit of damage in the form of cracked or broken ti les. Like on 
the other three elevations, this damage is mostly confined to the lowest 
shingle courses, but it also occurs in the area behind the projecting roof 
whkh covers the ADA access ramp, as well as in the upper courses on 
the eastern side of the wall. 
EAST: The eastern e levation of the Temple historically served as 
the main entrance to the building, an important distinction, given the 
importance conferred on the east by the tenets of Freemasonry. This el-
evation still has a door1 though it is no longer used as the main entrance 
to the structure. The wall of the eastern elevation is divided into two 
distinct planes by the large projection which juts forth from the Temple 1s 
second story. This projection is supported by four fluted Doric columns 
which were brought to the Temple and installed after being removed from 
a bank in Oak Harbor in 1948. 
Windows on the eastern e levation are similar to those found on 
first story of its northern and southern counterparts. There are four of 
these elements, two on the first floor, and two on the projecting second 
story. All of these windows historically were three light fixed units, with 
wood frames and muntins, however, the glass on the second floor units 
has since been removed, and plywood installed in their place. This modi-
fication likely occurred when a rehabilitation was undertaken in the inte-
rior of the Lodge Room on the Temple's second story. 
Shingles on this elevation, while a lmost free of breakage or crack-
ing, are remarkably dirty and discolored. This is due to their physical 
proximity to the car traffic on Main Street, one of Coupeville's busiest 
thoroughfares. The cement coating on the exterior of these elements is 
also heavily worn here, exposing the texture of the fibrous asbestos sub-
structure. 
Roof: The Whidby Is land Lodge's Temple roof is oriented from east 
to west, and was historically gabled at both ends. Today, only the eastern 
end of the roof is gabled, as an addition to the western facade resulted in 
a hipped roof, with a clipped gable/ louvered vent at the peak. The roors 
65 
sheathing consists entirely of composite shingles, which are in overall 
good condition, owing to the fact that the roof was replaced in 2000. 
Remnants of a historic projection on the western elevation which can be 
en in the attic of the Temple indicate that the roof was historically clad 
ith wood shingles, which varied in width from 4" to T ', and had a 9" 
xposure (see figure 20, below). 
with 4" wide wood pieces 
which have been painted 
white. These elements 
are in good condition, 
except on the northern 
e levation, where a 3 1 /2' 
section has rotted away 
on the western edge of 
the wal l. 
Currently, the 
structure of the roof is 
stable, but there is noti-
r9:. ... H:""--of",.,_.,.,.,.__,-/,,J,-,«t_ _ ,_,...,.,.,,rie--. ,.,,.,.,, cable deflection on both 
•ll-11:1onptal~ },,Mal#/M~oj1MltWQt'Kwoodk,p,rdi,tg 
the east and west ends 
(see photographs and sketch, below, and next page). Inspection of the 
a ttic space did not reveaJ any water damage, mold, or other conditions 
which could be causing the deflection, so it is likely the result of improp-
er framing of the numerous additions to the Temple over its long history. 
flX•"11: Dql«•-o,,H.Jwm_,",'.1 t,/Tr#l(W,ooj IWWloo,I ,,.. 
66 
rt: 
Foundations: The Temple foundations are an amalgamation of dif-
ferent types, owing to the many additions to the structure over the years. 
The different types can most easily be seen on the northern elevation, 
where approxjmately two feet of the foundations have been left exposed, 
owing to the changing grade of the landscape. The historic portion of the 
foundation is constructed of large, natural boulders which show no evi-
dence of tooling. The southern and eastern additions were instal led with 
board-formed concrete foundations, while the foundation of the western 
addition appears to have been poured. All of these elements are in good 
condition, with the exception of a large crack on the northern elevation in 
the board-formed concrete section on the eastern end. This crack is ap-
proximately I /4" thick, and starts about 13' from the eastern end of the 
building. 
Windows: The windows on the Temple vary greatly in their size, 
shape, and configuration. All of them have wooden frames, sashes, and 
trim pieces, which have been painted white, and a number also have 
wooden muntins (also painted white). Every elevation contains windows, 
and all of them are in relatively good condition. 
NORTH: The northern elevation contains four windows, three 
on the first floor and one on the second. The first floor windows are of 
a three light fixed configuration, and feature wooden muntins painted 
white. On the second story one window, which was likely identical to 
those on the first floor at one time has since been converted into an 
emergency exit door for the purposes of accessing the steel spiral fire 
escape on this elevation. The fourth window which pierces the wall plane 
on this elevation is located on the second story, towards the western edge 
of the wall. It is of a different configuration than the other windows, be-
ing square, with l / l wood single hung lights. This window also has a 
wood frame and sash es, as well as wood trim pieces (see photographs of 
67 
window types, below). 
Fi6i,~JJ:f.,,,,_.,,,.,.....,.,,,_.. , ,..,..u,1d>,:w1M'1h 
The three-light fixed win-
dows on this elevation, though not 
original, likely utilize the original 
window openings for this eleva-
tion. Historic photographs from the 
I 880's through the I 940's show 
the Temple as having 6/6 wood 
double hung windows. A photo-
graph from circa 1900 indicates 
that these original windows were 
roughly the same size, s hape, and configuration as those currently pres-
ent on this elevation (sec historic and modern photograph comparison, 
next page). Historically, six windows were more or less symmetrically 
placed on this elevation. If the window openings on the first floor are, in 
fact original (which is likely, as this elevation is the only one which has 
NOT received an addition), then three identical windows would have been 
historically located directly above their first floor counterparts on the 
Temple's second story. The exception to this was the western most win-
dow on the second floor, which was offset slightly towards the edge of the 
building. Currently, only one of these historic window openings is pres-
ent on the Temple's second story, the other window openings being filled 
in, likely for added privacy in the Lodge Room during meetings. A hand 
drawn postcard of the Temple from the I 950's shows the 1948 addition 
68 
to the eastern elevation with its columns, but with 6/6 double hung win-
dows. If this drawing is credible, then the windows were likely modified 
during the 1954 addition to the western elevation. 
l'ix•,., 11(AHWJ •M1l(a,i-J: l'~f4Mof1/w"°"ltmuk,,ur-of1/t, 'h...,,k,..,,,., JflOO . ...,Ju-"r,o~, 
~of•lt,-rl""'- \'o,><~IM,.,,,,J,,r,.......,.r,,,,/,gw_ 
WEST: The windows on the western elevation are, like their north-
ern counterparts, varied in their size and shape. In all, there are three 
windows on this elevation, one on the first floor, and two on the sec-
ond story. The first story window is roughly square in shape, and is 
ofa 1/ 1 single hung configuration. This window looks into the Temple 
Kitchen, and features a wood frame , trim, and sashes, all of which have 
been painted white. The second story windows are identical to the west-
ern-most window on the northern elevation. This unit is rectangular 
69 
in shape, and is also of a I/ 1 single hung configuration. Whi le none of 
these windows are original to the building, they are all historic. It seems 
as though all of the windows on the Temple were put in place during or 
before the instal lation of the 1954 addition to this elevation. See drawing 
of western elevation window configurations, below. 
1111..,,1,,SAr,dJiHJMlfllrllv..,....,.., .. ,"""1 ... ~n.,-.,p,rM11l""/lt,,· ......, .,.,,,ln,111<1'1. 
0..1Mlrfltlvj,m,1r>ry .. ,...A:>wupK,"'"'·"""°"'""rl&hl,/lwJt,;,IIIJ.•~,n·Mnlll 
While a ll of the windows are in re latively good condition, some 
damage to the wooden clements was noted at the time of assessment. 
This damage is relatively minor, and is mos tly re lated to chipped or 
cracked paint on the window si lls. Detai ls on the window condition will 
be discussed in length in the assessment portion of this document. 
SOUTH: There a re four windows which pierce the waJI plane 
on this elevation, three on the first floor and one on the second. The 
two first s tory windows on the western side are s ma ll , I/ I single hung 
units with wood frames and sashes. The third window on the first s tory 
is much larger than these previous two. It is a fi.xed three light window 
which is rectangular in shape, and features a wood frame a nd muntins . 
The window which is located on the second floor of the southern eleva-
tion is a duplicate of the first story window on the far western edge of 
this wall. The two western-most windows on the firs t s tory, along with 
the second story window were likely installed when the western Temple 
---
70 
addition was erected in the mid- l 950's. The large window on the first 
floor is likely a retrofit of the original window frame, and it is very similar 
to the windows found on the northern and eastern elevations. See draw-
ing of window configurations, below. 
The single hung windows on 
the first floor feature textured glass, 
as they both look into first floor 
restrooms. None of the other win-
dows on the Temple have textu red 
glass lights. All of the windows of 
the southern elevation are in good 
condition, a ll damage being either 
cosmetic or easily reparable . The 
worst of this damage is present on 
the large, first floor window, which has lost some of its glazing. 
EAST: Four windows are located on the eastern elevation of the 
Temple, two on the first and two on the second story. These units are 
spaced so as to make this the only rough ly symmetrical elevation on 
the structure. Historical ly, the windows on this elevation were p laced in 
roughly the same configuration as they are seen here, though instead 
of being three light fixed units with wood muntins, they were wood 6/6 
double hung windows (see historic photographs, next page). 
The two second story windows have had the glass removed, and 
sheets of p lywood painted white have been inserted in its place. As the 
Ell-- -· ■-~---~ 1 
' 
71 
present configuration of this elevation is the result of an addition in 
1948, it is assumed that these windows were original ly installed with 
glass Ughts , as it would be non-sensica l to frame in window openings 
and not utilize them. The plywood inserts are like ly the resu lt of modifi-
cations to the interior of the Lodge Room which occurred at a later time. 
The frames of these two non-functioning windows match those on the 
firs t floors of the north and south elevations. 
Fi#"'"' J1 (Lr/I) 11nd J3 (Ri,:h,J: Jli.,tc,rlr: ,'kwoj,IH! Tempt~; w.<1er1r t/n..,uo,., ,,,,,:1,, ,.,o,k,•11 ,-~wojrJ,,, •11-fac,l<k Nutr 
howtM t<Utnn eln'<lll<m w,:u h«roric<JIIJ't)'fflfl'lf'/rk,1/ly<k,,i{,i,,d<1,1 wdl 
The windows on the eastern elevation's first floor are nearly iden-
tical to those on the second, excepting their top trim pieces , which are 
about 1 1/2" shorter height wise than their second story counterparts. 
Like the second story windows, these are three light fixed units, with 
wood muntins and frames. Here, the wood has been painted white on 
both the interior and the exterior. This is contrary to most of the win-
dows on the second story, which have only been painted on the exterior. 
See historic photograph which shows the windows of the eastern eleva-
tion in detail, next page. 
Fitt""U:P~r1m,/881)of-of/Mcor/1n1~-M'l"'t-of1/wirT~NtNoullwlus1«k""""":rln1M 
1:,:,cq,,,.,....: ,..,...,11 ... ,1w,,gnd,.,A-1a,vs "!)«,or:' TJu,,.....,......, ........ .,,,..,ww.,wrr"V)k:rt-11<J11,. ... ,.,,,v,,,.,,J-1 
"""""'°'"'"°"'lt,,ealdoctt,,:,fa,r-,,a,dtt,,r,n~ 
I 
ri' r ,lr..t,.1  i y-1,, l- (, ·1'1~'<"••4 -
to 1nf,II if"h,,~ 
VJl-,1~) 
':!'J .,. 
':+-t-+ ~-7' - l""C/if""', 
.... ,... ~ it-
r I { 
I 
j I 
-,Ell~- -.-J ~~ 
I 
73 
Doors: The Whidby Island Lodge Temple has three exterior doors , 
as well as an access door for the fire escape on the northern elevation 
which only opens from the interior. The other doors are present on the 
south, east1 and west elevations, and are of varying configurations. 
NORTH: The northern elevation features a single door. It is located 
on the second story of the Temple, and provides a means of egress from 
the interior to the steel fire escape which is located on this elevation. 
This element was built into a historic window frame, and thus is severely 
truncated in its height. Further discussion of this door will be made in 
the section of this document which discusses the interior of the Temple , 
as the northern door cannot be opened from the exterior. 
WEST: On the western Temple elevation, there is a single door, 
which is located towards the south side of this facade (see drawing of 
wes tern elevation, figure 36, below). The door is made of wood, painted 
white , and features four decorative, inset panels. This door appears to be 
historic, but it is unknown 
whether it is original to the 
Temple. It is of a configura-
tion which is remarkably 
similar to that of the origi-
nal front door (see figures 
37 and 38, next page), so it 
is possible that one of the 
historic doors was re-used 
on th is elevation when 
the addition was added in 
1954. 
On the interior, a 
number of doors of this 
F,,:•,.,. J,, Cl,arur'"Sl~,clt C>{IIN .,.,.,n-~ same design wh ich bear rl..-""'•"'°"'"B <01«h plur,_m ,;,/0000: 
.,.,....,.,-,,md~/t,e:1r,cJ/r~111, the marks of historic lock-
ing mechanisms have been recycled as the doors for two first floor stor-
age closets. This fact gives credence to the theory that this is a historic 
element which has since been rehabilitated. The door on the western 
eleva tion is surrounded by wood trim pieces, and features a wood si ll , all 
of which are painted wh ite. The door sill sits 11" above the ground, and 
4" a bove a concrete step. Due to this discrepancy in spacing, a standard 
brick has been instal led to support the door sill on its underside {see 
74 
sketch, figure 40). 
It is curious that the western 
Temple door sits so high above the 
concrete step which is placed un-
derneath it that its sill must be sup-
ported by a brick. The door on the 
eastern e levation has a si ll which sits 
atop another trim piece which, in 
turn sits directly atop the floor of the 
concrete porch . Thus, the step is only 
about 3" from the ground. Could this 
design once have been repeated on 
the western elevation? It is uncertain 
whether the current door configura-
tion on the eastern elevation is the 
result of a miscalculation during con-
F"q:•,..J~ fwnw"-"•••.......,rlaM. ••1<1tlfp,ob,,l,/J 
struction plannfog, or whether it is .,._.,_~,1,.,..,..dt,t,t,a.,""""lu,u1oncloi;t....,. 
the result of modification to the foun-
dations of this elevation. As this entire facade is the result of an addition, 
I 
'1 e1J- -- ■-~_LJ ~ 
75 
it seems odd to have s uch discordancy in the various elements unless 
they are the result of miscalculation or modification. 
SOUTH: There is 
one door which is located 
on the Temple 's southern 
elevation . It is located on 
the eastern half of the 
wal l, and it is covered by 
a projecting gable roof. 
This door serves as the 
main entrance to the 
Temple , and it is ac-
F'il ""./O:Skr1C~1/tn,.Jn111""ro,efigurrmMq/rlw ,,,nm•ul~nu•lrodn,ppo,1 /Jw 
J,,o,sJ/l(Jlft/w •'Qlff'fldn·at""' cessed via the parking 
lot whk h abuts this eleva tion. There is a concrete ramp which leads from 
the parking lot to this door, making the entrance ADA accessible. The 
ramp has been a dorned with two metal Masonic Emblems , which have 
been embedded in the eastern and western corners of its upper slope (see 
sketch, figure 42, below). 
f'iJ•ff-lf:$u1<.Ao1"""111#i/1l,;,r;r..,.,,,,J,,,.r.p,,r,.a.,l,-_o f/ltttP"Ofl"'l"'3~attas,_,,,""' l ''K•,.,ll:Sol:t><Aoof", - £-"'-•4odlr 
,,.,,,.JJ,J•·-.... 
Surrounded by 4" trim pieces painted white, the door on the south-
ern elevation of the Temple provides the best clues as to the historic 
appearance of the structure. Here, the trim piece on the eastern side of 
the door has been recently removed , exposing a section 3" wide and I 1 
courses tall of the hi storic wood drop s iding; which remains in tact un-
derneath the current cement-asbestos siding (see sketch and photograph 
76 
of these elements, below). It appears as though the siding was always 
painted white, as no evidence remains of any other color being used on 
this element, and historic photographs dating back almost to the time of 
construction show the Temple as a white structure. A gap exists between 
the door frame and this historic siding, and this space has been filled in 
with ye llow insu lating foam. In areas, this foam has expanded to cover 
sections of the historic siding. 
fl1.,,.,,JJ: Skr1<:h far m.•,uu,wl drrn, ongof,o,,1Mm rn1ronr.rtit>o,r 1«.,,.,, .1,1, Phologrt,plt """'"'I 11! ,,.,.,~ln(Jat>r,r,,,.,._.,_ {2/ 
o/ 11Ht Tfft1J>I<' r.JpOHJhukN1c1 ,Ji"8, (J/J,i,or; ,_Jf' ) 1 Htr,,-. ..,~. ... r,J,"I 
EAST: There is a s ingle door present on the eastern elevation. It is 
located on the first story, and is placed more or less equidistant from the 
two windows on the north and south ends of the eastern wall. The door 
can be accessed from the parking lot on the south side of the Temple via 
an ADA accessible ramp; however, the door itself is NOT ADA accessible, 
it being raised above the floor of the concrete porch and requiring a step 
up to gain entrance. 
This door may also be accessed from the east via a concrete walk-
way which connects to the public sidewalk and two concrete stairs. 
The door is not original to the Temple, nor is it historic. Both the lock-
El-l ----■- __- _1_·J ·!  
77 
ing mechanisms and the interior hardware were replaced in the last 15 
years.1 
Small Scale Features: A number 
of small scale features, including light-
ing, electrical, and decorative elements 
are present on each elevation; and these 
are numerous and varied enough to war-
rant their own detailed discussion. What 
follows is a detailed inventory of these 
elements. 
NORTH: The northern elevation of 
the Masonic Temple features a number 
of smaU scale features, including lighting 
elements, decorative details, and a spiral 
staircase. All of these elements are im-
portant for defining the character of this 
elevation, and each merits discussion. 
Lights: Every elevation of the Tem-
F'll•"'J:111<r},fJ'llldooro{1NT~"'1M.l'<Utn>1..,,,..,. ple features at least one lighting element, 
- 7llordoorb-ffl-.r.,,_,llwfr-_,./w 
and every one of these is unique. On the 
northern elevation, the lighting units are positioned in a T-shapcd con-
figuration, and they are placed over the access door to the second story 
which is situated at the top of the steel fire escape. The individual lights 
feature a bell-shaped base, and standard socket light mounts. They a re 
connected to one another via two lengths of conduit which meet and then 
run down the bui lding, hence the "T-shape." The lights are turned on by 
a switch on the interior of the Temple, which is located in the Lodge 
Room. 
I ,_J:i_~ 
Decorative Details: Tat+t-+: ~I t--
While the Temple is rela- I I 7i "' ~ -I-
tively free of ornamental or I 
decorative detailing, those I I ' ~: I I I I 
elements which are present 
I I 
assert themselves in subtle, --+ I I I I 
yet effective ways. For ex- I I I I f .l 
1·1 I 
ample, nearly a ll of the con- I I 
crete elements feature a 2" 
raked detai l on their outer edges. The large concrete pad on the eastern 
Ila]-- .-=1_J~ 
' 
78 
side of this northern wall which supports the steel fire escape is no ex-
ception. Blocky and simplistic in its design, the concrete pad is very utili -
tarian, as are most of the elements of the Temple. By giving the concrete 
a tooled edge, however, it becomes more sophisticated, and speaks of the 
fine craftsmanship inherent in historic structures. 
Another deta il present on 
this e levation, though its 
purpose is utilita rian rath-
er than architectural, is 
the historic wooden access 
... ,I\OW~N~\>OW>\ door on the western half of 
7tl rror: _o,. CONC,,:e,,:_ the wall. Made from planks 
Y/'D 
of wood , and featuring 
' ,ic,Jmlcd. ~C Oh f"'j 
metal hardware, the small 
F~••r '1: Sl.r1.-l1 .,,.,,,.,.,.,~,..,;.,-dr,~Jr,.,,l of1,..~upo,J"" tJo. _,~,.. door provides access to the 
r'--·"'"..-/1,u,/wo,..,.,..l"Eof,lorl,u,onc....-t~ Temple foundations , as 
well as glimpses of the historic brick underpinnings and chimney base. 
Water has eroded the bottom edges of the individuaJ planks which form 
the access door, but this has not reduced the element's charm, nor its 
functionality. 
~· 
I V 
-- .;. 
F,z•r,r-11: Ak,,,.,,y,Jdr¥,,,,,.of•i.-'-"-- """'1trlnv-
•-. ,wl,loar,J,,...,,.,dtta,b 
Of all of the so-called decorative elements visible on this eleva-
tion , the large fluted Doric Columns which support the projecting sec-
ond story of the eastern wall could be called the most ornamental. When 
looking south at the northern elevation waJI, a single column is visible 
on the eastern end of the facade. Its stature is imposing, and it lends an 
air of classicism to the s tructure which it historically did not have. The 
79 
massive columns are made of wood, and have been painted white. While 
they are structurally quite solid, cosmetically they are only in fair condi-
tion. The paint has begun to bubble and crack, and it has come off com-
pletely in some areas jsee figure 50, below). 
Spiral Fire Escape: Though 
this element is neither original, nor 
historic (installed in 1964), the spi-
raling steel fire escape which is lo-
cated on the northern clevo.tion could 
certainly be classified as one of this 
elevation 's character defining fea-
tures, and therefore it warrants men-
tioning. Constructed of 1/2" thick 
diamond-pattern steel plates and 1»  
by l /2" rails, the steel fire escape is 
an elegant, if incongruous solution to 
the need for an escape route in case 
of a fire in the Temple. 
The installation or the fire es-
cape necessitated the removal of a 
historic window from the second story 
(now a door). and the blocking of the 
natural view shed from a first story 
window. The staircase contains twenty-three 
triangular risers and a central platform 1 and 
rises almost lhe fu ll height of the building. 
It is anchored to the ground via a 6' by 6' 
4" wide concrete platform with decorative 
tooled edging, and is supported by a cen-
trally located steel pole with a l' 10" ci r-
cumference. The risers, rai lings, stiles, and 
pole have all been painted white. Continual 
water penetration on this elevation has left 
these elements mold covered and slippery. 
WEST: The western elevation of the 
Temple is similar to the northern e levation 
in that it too has a number of small-scale 
80 
features which warrant discussion. Decorative elements on this facade 
are almost nonexistent, and so most of the small scale features are elec-
trical or utilitarian in nature. 
Lights: As has been previously mentioned, the western elevation 
of the Temple is rife with various electrical clements, most of which have 
something to do with the numerous lights on this facade. A number of 
electrical boxes and many conduits arc fastened to the wall on the south-
ern side of the entry door. These, in turn light a lamp which is positioned 
directly above the door, and one street lamp type fixture, which runs par-
allel to the waU plane and overhangs the concrete apron on the southern 
elevation. The light over the door resembles those found on the north-
ern elevation, in that the fixture is bell shaped (like a desk lamp), and 
contains a standard socket base. The other light is dome-shaped with a 
domed light cover and internal lighting elements. 
Other Elements: 
[:_:::_:::_:::_:::_:::_:::_:::_:::_:::_::~:_~,-.,-•~•-••t-...--1 Besides the trim piec-
es whkh surround the 
doors, windows, and 
corners of the Temple 
on every elevation, the 
only other semi-deco-
rative element on this 
elevation is the con-
crete step underneath 
the door, which has 
been painted green 
and features a raked 
edge detai ling. This detai led edge is similar to that found on other con-
crete small-scale features around the Temple, including the pad on the 
northern elevation, and the ramp on 
the southern elevation. 
SOUTH: If the western eleva-
tion is the most simple in regards to 
its number of small-scale features, 
then the southern elevation could 
certainly be classified as the most 
complex. This facade features three 
-l.:11~~- •---=-~1  
I 
81 
distinct lighting fixtures, a lighted Masonic emblem, a projecting porch , 
and some small metal decorative elements. 
IJ_gh_y: Of the three lighting types on the southern elevation, two 
are for the purposes of general exterior lighting, and one is more for 
decoration. The aforementioned "street lamp" style light which overhangs 
this elevation, but is actually attached to the wall of the western eleva-
tion provides nighttime illumination for the exterior of the building on 
both the southern and western elevations. Besides this unit, a pair of 
)amps is located on the gable end of the roof projection. These lamps can 
be activated via a switch on the back side of one of the roars support 
poles, or from a motion sensor which is centrally located between the two 
lights. These lamps are effective for lighting the parking lot and deterring 
vandals, as they are motion activated (see drawing, figure 54, below). The 
third lighting element on the southern elevation is also contained within 
the area of the projecting gabled roof, though this is more decorative and 
for subtle illumination of the southern door. It is trapezoidal in form, and 
features 3/4" wide metal bands which house individual glass lights. 
L-tG-t\-TIN9 \ SOIJ11t et..eVJlrTIPN 
Decorative Elements: Decorative or ornamental elements located 
on the southern elevation are varied, and include lighted and metal Ma-
sonic emblems, and tooled concrete work. The cast metal Square and 
Compass emblems which are embedded in the ramp which leads to the 
southern door have already been discussed in previous sections of this 
chapter, A lighted Masonic emblem is located on the far eastern side of 
82 
the southern wall. very close to one of the fluted Doric columns. In es-
sence, it is a metal box with a translucent plastic panel, upon which a 
metal Square and Compass emblem which is covered with metal mesh is 
placed. The box is lit from within, illuminating the emblem. 
The concrete ramp which 
leads from the Temple parking lot 
to the southern door features the 
same decorative tooled edge as the 
step on the western elevation and 
the pad on the northern one. It is 
within this ramp that the two metal 
Masonic emblems have been em-
bedded. This elevation also features 
decorative wood trim pieces around 
all of its doors and windows. 
Stairs: A number of stairs 
constructed of concrete are located 
on this elevation, and provide ac-
cess to various portions of this 
facade. To the east, two steps are 
located coming off of the ADA ac-
cessible ramp which leads to the eastern porch. This provides access to 
the foundations and lowest portions of the southern e levation, as well as 
the planters, but not the south entry door, as it is raised up on a con-
crete platform and surrounded by metal railings. This fact hints that ac-
cess to this door was once gained via a stairwell or other element which 
could have been accessed from the eastern or western sides of this e leva-
tion. There is a second stairwell located on this elevation, to the western 
end of the facade. It provides access from the parking lot to the founda-
tions of the southern e levation, as well as to the sidewalk which runs 
past the western elevation. As the terrain of the Temple plot is uneven 
and hilly, one must descend in order to reach the "ground• level of the 
Temple from the parking lot. These stairs grant that access !see images of 
stairs, figures 56 and 57, next page). 
Ramps and Railings: Besides the aforementioned access ramp 
to the southern door, another ramp exists on this elevation. It is located 
on the eastern edge of the structure, and provides ADA access from the 
parking lot to the concrete porch on the eastern elevation. This ramp is 
83 
edged by a metal rai ling made of ci rcular tubing, which has been painted 
black. This railing is similar in construction to those which border the 
central ADA access ramp, as well as the western stair on this e levation. 
Other Ele ments: 
From the southern eleva-
tion, the modified historic 
brick chimney can be seen 
protruding from the western 
half of the roof at its p ak. 
There is a lso a small metal 
vent pipe which projects 
from the roof on this eleva-
tion, appearing on its west-
ern end. 
EAST: Of a ll of the 
Temple's elevations, the 
eastern facade is probably 
considered to be the most 
"ornamental." Herc, four 
large fluted Doric columns 
have been installed, and 
they are the most overtly 
d ecorative element on the 
Temple. There are also a 
number of s ma ll emblems 
located on this elevation, 
these are placed within the 
second story gabled projec-
tion. 
!Jghl§: A single light 
is present on the eastern 
elevation. It is a single globe 
fixtu re made of glass, and it 
is located on the bead board 
f1tt.,r, Sf /.◄ Hw), S7 (C,n~•J , •"" JI ftlrl...,J: lt""'f'u,,,Jnn/1,w. N<I ,kW._,...,,. 
""""- ...,.,.1o,,,1:""""'· ,,.,,,,,u.,J,.,,t,,.. """'""'· ·-"'"""~'""· •-'- ceiling of the porch !see fig-
........ ,, ,-J,ffllnJADf,,,.n,lbl,r.-p~-,1t,n,,"-',,;,,,,,1oot,,,..-1J, ure 59, next page) . This light 
is not motion activated , and can only be turned on from the interior of 
the Lower Ha ll. 
--
- Bl_·-. - -~_ L _I ~ 
84 
Decorative Elements: A number of Masonic emblems are located 
on this elevation, most notably the large Square and Compass emblem 
in the peak of the gabled roof. The age of this particular item is indeter-
minate. In his History, Frank Coates remarks that a similar emblem was 
donated to the Lodge in 1897 by Brother C.H. Stackpole and installed in 
this space, but that the possibility exists that the emblem was "carelessly 
thrown away" during the 1946 addition to this elevation. 4 This remark 
likely means that the current emblem is a replica (see figures 60 and 61, 
below). 
Also located on this elevation is a lighted Masonic Emblem which 
projects from the second story. It is centrally located between the two 
second floor windows, and its lighted portions face north/south. There 
was formerly another one of these Hghted elements located underneath 
the first, which has since been removed. Corrosion stains on the cement-
----
·~-- ■ __ J_J1 
85 
a sbestos tiles indicate this element's former placement, and photographs 
indicate that this was a DeMolay emblem. 
Columns: There are four 
massive, fluted columns with 
Doric capitals which support the 
projecting second story of the 
eastern elevation. These elements 
are not original to the Temple, 
though they are historic, both 
in the date of their construction, 
and in the date of their installa-
tion. These columns came from 
the Oak Harbor branch of Everett 
Bank, which was built in 1910. 
In the l 940's, a member of the 
Lodge purchased the bank build-
ing for the purpose of remodeJjng 
it, and so donated the columns 
to the Lodge to be installed on 
the Temple. The installation oc- Fill•"~ '1, PiroMgn:,pl, ,1,o,..,,w 1hr ,..,,.,_. ~mblrnu lo,,,,,~d m ,M ~ai,~m 
~,.,,.-{l{,o,r~gub/ll'dJtt.-J,,.,,.,,,,.,Jtt'""' c""""""'"u,,..,..gg,,,,-..M,,., 
curred with the addition to this 
elevation in 1946. 
Interior Elements: 
Walls: As one can easi ly see, 
the exterior facades of the Temple 
have been very heavily modified dur-
ing its 132 year history. These modi-
fications, however, pale in compari-
son to those which have taken place 
on the interior of the Temple, both 
in their sheer number, and in their 
severity. The multiple additions to the 
exterior of the structure have resulted 
in both the creation of numerous new 
spaces on the interior of the Temple, 
and the modification of existing ones. 
Wall treatments, ceiling heights, and 
floor coverings have changed, as have 
---
a-=--. __ .. 1-.Jl  
I 
86 
small-scale features. While no photographs e.xist of the historic interior 
of the structure, Lodge meeting minutes provide small clues as to how 
these spaces have changed over time. As very Uttle concrete evidence ex-
ists to definitively say what changes have occurred on the interior and 
where, this inventory will make little mention of historic finishes, unless 
evidence which can substantiate these statements exists. 
FIRST FLOOR: The first floor of the Whidby Island Lodge Temple 
is subdivided into many spaces, which include the Lower Hall (now used 
to host large congregations), separate Men's and Women's Restrooms, 
two storage closets, a Reception Area, Kitchen, and a large open room 
which houses the furnace and part of the historic brick chimney (see im-
ages, be low). 
n,.,.,,,u(T• /.,ft), O(T• lt/Jlltl}, U(a- 11.,1uJ.MWr(..,..uft): t-ll,,I/. A:ld,,,, ·~ ◄ ,..., ,,,.,JF-.11-1,.,,,, 
,.,_.,.._,,.ll>k/1.,,.,,_..,,,-d .... ,..1 
The walls of the Temp1e's first floor today are sheathed with drywall 
panels, and either painted or wallpapered. There is evidence that histori-
cally the walls were constructed of lathe and plaster, and calcimined (a 
type of paint containing powdered pigment and zinc). In the crawlspace 
between the first and second floors, the original lathe which formed the 
- --
li'aJ_---■--=LJ ~ 
87 
understructure of the interior walls can be obseived, as can portions of 
the original ceiling, and the historic wall finish (see figure 68, below). 
fl1•nU: On61'laltt,/"'f.,,.J"'-..,llfi,,1Jliafor •-1-Hull,foufli-ofr-,,k f/JIIIMOnCC'nl•• (}/ H.Jf.,. /.II 
cu1c,,..,,.i,..1~ .., .,,.;,,,.,,i/fi,tu1t) (' J.Jouu,.ol,,d,3..,,,,,,ncwrr"'i.-.rrll"'1tt,I~ 
In most of the rooms of the Temple's first floor, the drywall sheets 
have simply been finished by painting them. This is the case in al l of the 
spaces excepting the Women's Restroom and the two storage closets. In 
the Lower Hall, the wa lls were painted a bright Robin's Egg Blue color in 
the last 2 years, a nd the various trim pieces were painted bright white. 
All other walls which have been painted were painted white. In the Wom-
en's Restroom, gold a nd white embossed wallpaper with a tapestry design 
clads the wall s. In the area above the toilet in this room, water seepage 
has occurred, staining the wallpaper. The two storage closets, which are 
located in the hall which runs down the south side of the western halr 
of the Temple, have been framed with plywood , and no surface finishes 
have been applied to this material. 
In a ll of the rooms of the Temple's first floor, excepting the storage 
closets, baseboard and ceiling trims have been applied. This condition is 
true throughout the interior of the Temple, and these trims are one of the 
few decorative elements in this otherwise rather plain structure. In the 
Lower Hall, four different types of trim have been installed , and these are 
all of varying intricacy (see figure 69, next page). 
SECOND FLOOR: As on the first floor, the wall finishes which are 
currently present on the second story have been heavily modified. Dry-
----
•B-:--- .. ■ _L J~ 
r 89 
In both the Archives Room and the Women's Changing Room, the area 
of the wall which lies below the molding piece towards the top of the waU 
has been painted Robin's Egg Blue, while the areas a bove this piece have 
been painted white. Due to the fact that the ceiling in both of these spac-
es is a lso white , this feature gives the appearance that the ceiling has 
been vaulted. 
In the changing room for the initiates, which is on the north side of 
the building, no wall treatments are visible at all, as floor to cei ling built 
in cabinets have been installed. These are made of wood, with a light 
s tain finish. The Tyler's Room has also been painted in the bright Robin 's 
Egg Blue that is so pervasive in the Temple's interior rooms. The Lodge 
Room, which has undergone heavy modification, has the most carefully 
planned wall cove rings. On the eastern wall of this room , two historic 
windows were covered up on the exterior with plywood, and then again 
on the interior with drywall and faux wood panelling. This deliberate 
modification was like ly done to increase the privacy in the Lodge Room 
during meetings. This ploy was repeated on the northe rn wall, where an-
other window was covered up (though this was likely done at a different 
time, as the window was covered on the exterior of the Temple as well. 
As on the first story, all of the 
rooms of the second floor have trim 
pieces at their baseboards and ceil-
ings. These are variable by room, 
and most are very simple in profile. 
All of the walls of the Temple inte-
rior arc in good condition , as all of 
the surface treatments have been 
relatively recently applied. As previ-
ously noted, the exception to this 
rule is found in the first floor Wom-
en's Restroom, where water has be-
gun to seep through the walls and 
stain the wallpaper. 
A number of built in ele-
ments are present in the Temple 
interior, both on the first and sec-
ond stories. These can be found in 
~.,,...u,l\,,n1trr,o..,J,...._~,. .. 11.o111w~•--
the Kitchen, Reception Area, Tyler's 
"'"""''~ .. ~ ........ ,,,,,.11i.•J,aro-11L,Jo....- ... ....,..., 
-----
B - ---- ~■-=Li ~ 
90 
Room, and changing room especiaUy. In the area of the Tyler's Room, a 
door has even been built into the wall which allows access to the attic of 
the Temple from the second floor (see images, below). 
Ceilings: The cei lings of the Temple interior, like the walls, are 
highly variable both in their surface finishes and their configurations. On 
the first floor, for example, the ceiling heights vary greatly, changing from 
room to room. 
FIRST FLOOR: The cei lings on the Temple's first floor fea-
ture many different surface finishes, as well as great variation in their 
heights. For example, the ceiling of t he Lower Hal l features 1" x 1 /4" 
battens which border 4' x 4' panels. These elements have al l been paint-
ed white with a semi-gloss paint (figure 77). The ceilings of the Kitchen 
and Men's Restroom have been 
sheathed with 6" x 6" acoustic 
tiles, and those of the Women's 
Restroom and the hallway have 
simply been painted. In the ar-
eas of the two storage closets on 
the first floor, no ceiling finish 
has been applied. The ceilings, 
hke the walls, were framed with 
·-----
- 'Bl-- - -■=•~ ~. 
91 
plywood, and were left unfinished. 
The ceiling heights on the first floor of the Temple arc highly vari -
able, owing partially to the many modifications which have been made 
to the interior of the stn1cture. In the Lower Ha ll , the cei lings currently 
measure 9' in height, though evidence in the c rawlspace between the 
floors suggests that these were originally 14' tall (see figure 78, below). 
The cei lings in the Kitchen and Reception Area are aJso 9' tall. Variability 
in the ceiling height does 
not follow any prescriptive 
system, as rooms immedi-
ately adjacent to one anoth -
er, such as the Men 's and 
Women's Restrooms have 
different ceiling heights (8' 
and 7 1 /2', respectively). 
The hallway which runs 
outside the two restrooms 
and contains the storage 
closets on its north s ide 
also has a ceiling which 
measures 8'. The hal lway bisects the Furnace Room on its eastern end, 
and the ceiling of this space rises greatly, capping at 12'. 
All of the ceiJing finishes of t he first floor remain in fairly good con-
djtion. The Kitchen ceiling is stained and discolored, presumably from 
grease and heat from the indus trial stove, and there was minor deflection 
observed in the ceiling of the Lower HaJI. These issues a re mainly cos-
metic, and pose no real risk to the longevity of the structure. 
SECOND FLOOR: The ceilings of the Temple's second story, like 
those of the first, are variable both in their su rface treatments and their 
heights. His torically, the ceilings in each of the rooms of this story were 
likely of a uniform height. However, modification s in the area of the 
Lodge Room have resulted in a much higher cei ling than can be found in 
the rest of the rooms of the Temple. 
All of the rooms of the second story excepting the Lodge Room fea-
ture 9' tall cei lings. In the Lodge Room itself, the structure of the ceiling 
was modified (date unknown, but after 1956, making the alteration non-
historic), resulting in a large span, barrel-vaul ted ceiling (refer back to 
figure 73 for a close-up view of this e lement) which is 14' 1/2" tall at its 
-------
B-=- . IIIJ~I ~ 
J 
92 
center. The surface of this ceiling has been finished with l ' x 2 1 accoustic 
tiles. Lodge meeting minutes from the last half of the 20th century make 
frequent mention of the need for a better sound system in the Lodge 
Room, so it may be safe to assume that the modifications to the ceiling in 
this room were mea nt to improve the sound-quality in this area. It is a lso 
a documented fact that historically, Temples would be constructed with 
some measure of sound proofing in their meeting rooms; so the addition 
of acoustic tiles (paired with the filling in of windows on this floor) could 
have also been undertaken for this purpose. 
For the most part, the ceilings in the other rooms on this floor have 
simply been painted, though the Women's Changing Room has been 
fitted with the same 6" x 6" acoustic tiles as those which clad the ce il -
ing of the Men's Restroom on the first floor. All of the ceiling finishes on 
this story are in good condition, and s how no signs of deflection or other 
structural instability. 
Flooring: None of the original floor finishes exist in the Temple, 
and it is not discernible from any of the crawl spaces what the original 
floori ng material may have been. Given the age of the s tructure, it cou ld 
easily be assumed that the floors were originally made of hardwood , but 
as no evidence exists to support this fact, it will remain in the rea lm of 
conjecture. Currently, floor coverings throughout the Temple a rc vari -
able, and include vinyl, plywood sheets, and carpet. The entire second 
floor of the Temple is carpeted , though the carpet is not of the same type 
throu ghout. All of the carpet is however, of one blue shade or another. 
On the first floor, the Lower Hal l and the stairs have been clnd in 
a blue carpet which is h eavi ly stained despite its recent ins tallation (less 
than 5 years). All of the other rooms excepting the storage closets have 
been floored with vinyl ti le. In the s torage closets, the floors, like the 
walls and cei lings, have been left unclad , and are s imply constructed of 
plywood sheets. All of the floors of the Temple have suffered visual ly from 
years of frequent use. For the most part, this condition has manifested 
itself in the form of stains and other s light imperfections in the flooring 
material . The only area which raises concern about the structural stabil-
ity of the floors themselves is the Lower Hall , which shows a noticeable 
unevenness in its floor s tructure. 
Attic: Of a ll of the areas of the Temple which have so far been 
inventoried, none yie lds as many clues about the evolution of the struc-
----------
~ -
·a-- • __.  _J l 
93 
ture as the attic does. Accessed via a small door in the wall of the Tyler's 
Room on the second floor, the Temple's attics are an amalgamation of 
building systems, at once bewildering and fascinating to behold . 
Historically, the Temple was simply configured, being rectangular 
in form with sma11 projections on the south and west ends; and featuring 
an east/west gable roof. As such, the historic rafter system was rather 
straight forward; it being comprised of a series of common rafters which 
ran the length of the temple. Evidence of the original end bay and its raf-
ters is visible on the western half of the Temple, as well as the expansion 
to this system for the 1939 southern addition, where pieces of original 
exterior s iding and historic nailers for the roofs sub sheathing are still in 
tact !see figures 79, 80, 81, and 82 below, a nd next page). 
r.,.,.. ..,,T Jor""'j""' •'dtlffl ,.,t,ltt-1eftlttt T-,,k roof is 1t1/l,u,Mr fl,t.,.,. ,,, n.,,,.,,1" ~ for/M ,.,1,.,11N,1,,,,ll o{tlwon,:,,..,t ,oof 
111 IM /r""'l"lufrlw""k' rujltrr NON 11,r l,u,o,-it,11J!ng a, .m11,,,.,,,-,u I" 1Mat1k' 
Fis•trl/:~ltdr1<:ltii,o,,,,"111M~·uttlttt•.-,,..,.,ettdo[1MTnnp/ttat1..: T1,,,or11,naljn,,,,1~jor1Mhu,.,,.,..,oofll,.,pam,,.ta-1M..,,,Jjfo-
ra,,o,u ,.Ak'lt .,,...-, -"' • ·M n 1/wuJJ,1'°" Kl 1/tr _ ,1, ,i,Jt,oftM Tn,pltt ,.,.., i,uwllrd"' J9JO l1....,/l1M,1n1 fttfr 
- - - -
"al- -- - • -• - _j ~ 
Today, the framing system of the attic roof is not as clear 
cut as it once was. Fortunately, the original framing system was left in 
place as the numerous modifications were made to the structure, which 
a llows the viewer to effectively read the changes which have occurred to 
the Temple over time. The addition to the south side of the Temple which 
enclosed the stairwell on that facade required a drastic modification of 
the historic roof pitch in order to prevent the gable roof from being lop-
sided. The rafters which form the hipped roof on the western elevation at-
tach directly to the modified rafters from the eastern addition, attaching 
right to the h istoric exterior siding which was left on this e lement. On the 
eastern end of the Temple , additional bays were installed to facilitate the 
addition to that elevation in 1948. 
Owing to the number of modifications which have occurred to the 
attic , it is understandable that additional bracing members would be 
installed for added s upport . In the Temple attic, however, bracing seems 
to have been taken to the extreme, with bracing members being placed 
diagonal ly, horizontally, and vertically. Many of these elements were 
constructed from recycled pieces of exterior siding. 
One of the most significant modifications to occur to the Temple 
attic in modern times was the construction of the vaulted ceiling which 
is located in the Lodge Room on the second story. The framing system 
and insulation u sed in this modification is visible in the attic, to the 
95 
east of the modified historic chimney {see figure 83, below). The ceil-
ing was framed in using 2" x 6" members, and it sits about 5' above the 
floor joists of the rest of the attic. The brick chimney which can be seen 
in historic photo-
graphs protruding 
from the south side 
of the western end of 
the gable roof is still 
intact, and can be 
seen both on the first 
floor of the Temple in 
the F'umace Room, 
as we!J as in the at-
tic. Here, it is ap-
parent that after the 
1939 addition to the 
southern elevation, the historic chimney had to be expanded in order to 
remain usable. The bricks of the chimney addition are of a different color 
than the originals, as is the mortar used to bind them. This fact makes 
the modification easily readable. 
The Temple attic is in 
remarkable condition, given 
the numerous modifications to 
the structure which have oc-
curred over its long history. 
The roof was replaced in 2000, 
so the sub-sheathing and roof-
ing materials are a ll new. The 
condition of the attic wi ll be dis-
cussed more fully in the condi-
tion assessment section of this 
Heating and Cooling 
System s: Historically, the 
Temple was heated via a num-
ber of wood stoves. The meeting 
minutes indicate that in 1874, 
FIK•""' ,,,.,,,.,.,.,,,...,..,.,..r11 ,M"""'1-,0U1tc•-i<MII(]). ,., 
Brother Walter Crockett pur- -.:,,.,,,.,,._.__.,.,.. \ <>t><..-M Ult•·••-·-"""h·,-,,-d,._ 
chased two of these units for 
96 
use in heating the Temple. 1 In l 931, the heating system was upgraded to 
two 3000 watt clectdc heaters , but these were eventually discontinued, 
as they were repeated left on after meetings, and the h eating bill was 
astronomica l.• Currently, t he Temple is heated u sing a large gas furnace, 
which is located on the first floor, next to a section of the historic chim-
ney. Vents have been placed throughout the Temple, including in the 
floor and ceiling of the Lodge Room. The duct work is easily accomodated 
by the la rge spaces which are present between the first and second floors 
of the Temple, so the ventilation system is not readily visible on the inte-
rior of the Temple (see images, be low). 
~,,,.,,IJ:Dt«1ooortm/Mtr<N/sp,,Mbo-"',,...,1wfinrunJ__,, 
lloonoftlwTr,,,pklW>lloolt"fllatl 
Fire Prevention S stems: No pervas ive fire supression system has 
been installed in the Temple, other than fire extinguishers and a steel 
fire escape on the north s ide of the building. Meeting minutes indicate 
that the need to install a system was an issue which was broached many 
times, but never came to fruition. Given the age and s ize of the s tructure, 
plus the fact that it is almost entirely constructed of wood, it is a lmost 
certain that the few fire extinguishers would be insufficient to conta in a 
large blaze s hould one brea k out. It is suggested that the instal lation of a 
fire supression system be considered immediate ly. There is ample s pace 
in the attic and between the floors, so a system could even be installed 
with minimal disruption to the interior of the Temple. 
Furnishin s : No his toric finishes are readily visible on the interior 
of the Temple , and similarly, very few historic furnishings appear to ex-
ist. Those pieces of furniture which are historic include the chairs in the 
Lodge Room , which were taken from a local movie theater in the 1940's, 
as well as the chairs for the Master , Junior Warden, and Senior Warden, 
which are also in this room. The only decorative item which a ppears to 
97 
be original to the structure are the twin pillars which flank the Junior 
Warden's podium on the western side of the Lodge Room (figure 87 1 
below). In the Archives Room, a matching chair, table , and couch which 
are made of leather and feature a western theme are present. The exact 
age of these items is indeterminant, but they are likely historic. The date 
when they were installed in the Temple, however, remains a mystery. 
fltMff I": 0-ofr,,., "'"'P'/Jan •NC~""'""'""""'. 
TfWIPl,.t-'.,,.,/«a,t,/o,,,,.,.lA<Jti<oll-t•"'"'"'"'o/1 
98 
WHIDBY ISLAND LODGE #15 TEMPLE ELEVATIONS 
99 
100 
Notes 
1 Coates. Frank C. "Some Notes on the l hstrny of Whidby Island Lodge #15. F & A.M Coupe-
,ilk. Washington," {Coupc,·i\le, WA Whidby Island Lodge #15, F & A. M .• 1964), p. 41 
:wh1dby Island Lodge #IS, F. & A.M. Coupeville. Washington Lodge Meeting Mmutcs. 8 Janu-
ary 1887, Vol. 2 p. 37. 
'Con,.ersation "uh head of the Temple Association, Douglas Jero~. October 25. 2006 
l\\'hidby Island Lodge #15. F. & A.M. 13 February 1897, nnd 19 April 1902, Vol. 2 pp 189. 226. 
'Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. &A.M. 27 December 1874, Vol. Ip. 168. 
ecoates, p. 57. 
---------
·a-- • _, _J  ~ 
101 
Illustration Credits 
figure 1: Kristm Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 2: Kril>lm 1onah:m, 2006 
figure J: K.ristm 1on:i.han, 2006 
Figure 4: Kril>tin Monahan. 2006 
Figure 5: Sketch by Knstm Monahan an<l Anmc Kidd, 2006 
Flgurl' 6: Kristin Monahan, 2006 
Figure 7: Knstm Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 8: Kristin Monahan, 2006 
Figure 9: Kristin Monal111n, 2006. 
Figure I 0: Chaructcr sketch by Kris1in Monahan. October 2006. 
t-' igure 11: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
f,"igu rl' 12: Kris1in Monahan. 2006. 
Fig11rr- 13: Zachary Dunlap. 2006. 
Figure 1-1 : Kristin Monahan. 2006 
Figure- 15: Kristm Monahan, 2006. 
F igurt 16: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Flgurt' t 7: K.ristm Monahan, 2006. 
Hgu re 18: Kristin Monahan. 2006 
Figu re 19: Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 20: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 2 1: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 22: Knstm Monahan. 2006. 
Hgure 23 : Sketch by Kristin Monah:m, 2006. 
f-"igurc 24 : Kristm Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 25 : Kris1in Monah:m, 2006. 
f- igure 26: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
f- igure 27: ··Temple circa 1900,"' Courtesy of1he Whidby Island Lodge # 15, f . &A.M 
Figu"' 28: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figu re 29: Skc1ch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 30: Sketch by Kri~1in Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 31: Knstm Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 32: IIABS photograph, 1936, Available through the Library of Congress D1gnal Colleettoru., Inter-
net on-line, U'va11ablc from <http:/ mcmory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/queryiS?pp/hh:fa ficld(TITLF ~" od I (Masonic! I 
lla\l+Whidby+lsland,+ Coupcv1lle,+ lsland+County+WA)), Accessed 13 September 2006. 
Figu re 33: Knstm Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 34: "1880," Councsy of the Whidby Island Lodge #15, F. & A.M. 
Figure J S: Skl!tch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
102 
Figure 36: Sketch by Kristin Monahnn, 2006. 
Figu re 37: Kristin Monahrm, 2006. 
Figure 38: " 1880," Counesy of the Whidby Jsl:md Lodge# 15. F. & A.M. 
Figure 39: Kristin Monnhan. 2006. 
Figuri' 40: Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
fig ure 41: Sketch by Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Fi~ure 42 : Sketch by Kristm Monahan, 2006. 
Figurt' -'3 : Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re -U: Kristin Monahun, 2006. 
Figu re 45: Kristin Monahnn. 2006. 
Figurl' 46: Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure -17 : Sketch by Kristin Monalrnn, 2006. 
fig ure 48: Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 49: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
t,' igure 50: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 5 1: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
1-' igurl' 52: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Hgure SJ: Kristi n Monahan, 2006. 
1-" igure 5-1: Sketch by Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 55: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
•·igure 56: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
•' igurl' 57: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
•·igure 58: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
•·igu rl' 59: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
figure 60: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 61: Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 62: Kristi n Monahan. 2006. 
l;igurl' 63: Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
•-igure 64: Kristi n Monahan. 2006. 
•·igure 65: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
f igure 66: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
figure 67: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
•·igure 68: Zachary Dunlap, 2006. 
•' igurl' 69: Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
•' igure 70: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 71: Kristin Monahan, 2006 
Figure 72: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
103 
figure 73: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Flgurr: 74: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Flgurr- 75: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 76: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figurt 77: Kris1in Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 78: Kris11n Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 79: Krisun Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 80: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 8 1: Sketch by Kris1 in Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 82: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
f,"ig11re 83: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
flgu re 84: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 85: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
t-·igure 86: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
figure 87: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 88: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 89: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 90: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 9 1: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
CHAPTER III 
WHlDBY ISLAND LODGE #1 5 , F . & A.M. 
TEMPLE CONDITION ASSESSMENT 
Structure: 
The Temple of the Whidby Island Lodge # I 5 is currently in good 
structural condition, with only minor deflection showing on the eastern 
and western ends of the roof in the area of the additions to those eleva-
tions, and in the floor of the Lower Hall on the Temple's first story, which 
is uneven in spots. Both of these conditions seem to be relegated to those 
portions of the structure which are not original, e.g. in the areas of the 
additions, which hints to the improper installation of these elements. 
Close inspection of the attic space of the Temple revealed no mold, 
rot, insect infestation, or water damage which might be contributing to 
the roof deflection, and the Temple's foundations appear to be structur-
ally sound. Full access to the brick and concrete underpinnings was 
not able to be obtained through the wooden door on the northern eleva-
tion, so a complete structural analysis was not able to be performed in 
this area. The underside of the building did appear to be wet, though 
the building was assessed at the beginning of the area's rainy season, so 
this condition may have been solely due to the inclement weather, and 
not to failings inherent in the structure itself. The brick underpinnings 
which are still visible underneath the structure were installed by one of 
105 
the Lodge members as a retrofit to this element in 1894. As these un-
derpinnings are now almost 112 years old, they may require additional 
strengthening in order to make them structurally sound. A qualified 
structural engineer should be consulted in order to ascertain the stabil-
ity of the underpinnings, foundations, and roof, so that their structural 
strength can be officially determined. It must be noted, however, that any 
modifications to these elements, the foundations and underpinnings in 
particular, should be made with extreme sensitivity to the historic nature 
of these elements, and these changes should follow the Secretary of the 
Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (see appendix for these standards). 
This is particularly true for all elements which can easi ly be seen from 
the exterior of the bui lding, as the historic appearance should be undis-
rupted as much as is humanly possible. 
Exterior Elements: 
Walls: All of the walls on the exterior of the Temple have been clad 
in cement-asbestos shingles. In the inventory chapter of this document, 
these shingles were discussed, but their exact condition at the time of as-
sessment was not. The shingles vary in their condition from elevation to 
elevation, and so each elevation will be discussed individually. 
NORTH: Due to the large massing of the Temple, and its east/west 
orientation, the northern e levation is cast in nearly perpetual darkness. 
It receives very little direct sunlight, even in the late hours of the after-
noon. As such, this elevation remains damp and retains water far lon-
ger than the other elevations, and as a result, mold and mildew flourish 
here. This cond ition is quite apparent on the cement-asbestos shingles 
of this elevation, which are covered in a reas with mold and mildew, espe-
cially in the center, or historic section of the structure (see figure 2, be-
low). The mold growth is 
worst along the lowest 
courses of shingles, and 
along the gutters, which 
are similarly affected. It 
seems as though no ele-
ment on this elevation 
is safe from this coloni-
zation, though the ce-
ment-asbestos shingles 
seem to be most acutely 
a ~-- -•-=•_J ·1 
I 
106 
aJTected. 
The shingles present a ll over the Temple have become particularly 
friable with age, and the cement-coating on the exterior of these elements 
has begun to erode. This condition certainly is a heavy contributor to the 
colonization of the shingles by mold and mildew. By exposing the porous 
asbes tos interior of these elements, mold spores and other fungi have 
more opportunity to take root and flourish. 
While erosion of the cement coating has certainly contributed to 
the funga l growth observed on the shingles, it has also contributed heav-
ily to the breakage which has become rampant in these units on every 
elevation of the Temple. The breakage of these elements is a cause for 
concern, as it exposes the asbestos fibers buried within. These fibers can 
be a real health hazard for all of those who come in contact with them, 
an issue of pressing and immediate concern which will be dealt with 
heavily in the rehabi litation recommendation chapter of this document. 
WEST: The shingles 
I on the western elevation of 
the Temple, whjJe suffering 
less from mold and mi l-
dew infestation than their 
northern counterparts, are 
cracked and/or broken in 
much higher numbers. As 
on the north elevation, the 
breakage is moslly con-
fined to the lowest courses, 
though the tile underneath the window on the north side of the first floor 
is also damaged. The lowest 
three courses of shingles i 
are heavily discolored due to _v~t t~1I 1 _ 
water backsplash from the 
concrete apron, and a dis-
coloration due to corrosion 
of one of this elevation's light 
fixtures can be seen above 
the doorway. 
Significant water dam-
age has occurred on this 
107 
elevation in the areas of the north and south comers. Here, the metal 
gutters arc bent and mold covered, and the fungal growth has expanded 
to the corner trim pieces which lie underneath. This condition is almost 
certainly from constant water infiltration, as even the concrete apron 
around the building is saturated with water at the southwest corner. 
SOUTH : Of all of the Temple's 
e levations, the southern wall has 
suffered the most damage to its ce-
ment-asbestos shingles. The shingles 
on this e levation are very friable, es-
pecially along the lowest courses, 
where even lightly touching these units can cause breakage. Herc, large 
sections of the tiles have broken off, exposing the asbestos fibers within. 
The average hole caused by this breakage measures 6" in height, with 
some as high as 9". Most of these are between 6" and 10" long, and are 
usually confined to a s ingle tile, but the longest measures 3' and spans 
multiple tiles. Cement-asbestos shingles were manufactured in a variety 
of different types, and the 
tiles which clad the Temple 
feature a faux wood grain 
pattern. This pattern has 
begun to fade, as the ce-
mentitious outer layer of the 
shingle wears away, instead 
exposing the fibrous texture 
of the tile's interior. 
108 
Besides being broken , a number of tiles across this elevation are 
also cracked or missing a ltogether. This condition holds especially true 
in the area over the gable roofed projection which covers the south door. 
Here, multiple tiles are either missing or broken, exposing the tarpaper 
underneath (see figures 10 and 11, below). The shingles in this area have 
also suffered significant discoloration, which is of unknown origin, but 
presents itself in a splatter pattern which resembles paint. This discolor-
ation is a dark ochre yellow in color. 
n• •, , " '"'"""''"l"ftlfl-'J,oro1o,a1-owr f'IM•rrll :~,.·-•llu,o,,wllw,1,,nit,ro,,Ji,h,..,.,,....,,w..,hkJ,,,..,.,ro,..,,..,~,Jtqw 
...., .~,,,.,,..,,_. -1wrw,irw,,- """' ,1w-,o(. .,  •"1-'.,._...,,,,i,,u 
EAST: As on a ll of the other Temple elevations, the eastern facade 
is sheathed with cement-asbestos shingles. These tiles are in better con-
dition than those on a ny of the other elevations; the exception being a 
fist-sized hole in one of the tiles on the north side of the doorway . On 
the surface, the tiles on this elevation are very dirty, a condition which is 
I 
:II- -- ■ _  -· _I_ _] i 
109 
likely due to this elevation's close proximity to the car traffi and subse-
quent exhaust on Coupeville's Main Street. This is especially true on the 
eastern e levation's first floor, where some tiles have turned a dark grey 
color from the exposure. The cementitious coating on the shingles' exte-
rior is especially thin on this e levation. 
Windows: The Temple windows are all in fairly good condition, and 
feature only minor cosmetic defects. These include cracked or peeling 
paint, missing glazing, and minor moss colonization. All of the condition 
concerns currently affecting the Temple windows can be quickly rem-
edied with little effort and a smaU expense. 
NORTH: Of the four windows currently present on the northern 
elevation, all are in good condition, with minor cosmetic defects. These 
include cracked glazing, paint on the glass lights or the windows (inte-
rior), and minor mold growth on the window's drip si ll s (figure 13). These 
elements should be cleaned, 
re-glazed as necessary, 
and repainted to prevent 
damage from occurring to 
the historic window fabric. 
Treatment of the wood after 
repainting with an anti-fun-
gal agent is advisable on 
this elevation, given its ca-
-------
3 _-~ ---=·_J ~ 
110 
cause large outbreaks or fungal growth. The window trim pieces should 
be similarly treated. 
WEST: Windows on the western elevation arc in fair to good condi-
tion, with the glazing on the first floor window being cracked and flaking, 
especially on the lower light's northern edge. Elsewhere, paint has begun 
to flake off on the window si lls, which has allowed water penetration and 
mold growth to occur (see figure 14, below). In the windows of the up-
per story, the glazing is in tact, though it has begun to ye llow with age. 
It seems as though at some point water infiltration was an issue on this 
elevation, as the nails used on the windows and door sills have left corro-
sion stains on the paint which covers them. 
While all of these conditions sound very bad, they have not yet 
degenerated to the point as to cause irreparable harm to the historic 
fabric of the windows. Simple maintenance in the form of re-glazing and 
repainting, as well as continua l upkeep of these elements will not only 
prevent them from degrading any further, but it will preserve them for 
the future. These undertakings, while requiring an initial small expendi-
ture, will prove to be tremendously cost effective in the future. 
SOUTH: Cosmetically, the windows on the southern Temple e leva-
tion are in the same condition as those on the western elevation. Some 
of the window glazing has cracked with age, and the large three light 
window towards the center of the wall is even missing large portions 
of the glazing on its lower light (see figures 15, 16, and 17, next page). 
Some small yellow fungal growths were observed growing in clumps on 
the windows sills of this elevation. The wooden elements of the windows, 
-- ----------
-----~ '!--1 
:II~- .___._J 1 
111 
including the trim pieces, have cracked and/or peeling paint, and the 
glass lights also have paint on them, though this is mostly the case on 
the interior surface of the glass. 
n,..,.,.. 15 (l,,fl), /6 (for Ritt/ti), ttml 11 (ll""""' R;,hl); ll~r1voly~roc•..J1/,z:.lng on 11,,, ""'""" wJndt,,.•firstjlq<w, »iriclu/,Q"''"X t/t, fongal 
r-·1/u °" //w win""'- • Ill of11N " """ ,.-;n,low. <1ndpn(M<>grop/r .1l,o,,•,,,1t(/) fl<u,lngp<1olll "lr1</r 11.u ~11po1rd//w-' ,,,_.,..,.. ofllw ,.1n<4r,,, 
fn,_, und(/) ,n,u;ng gla:.,ng in 1/H> l<Ngf! 1/rrttl,ghl "''""""'°" 1Mjin11fo,wo/1!,r to,,thrn, r/n-<ll,o,, 
EAST: As the eastern elevation of the Temple could readily be con-
sidered the "front" of the building, minor surface defects in any of its ele-
ments will seem more pronounced, as this is the facade that most people 
think of when they consider the building. Due to this fact, it is especially 
important here that good maintenance practices be established in order 
to present the Temple to the public and its members in the best light 
possible. The Temple is a very real, tangible symbol of the tenets of Free-
masonry and the strength of the community within and at large, so every 
effort should be made to present these ideas through the structure itself. 
The windows of the eastern elevation are in better condition than 
any others on the Temple, visually. Here, the windows have suffered only 
minimal damage in the form of peeling and chipped paint on the window 
frames. However, the wooden elements of the eastern windows are ex-
tremely dirty, as are all other elements on the first floor of this elevation. 
The windows, frames, trim pieces, and walls should be cleaned, and the 
wooden e lements repainted white. Doing these simple tasks will brighten 
this entire facade and enliven the structure as a whole. 
-----
-~- ---- - l 
:II -- - ■ J _J 1 
112 
The windows on the second floor of the eastern facade of the 
Temple present a unique situation to the preservationist, as they are no 
longer functional as windows. The wall behind the windows has been in 
fi.Ued, and the historic glass 1.ights have been removed from their frames. 
As such, it is not possible to restore the windows without disrupting the 
interior of the Temple, and the privacy needed in the Lodge Room, as 
well. Since the paint on the window frames and muntins has begun to 
peel and crack on these windows as well, and the plywood pieces which 
were inserted in place of the historic lights shows signs of similar degra-
dation, the most amicable result to the s ituation would likely be to re-
paint the wooden portions of the window frame white, and then to paint 
the plywood pieces a color which matches that of the cement-asbestos 
shingles. In this way, the second story windows will not stick out so 
much as being modified , and they will more harmoniously blend with the 
rest of the facade. It should be noted, however, that if at any point the 
historic siding is restored, then the color of that element should be taken 
into consideration in regards to these windows. 
Roof: Despite deflection on its eastern and western ends, the Tem-
ple roof is in good condition, having been completely rep laced in 2000. 
On the northern elevation, where conditions are perpetually damp and 
dark, some minor moss growth was observed in the central portion of 
the roof, though this can like ly be abated immediately by sweeping the 
roof shingles to remove any d u ff or other debris which may be abrading 
the surface and a llowing the moss to grow. Gutters should likewise be 
cleared, as debris can be observed in the gutters of the northern eleva-
tion from the ground. 
Downspouts should be checked to ensure that they are working 
properly and are not clogged. Mold growth on the exterior of these ele-
ments was observed, particularly on the northern and western eleva-
tions, and it remains undetermined whether this condition is solely su-
perficial or whether a failing at the gutter seams is allowing water to run 
down the exterior rather than through the interior of these elements. 
Routine cleaning and maintenance of these elements will prevent 
any major damage from occurring, as well as reduce costs associated 
with the repai r of either of these elements in the future. 
113 
Eaves: The Temple eaves, especially on the northern and western 
elevations, have begun to show signs or rot and mold growth due to wa-
ter infiltration. This condition has likely been caused by failings in the 
gutters and downspouts, as the degradation is mostly confined to areas 
which are immediately adjacent to these elements (see figures 18 a nd I 9, 
below). Another cosmetic defect which has presented itself in the eaves 
,._..,..,,, \lulJ.,.,..~""""'-·,_Jnwo,,rMpr,f'rUlfd"""'1. F11t•rrlf:\W"""•-~.-J-"'1·rnd-,ol_"',._....,J...-,,,, -"-''"'"""-·,..,,,~'""'-
can be seen on the northern el-
evation, where a large piece of the 
facia board has been removed {fig-
ure 20, left). This condition does 
not appear to be due to water 
damage or rot, as the entire board 
is missing, and no jagged edges 
which would indicate breakage or 
rot are apparent. 
Treatment recommendations for the Temple's eaves include the 
cleaning and repair of a ll gutters and downspouts to ensure they are 
work_jng properly, as well as the rep lacement of the missing facia board 
on the northern elevation with in-kind materials in keeping with the 
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The replacement 
of this member is imperative, in order to prevent water from logging the 
exposed wood underneath and leading to damage either to the roof or 
wal ls. 
Doors: All of the four doors whkh arc present on the Temple ex-
terior are in good condition, with al l damage (minor m nature) being 
present on either the door trim or the si lls. The doors them selves are in 
excellent condition, and are al l working properly. The northe rn and east-
i a _- - •--=•j ~ 
' 
114 
em doors show very few defects other than being dirty, and as such, it is 
just recommended that the doors and trims be cleaned , and repainted as 
necessary. 
~11HJl;.'iul,.-J, ,,\,o,o""-<t{-"'1...,.1J,Mro,,t,fff'•l<p. 1-7s .. , .. n ,.<an,1t,,.,, ,,.._,,.,iw.,. ....... ..,,,.,.,.,,_ • 
.... ,,..,., .., ,.,.,,_ "' .J,,,,J..,,,n" ,,.d,w "' 
The door on the western elevation of the Temple does show some 
minor visual defects including heavy wear to both the wooden door sill 
and concrete step, as welt as pronounced nail holes, some paint loss, 
and minor fungal growth (figures 21 and 22, above, and 23, below). Some 
corrosion was also observed 
on the metal door hinges 
on the southern side of the 
door. All of this damage is 
relatively superficial, and 
any further corrosion or 
degradation could bear-
rested with the application 
of a new layer of paint on all 
of these surfaces. 
The door on the 
southern elevation docs not 
show signs of rot, mold, or 
mildew growth. Its only defect is that pieces of trim on the top and east-
ern sides of the door have been removed, exposing the historic wood lap 
siding and framing pieces underneath. While the removal of this element 
was beneficial in helping to ascertain whether or not historic siding still 
existed on the exterior of the Temple, prolonged exposure of these ele-
ments to the weather could result in a degradation to the historic fabric. 
As such, it is recommended that the missing trim pieces be replaced un-
til such time as the historic wall sheathing of the Temple can be restored. 
~~ 
~ ~-. - ~J_J ~ 
115 
Foundations: As the Temple foundations are all historic, great 
care should be taken when working with these elements in order to en-
sure that the historic fabric is being treated sensitively. For example, the 
eastern and southern foundations should never be replaced with poured 
concrete, as these elements were originally board-formed, and their pres-
ence speaks to the gradual evolution of the structure. Likewise, if it was 
ever determined that the stone foundation on the northern elevation be 
repaired or replaced, the work should be done in kind, leaving as much of 
the historic fabric in tact as possible. 
Fortunately, the Temple foundations remained in good condition at 
the time of this assessment, and showed very little damage. The eastern 
portion of the board-formed concrete foundations on the northern eleva-
tion do feature a sizeable crack, which begins approximately 13' from 
the eastern edge of the foundations, and is I /4" thick at its widest point 
(figure 24, below). It is doubtful that this crack has caused any structur-
a l instability in the foundations, but it should be monitored frequently to 
track any changes in its size. The 
board-formed concrete foundations 
on the eastern e levations show sim-
ilar cracks, though these are much 
smaller than the one found on the 
northern elevation (see figures 25 
and 26, next page). 
Very little of the foundations 
can be seen on the southern and 
western elevations, as only a few 
inches of this element has been left 
exposed, owi ng to the grade of the 
lot. What can be seen of the foun-
dations at these facades however, 
appears to be in very good condi-
tion, with no major or minor defects Fw.,,,u,c,._,., _.,, __,,,,._,.._...,-i-,.,.,1,.,,_.~,., ,,,~.,..,_ 
apparent. 
The original Temple foundations, which were constructed of large 
field stones, also remains in good condition. This portion of the founda-
tion can be seen on the northern elevation of the Temple, in the center 
section of the building. While the condition is good , it does appear that 
some re-pointing of the historic mortar occurred in the area surround-
- --~ 
a --- • ~ _._J ~ 
116 
f°"'II'•"' IS: M,_...,,.,.u.,,,.,,,,,.,_-111/Mllou,,J.f--J,._.,...,,, ,.,..,.,z,, 11o,..,,H.,-,1...,........,~._...,,,Mr""...,, 
~-.... w-"""·'""°'•""'""~'"-· -·· 
ing the wooden access door on this elevation (figures 27 and 28, below). 
This re-pointed mortar differs d rastically in color from the original mate-
rial, and in some places it spi lls over to cover the field stones themselves. 
While this condition is cosmetic, and is not affecting the integrity of the 
foundations, it should be noted that any re-pointing efforts in the future 
should strive to be as clean as possible, and should not seek to repeat 
the mistakes made in this re-pointing effort . 
Fi,wff,11(bft)•""' ll(Rl11li1):Rr·poJmmlf,efllwliJswrll'-,r,.,,.o,,l~IIOMfa,,""'1110,,. -,lt,,n,rl«wJIIMI. M.1"'11_..,,..,J,,1t,A.,,.,..~·{,,l,n..· 
111/wrJ1troltll'or"fJl>l~<11,.,,, n,,. ....,..,.,,....,...,,. l"'Kfl uci.-u/ rl,1)11,w,.._· ,,,_, 
Vents: Two of the four e levations of the Temple feature metal 
vents. These elements arc present on the northern and southern eleva-
tions, where they are more or less evenly spaced across the entire length 
of the facade. On both of these elevations, all of the vents show some 
signs of corrosion , and many are bent or otherwise damaged. It is ad-
vised that these elements be replaced in order to prevent the corrosion 
from staining the shingles or other surrounding elements. 
Concrete Work: Cracking is rampant in both the Temple 's con-
crete apron and its parking lot. Concrete curbing in the parking lot is 
I 
~Ell=- ■-~ __._J  ~ 
117 
similarly affected. The area of the parking lot is particularly impacted, as 
here the ground plane has buckled as well as cracked. Seismic activity 
in this area seems to be average for the region, and other elements of the 
structure do not seem to be damaged by earthquake or tremor, so it is 
assumed that the damage which has occurred to these concrete elements 
is the result of freeze/thaw patterns rather than seismic activity. This 
condition is not one of major concern, though areas in the parking lot 
which are buckled and may prevent ADA access to the Temple entrance 
may need to be replaced. 
17,:11,nlffT• Uft}.Jl(T., lt/illQ.JI (~ Ri,:t,1},,,,,,IJZ(/1,,,,_ Uft): P,.,,,.,,...,,.,,. HOQ,.,_,. •. ,,,,,:l.,,..,,,,,Jl,_U,,cJwioj,.,_1,lt.r,,; 
<yt!/alJltMT,.,.,,,,~~~"'N.,,,_.,,.,Jpiri,..,;lutr 
Columns: The four character defining fluted Doric columns which 
have been installed as support for the second story projection on the 
Temple's eastern end are only in fair condition, though they remain 
s tructurally sound. The large columns are constructed of wood , a fact 
tha t is easily ascertained owing to the level of damage which has oc-
curred to the columns ' surface treatments. The paint on the two center 
columns is crazing significantly, and all four elements have suffered at 
least some paint loss. Again, the two central columns have suffered the 
most paint loss, a condition which on these elements can be classified as 
moderate to severe (see images, next page). Here, the paint is bubbling 
- ---
• a - - ■-~-u ~ 
11 8 
badly, and has flaked off in large sheets. The back side of the paint piec-
es which have spalled off reveal a textured surface which resembles con-
crete . It is assumed that the columns were originally coated with paint 
mixed with sand to make it appear as though they were made of stone. 
F''Jl"rr$ (Cl«h-1,t /"'"' li,p lrftJJJ. )./, JS. ) 6, •11J J1: Pl,ot,;gr,q,lu •"""·,ngur,,,uoy d.1~ l<1 tM 1,uf,rt in..,,_ oftlttt<'<,skrn 
tlnv1/o,,~fa11r Dor,r t'0/11mns 
The columns need to be treated immediately in order to prevent 
any damage from occurring to their historic wood sub-structure and 
to prevent the loss of any historic fabric. The columns were built circa 
1910, and their replacement would not be either easy or inexpensive. 
Fortunately, re-finishing the columns is a simple and relatively inexpen-
sive way protect them from further damage. For guidance on re-finishing 
these and other wood elements on the Temple, refer to Preservation Brief 
10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork, which is published by 
the National Parks Service, and has been included in the appendix of this 
document. 
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'Et!- -. -__ I_J ~ 
119 
Fire Escape: While the steel spiraling fire escape on the Temple's 
northern elevation is neither original to the structure nor historic, it does 
have some condition concerns which diminish its effectiveness as a sur-
vival tool in case of a fire. The biggest concern affecting the fire escape 
is the fact that mold growth is rampant on this element; in some cases 
covering entire treads. The mold growth has made the surface of the fire 
escape extremely slkk, a condition which makes it more of a hazard than 
a help if it were needed for emergency evacuation. The other situation 
affecting the fire escape is the fact that the metal has begun to exhibit 
signs of corrosion. It is suggested that, at the very least, the fire escape 
be thorough ly cleaned, repainted, and treated with an anti -fungal agent. 
Routine maintenance and frequent inspections of this element 
should be mandatory, as the Temple contains no real fire suppression 
system other than fire extinguishers, and in the event of a fire , the fire 
escape would have to be uti lized. As it stands now, the fire escape is too 
slippery to walk on comfortably, let alone run down during an emergency 
situation. The configuration of the fire escape also makes it impra tical 
for a quick escape, as a spiral stair is not conducive to a quick descent. 
It is advised that an alternative fire escape be considered for installation 
on the Temple's northern e levation; one which is accessible , easy to use, 
and not susceptible to the mold growth which is rampant on this eleva-
tion. 
,.,..,.,, Jl(lfq/lllJ•""lf(l_,jl): ~"f>luJNl,.,,ctlv,.,..,,.,,.,..oldrro--1ll o,,1M,,._.,.1,n(dt,,1ttl,.,,,~ 111un""'"-"'"' 
kjltlw1"""....,,..iid.-JM,.,j~,o....-
Interior Finishes: 
As no historic wall, ceiling, or floor finishes are readily visible on 
the interior of the Temple, it is very hard to make an informed assess-
ment of the interior elements based on their historical integrity. Historic 
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'Ell~~- ■-__ _._J ~ 
120 
photographs showing the interior of the Temple were unable to be ob-
tained, and the meeting minutes give few clues as to how the interior 
rooms were configured, finished, or furnished. As such, this assessment 
can only comment on the interior elements based on their modem fin-
ishes and configurations. 
Walls: The Temple's interior walls are all in good condition, except-
ing the western wal l in the first floor Women's Restroom, which has suf-
fered water damage and discoloration of its wallpaper (figure 40, below). 
\ 
L / 
,..'8flll,.,~--......... of.•.J.in..lJ. 1~oa,- ..-...".. ",1t --~-"' ....... ..,,,.._  
A thorough inspection of the plumbing elements should be made by a 
qualified professional in order to determine whether the damage is due 
to an ongoing problem, or a one time leak. That person may then make 
recommendations as to an appropriate remedy. 
Wal ls e lsewhere in the interior of the Temple are in good to excel-
lent condition, owing to the fact that their surface treatments are rela-
tively new. Routine inspections should be made of all clements of the 
Temple, including the interior, and surface finishes cleaned, touched up, 
or re-applied as needed. 
Ceilin s : Ceilings throughout the Temple, like the walls, are hard 
to evaluate based on their historic finishes, as in most cases, these fin-
ishes remain unknown. The historic ceiling of the Lower Hall is still in 
tact above the current batten ceiling, and this could easily be restored. 
As the ceiling in the Lower Hall has begun to show signs of deflection, it 
is recommended that the removal of the current ceiling and subsequent 
restoration of the historic ceiling be considered. This is one small way 
in which the history of the Temple can be addressed on the interior with 
minimal cost, and no loss of the usability of the space. 
..... ----_ 
Ell- ■ __ J_J 1 
121 
Visually, the Temple ceilings are a ll in good condition, and s hould 
simply be monitored for any changes. 
Floors: The Temple floors are in good condition. The carpeting in 
the Lower Hall is heavily soiled, though a deep cleaning might rectify this 
situation. The only issue of some concern relative to the Temple floors is 
the de flection which has been observed in the area of the Lower Hal l. A 
structura l engineer needs to be con sulted in order to ascertain whether 
this condition is the result of any structural failing of e ither the found a-
tions or floor joists, as well as to make recommendalions for its treat-
ment. 
Attic: The Temple attic is in remarkable condition considering its 
age a nd the number of modifications which it has undergone in its long 
life. The rafte rs a nd floor joists a re sou nd, and there is no evidence of rot, 
mold , insect or vermin infestation, or water damage. No detritus is pres-
ent, and the entire space is very clean. In all, the attic could be classified 
as being in excellent condition cosmetically. 
While the attic is in good cosmetic condition, the methods em-
ployed in constructing the s paces are incongruous, haphazard , and 
shoddi ly installed . There is a lmos t no continui ty in the framing systems 
from one e lement to the next , and the additions appear as though they 
were hasti ly scabbed onto the historic elements using whatever materi-
als appeared to be ha ndy. No formu laic system has been uti lized in the 
additions for d etermining the appropriate size for the various structural 
members, as the nominal dimensions of most of the roofing members 
vary from boa rd to boa rd. Given the random nature of their installation, 
it is imperative that the framing systems of the attic, and of the Temple 
as a whole be very carefully examined by a qualified professional in order 
to ascerta in whether these elem ents were properly installed, and that the 
connections between the various members are correclly configured. 
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- ·Ell-=- ~_ _._ _J1  
122 
Illustra tion Credits 
fig ure I: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 2: Kris1in Monahan, 2006. 
fig ure 3: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 4: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 5: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
fig ure 6: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 7: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 8: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 9: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re I 0: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 11 : Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 12: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 13: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 14: Kristin Monah1m, 2006. 
Figure 15: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 16: Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 17: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 18: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 19: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 20: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 21: Sketch by Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 22: Sketch by Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 23: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figu re 24: Kristin Monahan, 2006 
Figure 25: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 26: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 27: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 28: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 29: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 30: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 31: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 32: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 33: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 34: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
Figure 35: Kristin Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 36: Kristin Monahan, 2006. 
----
-
Ell-- ■ ... L J· l 
l::!J 
figure 37: Kris1in Monahan, 2006. 
f-'igure 38: Kris1m Monahan, 2006. 
Figure J9: Kristm Monahan. 2006. 
Figure 40: Krisun Monahan. 2006. 
124 
CHAPTER IV 
WHIDBY ISLAND LODGE #1 5 , F. & A.M . 
TEMPLE REHABILITATION DIRECTIVES 
All replacements should follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for 
Rehabilitation 
STABILIZATION 
Structure: 
Structural analysis by a trained professional will be necessary to 
determine the exact cause of the deflection which was observed both on 
the eastern and western ends of the Temple roof, as well as in the floor of 
its Lower Hall. It is recommended that a structural engineer inspect the 
foundations, underpinnings, floor joists, rafters, and attic to determine 
the exact cause of this condition. The Lodge should refer to this person's 
report before deciding on a course of action or performing any repairs 
to the roof or foundations. All work performed on the Temple should be 
done following the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation 
and with the goal of protecting the integrity of the Temple's historic fab-
ric. 
The Temple foundations should be similarly analyzed by a struc-
tural engineer to determine whether the cracks in the northern and east-
ern board-formed concrete portions are due to structural fatigue, or age, 
as we ll as to make recommendations for their rehabilitation or repair. 
Exterior Elements: 
W_alls: The cement-asbestos shingles which clad the Temple walls 
are an e lement of pressing concern. Their friabi lity and degradation ex-
poses all those who come into contact with the Temple to asbestos fibers, 
a condition which could pose a very real health risk if the issue of this 
degradation is not addressed immediately. At the very least, the tiles 
should be sealed on their broken edges to prevent the release of asbestos 
fibers into the atmosphere. This task should be performed by a trained 
professional who has been certified to handle asbestos materials. A num-
ber of different levels of treatment could be undertaken relative to this el-
ement, and these will be delineated in detail a bit later in this document. 
Windows: Glazing putty which is cracked and/or missing should 
be repaired or replaced as necessary in order to ensure that the historic 
lights are neither damaged or lost. All wooden surfaces on the windows, 
125 
including the frames, sashes, muntins, and trim pieces should be re-
painted in order to prevent damage to the historic wood fabric under-
neath. Coating these elements, especially those which are found on the 
northern elevation, with a n anti-fungal agent wi ll help to prevent re-colo-
nization by mold, mildew, or other fungi. 
Doors: The Temple doors a re in good condition, and so require 
only minima l maintenance and continued upkeep. All wooden trim pieces 
should be re-painted and treated with an anti-fungal agent, as neces-
sary. The missing trim pieces on the southern elevation door should be 
replaced unti l such time as a s uita ble treatment for the Temple's historic 
wood s iding is dete rmined. The goal should be to protect this element in 
order to prevent loss of the historic fabric. 
RQ.Q_f: The Temple roof is a lso in good condition, having been re-
cently replaced. The roof s hould be cleaned and regu larly monitored. The 
gutters and downspouts, which are mold covered, should be inspected 
for fail ure, and these elements should be replaced if necessary. 
Eaves: Eaves should be cleaned and inspected for damage and rot 
resu ltant from water infiltration. The area of the southwestern corner 
of the Temple seems appears to be especial ly affected. Those members 
which are rotlen shou ld be replaced in kind with materials which arc 
sensitive to the historic integrity of the bui lding. The missing piece of fa-
cia board on the northern elevation should be simi larly rep laced in kind. 
Foundations: The Temple foundations arc in good condition, and 
do not require any immediate stabilization measures. They do, however, 
need to be inspected by a quali fied structural engineer to determine the 
cause of the cracks which a re present on the northern and eastern eleva-
tions. 
Vents: All of the metal vents on the Temple exhibit moderate to se-
vere corrosion. These elements should be replaced in order to prevent the 
corrosion from staining the surrounding walls. 
Columns: The Temple columns show significant degradation in the 
form of cracked , bubbling, and missing paint, which has exposed large 
portions of the historic wood sub-structure. These elements need to be 
refinished immediately. The National Parks Service's Preservation Bulletin 
#10 should be consulted before beginning any refinishing work on these 
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Ell~- - -■- --• _J 1 
126 
or any other wooden element on the Temple. 
Fire Esca e : The steel fire escape on the Temple's northern eleva-
tion is very dangerous to waJk on, owing to the rampant mold which cov-
ers nearly every surface of the treads, making them extremely slippery. 
At the very leas t, the treads and rails should be cleaned, and refinished, 
as well as treated with an a nti -fungal agent. Given the advanced degree 
of this mold growth, and the spiraling shape of the s ta ir, which is not 
conducive to a quick escape, it is recomme nded that an alternative fire 
escape be considered for instal lation. As there is no real fire su ppres-
sion system in place in the Temple, it is imperative that the fire escape be 
both easi ly accessible and safe. 
Interior Finishes: 
The interior finishes in the Temple rema in in good condition, ex-
cepting the western wal l in the Women 's Restroom on the first floor. This 
wall s hould be examined by a plumber in order to ascertain the cause of 
the water da mage which is evident both on the ceiling and the wallpaper. 
As the historic ceiling of the Lower Ha ll is sti ll in tact, this element 
should be restored so that, in some s mall measure, the history of the 
structure may be acknowledged in a ta ngible way on its interior. It is very 
importa nt tha t no color other than blue be used in refini shing the Tem-
ple's interiors. Blue is a very importa nt color in Freemasonry, as it sym-
bolizes the heavens , and it is considered improper for a Master Mason's 
Temple to be finished in colors other tha n blue or white. 
OPERATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Major Concerns: 
A stringent, year-round routine ma intenance plan for the care and 
perpetual upkeep of the Whidby Is land Lodge's Temple mus t be imple-
mented and strictly followed. Vegetation must be kept from growing up 
right next to the building, as it increases the chances of water being 
trapped in the historic fabri c, and subsequent damage to these elements. 
The large bushes on the eastern elevation s hould either be removed or 
relocated to prevent their proximity from affecting the board-formed 
concrete foundations on this elevation. The roof should be checked nu-
merous times annual ly, and swept free of debris. The gutters and down-
spouts should likewise be kept clear of duff a nd other debris. An a nnual 
inspection of the windows, doors , chimneys, foundations, and a ll other 
-
~ ~ - --~~-~ 
127 
elements of the Temple should be performed and any maintenance issues 
which arise from these inspections should be dealt with in a timely man-
ner. 
Site Features: 
Vegetation should be kept trimmed back from the building's perim-
eter. The members of the Lodge have done a good job in maintaining the 
landscape of the Temple plot, and this maintenance regiment should be 
continued. 
Foundations: 
Well drained foundations should be provided for at all times, and 
foundations and underpinnings should be continually monitored for 
signs of damage, water infiltration or retention, and signs of fatigue or 
structural instability. If any problems are found, then a structural engi-
neer should be consulted before deciding on a course of action. 
Roof: 
It is imperative that the Temple roof be kept clear of all debris, and 
that the gutters and downspouts receive similar treatment. These ele-
ments should be monitored frequently, and any necessary changes or 
repairs should be completed in a reasonable and timely manner. 
Elevations: 
All building surfaces, including walls, windows, doors, decorative 
elements, and trims should be kept as clean as is reasonably possible. 
The elevations should be monitored for infestation by insects, vermin, or 
other animals, and al l necessary precautions should be taken to prevent 
infestation and a llay damage to the building which can be caused by 
these pests. All windows and doors should be monitored to ensure con-
tinued operability. 
Interiors: 
A concerted effort needs to be made on the interior to acknowledge 
the history of the building, even in small ways. The restoration of the 
Lower Hall ceiling would greatly aid in telling the story of the structure. 
Interior elements should continue to be kept clean, dry, and in good 
repair . The attic and crawlspaces should likewise be monitored for infes-
tation, water damage, or rot, and any necessary repairs made in a timely 
manner. 
..... -~--
Ell-- ■ - •~ i 
, 
128 I 
REHABILITATION DIRECTIVES 
The Whidby Is land Lodge's Temple is a truly amazing structure, 
rich in history, and important to the greater community in which it is 
located. Unfortunately, the many additions and modifications which have 
occurred to the Temple over its long history, while making the structure 
usable for modern purposes, have also greatly diminished the historic 
integrity and association of the building. This loss of historic feeling 
and association is the greatest preservation-related issue which faces 
the structure. As such, rehabilitation directives which are driven by the 
ve1y real need to preserve the h istory of the Temple will be delineated 
with the goal of restoring to the structure some of its historic integrity, 
while keeping it usable for th e current membership of the Lodge. This is 
no easy task to undertake, given the severity of the modifications which 
have occurred. It is imperative that al l restoration work be undertaken 
only after thoroughly consulting this document, and that each task be 
completed in following with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for 
Rehabilitation, which have been included in the appendix of this docu-
ment. 
While the Temple is in overal l good condition, a number of cos-
metic and structural issues need to be immediately addressed in order 
to avoid costly repairs or the loss of historic fabric (sec chart delineat-
ing cost effectiveness of p reventative maintenance from How Buildings 
Learn- What Happens After They're Built by Stewart Brand, Appendix). 
The elements which are of pressing concern relative to the condition of 
the structure include; (1) the steel spiral fire escape, (2) cement-asbestos 
shingles, 13) roof deflection, and 14) columns. 
Restoration: 
Restoration is the act of "accurately recovering the form and de-
tails of a property as it was in a particular period of time by means of the 
retention, protection, and repair of its architectural fabric , and by the 
removal of latter work or the replacement of missing earlier work. "1 In 
order to really appreciate the rehabilitation dorectives which are about to 
be delineated in this document, it is important that the Lodge members 
aquaint themselves with some of the phi losophies and practices which 
guide historic preservationists on the pursuit of their life's work. As the 
Mason's are going to be the ones making decisions about the future of 
the structure, hiring contractors, and possibly undertaking some of the 
- -
.B  ~= ~ IIJ~ i 
129 
work themselves, it is imperative that they have a full understanding 
of the reasons WHY the preservation of their incredible structure is so 
important. Consultation of the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines and 
Standards for Rehabilitation should be considered mandatory before any 
work is undertaken, as these documents are industry standards. The Na-
tional Parks Service, State Historic Preservation Office, and the National 
Trust for Historic Preservation are also organizations whose goal it is 
increase awareness of and interest in historic preservation, and the full 
breadth of these organizations' resources should be utilized. 
Conseivation and restoration efforts on the Temple will be expen-
sive, and they will requjre a concerted long-term effort on the part of the 
Masons. Projects should be undertaken as the funds become avai lable, 
but a lways with the goal of doing things the proper way, as always con-
sidering the historic nature of the structure. 
Any future changes or modifications to the structure should be 
well documented through photographs and written records, and discus-
sions of future modificaions should continue to be recorded in the meet-
ing minutes of the Lodge. In this way, future preservationists will be 
made aware of the dates of all modifications, and the record which has 
here been established for the structure will remain complete. During 
the undertaking of some of these projects, a certain amount of historic 
fabric is bound to be revealed (especially in the removal of the asbestos 
shingles). Someone familiar with historic preservation practice should be 
on-hand during projects like these in order to advise on the appropriate 
treatment, as well as to record whatever historic fabric is revealed. 
The recommendations are listed according to their importance, not 
their costs. It is understood that a ll of these recommendations cannot 
be undertaken simultaneously. It is hoped that the Lodge will fo llow the 
outline of the recommendations as they are presented here, making the 
necessary changes as the funding becomes available. 
Loss of Historic Integrity: 
The loss of historic integrity within the Temple is the issue of most 
pressing concern relative to the preservation of the structure. The modifi-
cations and additions which have occurred to the building have resulted 
in a composition which is a far cry from the original appearance of the 
structure. While the inevitable changes over time which occur in the 
life of a building are understood, and even appreciated, they are no ex-
130 
cuse for ignoring the history integral to a building's context. There arc a 
number of ways in which some of the historic integrity can be restored 
to the Temple, and these include: (1) the removal of the cement-asbestos 
shingles and the restoration of the underlying wood lap siding, (2) the 
removal of the spiral fire escape on the northern elevation, and (3), the 
restoration of the ceiling of the Lower Hall (interior, first floor). 
Cement-Asbestos Shingles: 
The condition of the cement-asbestos shingles which cover the 
entire exterior of the Temple has a lready been discussed in detai l in this 
document. These elements have become very friable, and as a result, the 
risk of exposure to asbestos fibers by those who routinely use the Temple 
is very real. As such, a number of levels of treatment have been devised 
in order to a llay this exposure, while at the same time addressing the 
historic nature of the Temple. They are delineated here in order of prefer-
ence, not in order of cost effectiveness. 
Option 1, Re moval: 
While the removal of the shingles os the most expensive treatment 
avajlable to address the concerns presented by the friability of the ce-
ment-asbestos shingles, it is the most preferable option from a historic 
preservation standpoint. The Temple has undergone so many alterations, 
modifications, and additions in its 132 year history so as to render is vir-
tually unrecognizable from its historic appearance. As the complete res-
toration of the Temple to its as-built appearance would rob the Lodge of 
nearly three-quarters of their meeting space, and effectively prevent them 
from viably uti lizing the s tructure, a complete restoration to its as-bui lt 
appearance is not recommended. Instead, the restoration of the historic 
siding material would go a long way towards restoring the historic feeling 
and association of the structure, as welJ as removing the health risks as-
sociated with the current wall sheathing. 
Missing trim pieces around the southern door of the Temple re-
veal that the historic wood lap siding remains in tact under the current 
siding. It is suggested that the asbestos shingles be removed, and this 
siding be restored. This project should be undertaken in phases and in 
consultation with trained professionals. Under no circumstance should 
members of the Lodge undertake the removal of these elements by them-
selves. Preliminary instrusive investigation of the shingles needs to be 
undertaken in order to ascertain the precise condition of the underlying 
131 
historic siding. Shingles should be removed from various places across 
the various Temple elevations, and a preservation professional should 
be on hand to interpret the condition of the historic siding, as well as to 
make more informed recommendations regarding its restoration. 
Pieces of the siding which have been recycled as bracing members 
in the attic can be reclaimed and reinstalled, and additional siding can 
easily be re-milled to cover the additions on the eastern and western 
sides of the Temple. While this will be an expensive undertaking, it is 
one of the few ways in which the historic feeling of the Temple exterior 
can be restored, given al l of the modifications which have occurred to 
this element. The restoration will also help to incorporate the columns on 
the eastern e levation into the building, giving them a historic context and 
preventing them from looking incongruous. 
As the Temple is already incorporated in the multiple property Na-
tional Register Designation in place for Ebey's Landing National Histori-
cal Reserve, it is eligible for individual Listing on the National Register of 
Historic Places as well. If the individual listing is pursued, then all money 
spent on the rehabilitation of the Temple would qualify for a 20% rehabil-
itation tax credit, effectively reducing the overall cost of the expenditure 
to the Lodge and its members. 
It must be noted that any work involving asbestos must be per-
formed by a certified professional who has experience in the removal and 
disposal of asbestos products. This is mandated by law, as well as being 
dictated by health and safety concerns. 
0 tion 2 Re air: 
At a minimum, the asbestos shingles which clad the exterior of the 
Temple need to be immediately repaired. The repair of these clements en-
tails at the very least repainting or otherwise coating all of the elements 
in order to seal the fibers and prevent them from entering the atmo-
sphere. On broken tiles, this includes sealing the jagged edges, which are 
most likely to cause asbestos exposure. 
Ideally, repair to these elements would include the REPLACEMENT 
of any tiles which are cracked and/or broken. The replacement of these 
members should be done in addition to the resealing of their exterior 
surfaces, as the cement coating on theses elements is very thin over the 
entire surface of the building. A cement coating which is too thin can just 
as easily exposed asbestos fibers to the environment as if the tiles were 
132 
broken. 
While the repair option does not address the real need to restore 
some of the history to the Temple, it does serve the purpose of protecting 
the historic wood siding until such time as the funding can be procured 
for the restoration of this element. As with Option 1, a ll repairs to the 
shingles, including repainting, should be performed by a professional 
certified to work with asbestos. Respirators would be worn at a ll times 
for safety whenever one is to come into contact with these elements. This 
will sti ll be an expensive undertaking, but it is the least expensive meth-
od ava ila ble for reducing the health risks presented by the curren t condi-
tion of the tiles, and it is an effective method for protecting the historic 
siding while a project plan for this element's restoration is implemented. 
Steel Fire Escape: 
The fire escape which is located on the northern elevation of the 
Temple is a non-historic addition which is not at all sensitive to the his-
toric nature of the structure. While the spiral shape looks e legant, it is 
impractical for use as a fire escape, as the configuration of the treads 
wou ld impede a quick escape from the Temple in the case of a fire. As no 
pervasive fire suppression system has been installed in the Temple, the 
issue of being able to quickly and safely exit the building in an emergen-
cy is one of real concern. The State of Washington follows the Uniform 
Building Code (USC), which states that a spiral stair may only be used as 
a required exit in s ingle-dwelling structures, and that it may not be used 
as an emergency exit. 2 
The current condition of the fire escape, covered as it is with mold, 
and exhibiting s igns of corrosion, would not permit a quick and safe 
evacuation of the Temple should one need to be undertaken. As this ele-
ment is a lso insensitive and incongruous in addition to the Temple which 
does not meeting building code, it should be removed. A means of egress 
from the second floor is needs to be kept in order to comply with build-
ing code. As such, an alternative to the current fire escape which is both 
sensitive to the historic integrity of the building and meets code require-
ments needs to be considered . 
The USC informs us that the minimum number of exits required 
for an assembly-type building such as the Temple, whose occupant 
load is 500 persons or fewer is 2. This minimum is per-floor, unless the 
number of exits on the main level of discharge are meant to accomodate 
people exiting from upper floors as well. 3 As there are currently three 
133 
exits from the building on the first floor, the presence of a single fire exit 
on the second floor should be sufficient. Consult the building code and 
local ordinances for definitive answers to this question. Given the size 
and use of the building, it is not feasable to remove the spiral fire escape 
without replacing it with an alternative means of egress. In replacing this 
member, a historical architect should be consulted in order to design 
an alternative exit which is both sensitive to the historic integrity of the 
structure, and meets modern building codes. 
For help in considering a replacement for the fire escape, or some 
other a lternative fire suppression system, the National Fire Prevention 
Association should be a lso consulted, as they are a great resource for na-
tional fire and other safety codes, as well as for recommendations on fire 
escapes, etc. Their web si te can be accessed at www.nfpa.org. Particular 
attention should be pa id to the 10 l Life Safety Code, which might help 
provide a solution to this problem. If further questions arise, the local fire 
department, or the Temple's insurance inspector may also be consulted. 
It must be remembered, however, that whatever solution is decided upon 
by the Lodge needs to be consid erate of the historic nature of the build-
ing. 
Lower Hall Ceiling: 
The historic ceiling of the Lower Hall on the Temple's interior re-
mains intact, and this element can be seen from the crawlspace which 
lies between the first and second floors of the building. The ceiling was 
historical ly sheathed with tongue and groove paneling, and trimmed with 
a simple convex trim piece. Calcimining, a zinc based paint was original ly 
applied to the interior walls of the Temple, and this can be seen in the 
area of the crawlspace as well. 
In order to restore some degree of historic integrity to the interior 
of the structure, at the very least a restoration needs to be undertaken 
on the Lower Hall ceiling. As this is the only area of the Temple where 
historic cei ling or wall finishes arc visible, it is the ideal place to start 
on the restoration of the interior. It is a1so the only place on the interior 
of the building where it is practical at this point in time to undertake a 
resto ration, given the fact that little to no evidence exists of the other 
historic interior finishes , either within the structure, or within the writ-
ten record of its history. In order for any further interior restorations to 
occur, there needs to be either intrusive investigation resulting in the 
134 
revealing of historic fabric, or source documentation which definitively 
speaks to the historic interior finishes needs to be discovered. At the time 
of the writing of this document, no such resources are known to exist. 
Fire Proofing: 
At the same time the Lower Ha ll ceiling is being restored, mea-
sures can be taken to fireproof the building in lieu of instal ling a perva-
sive sprinkJer system. The current batten ceiling in this room should be 
removed , and the historic ceiling temporarily uninstalled. In this way, a 
fire-ra ted ceiling can be ins talled underneath the historic cei ling, effec-
tively reducing the fire risk, while at the same time remaining invisible 
and preserving the his toric integrity of t he Temple. Fire-resistant ceilings 
which wou ld work in the Temple given its s patial configuration and ma-
terials include those ma de of gypsum plaster, or gypsum wall board s u p-
ported by non -combustible framing. " 
Since no pervasive fire supression system has been installed in the 
Temple, the installation of fire-resistant walls and ceil ings are imperative. 
There are ways in which the Temple can be made fire -resistant while at 
the same time being invisible and remaining sensit ive to the historic in-
tegrity of the building. Modern code requires that loadbearing floors and 
ceilings in a wood light-frame construction have l hour fire resistance 
ratings. 5 Interior framin g members on a structure which has a light 
wood frame like the Temple can have one hour of fire protection added by 
applying 5/8" type X gypsum boa rd or its equivalent to each face of the 
wall studs. 6 This modification can be instal led underneath the current 
wal l s heathing, again making it invis ible. 
Structural Continuity: 
The obvious lack of structura l conti nuity in the framing systems 
employed in the construction of the Temple is the second largest issue af-
fecting the structure, after its loss of historic integrity. This d iscordancy 
is most readily visible in the area of the attic, where the numerous ad -
ditions to the structure can be easily read. The installation of these ad-
ditions was undertaken in a piece-meal, hasty manner, using materials 
of different nominal dimensions and shoddy installation techniques. For 
example, the wall studs for the modified gable end which resulted from 
the 1939 a ddition to the sou thern elevation were scabbed directly onto 
the historic wal l stud s. These newer members do not even run to the 
135 
floor joists, which efTectively reduces both their structural stability and 
their ability to handle lateral loads. 
This phenomenon of incongruity is not constrained to the wall 
studs. It follows into the bracing members and rafters of the subsequent 
additions to the Temple, which appear to be equally piece-meal and 
harried in their installation . It is imperative that a structural engineer 
be retained to perform an exhaustive and intrusive investigation of the 
Temple's structural systems; and that this person not only check for 
continuity within the structural system, but for the connections between 
walls, ceilings, Aoors, sills, and foundations as well. ll is important that 
the structural system be updated so that all load bearing members are 
transferring loads properly, and that this system be thoroughly checked 
for improper installation which could u ltimately result in an inability to 
handle lateral loads and structural failing. This is especially important 
in the area of the foundations, where the system of connectivity to the 
building could not be conclusively determined. The structural engineer 
should pay particular attention to the proper connection between this 
element and the rest of the structure. 
Roof Deflection: 
Recommendations to remedy the defle tion in the Temple's roof 
and in the floor of its first story are beyond the scope of this document, 
as its author is not a certified structural engineer. As such, a structural 
engineer docs need to be retained in order to consult on the deflection, as 
well as to determine its u ltimate cause and recommend appropriate mea-
sures for correcting the problem. All modifications which result from this 
analysis shou ld be sensitive to the historic fabric of the Temple, and they 
should fo llow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation 
(appendix). 
Surface Issues: 
While the previous recommendations in this document have fo-
cused issues relative to the loss of the Temple's historic integrity and the 
lack of continuity in its structural members, the following recommenda-
tions will focus on issues related to surface finishes and their treatment. 
These wi ll be discussed by element. 
136 
Paint Issues: 
Keeping pa inted elements on a structure in good repair is one of the 
most cost effective ways to protect the building from deterioration. Paint 
issues facing the Temple a re confined to the exterior of the building, and 
involve a ll of the exterior pa inted s urfaces, including the Doric columns. 
Prepa ring the wooden member on the Temples exterior for new 
pai nt application will be a time cons uming process. Needless to say, do-
ing this very important step properly the first time wi ll ensu re that con-
tinued maintenance to these e lements in the fu ture can be undertaken 
with ease. Before a ny of the preparation work is undertaken however, the 
National Park Service's Preservation Bulletin on painting historic exterior 
wood members (included in appendix) s hould be consulted. In the case 
of the columns, the paint s hould first be tested for lead before the refin-
ishing work begins. The goal of the preparation is to have clean surfaces 
with no loose paint. In no case s hould high pressure water-sprayers or 
sand plasters be u sed in removing the paint from any surface. These 
cause significant da mage to the underlying structures. 
Exterior elements wh ich wi ll require repainting include the win-
dow frames, corner boards, facia, doors, and a ll trim pieces, as well as 
the columns . For a ll items excepting the columns, the surfaces should be 
pri med before paint is a pplied , and the app lication s hou ld be done with 
brushes. In areas where the wood members are degraded , they should 
be repaired or replaced in kind before refinishing. Care should be taken 
to prevent the paint from flowing onto the glass lights of the windows. 
This has been observed in the interior of these elements. Likewise, care 
shou ld be ta ken to avoid getting paint on a ny other element of the struc-
ture except those which are being painted. Masking s hould be used to 
avoid this happening. As the h istoric paint color on the Temple exterior 
has always been white , no other color should be used when refinishing 
these elements. 
Columns: 
The columns which grace the Temple's eastern elevation are his-
toric, both in the date of their ins tal lation , and the date of their construc-
tion, though they are not original to the s tructure. Currently, they are 
cosmetically on ly in fair condition. The paint degradation on these ele-
ments is extensive, a nd something needs to be done quickly in order to 
prevent degra dation to the wooden s ub-structure or loss of the historic 
137 
fabric . 
Before the columns are refinished, a test should be performed by a 
qualified professional in order to ascertain whether the paint on the col-
umns is lead based. If it is, than the paint removal should be performed 
by someone certified to remove and dispose of lead paint. Refinishing 
of these members should be undertaken following the SecretanJ of the 
Interior 's Standards, and under the recommendation of Preservation Brief 
# 10: Ex:t.erior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork. 
Masonry Issues: 
The Temple's composite foundations have suffered some dam-
age in the form of cracking in its board-formed concrete portions. These 
cracks need to be regula rly monitored for any changes, and a structural 
engineer s hould be consulted to determine their cause. On the northern 
elevation, where the original stone foundation is still visib le, a sloppy 
re-pointing job is a pparent to either side of the wood access door. Here, 
the mortar bleed s out and covers large sections of the stones. If at some 
point in the future this element is re-pointed, then great care should be 
taken in the mortar's a pplication, being sure not to cover the historic 
stones, and making a concerted effort to match the color of the historic 
mortar as much as possible. 
It is a lso advisable tha t before a ny future re-pointing efforts are 
made, that the ma ke up of the historic mortar be tested. Any re-pointing 
efforts s hould use his torica lly sens itive mortar. Under no circumstance 
should Portland Cement be u sed , as this material is usually many times 
harder tha n the stones it is securing, which often leads lo spalling or 
other degrada tion to these elements. 
Windows: 
During the repainting of the Temple's exterior wooden features, the 
windows s hould a lso be re-glazed as necessary. There are sections, on 
the southern elevation especially, where the window glazing is missing 
entirely. This needs to be fixed immediately in order to prevent damage 
to the wooden members of the windows or loss of their historic lights. In 
areas where the glazing is cracked or discolored, repairs should be made 
as necessary. 
After repair, the glazing s hould a lso be painted, as this effectively 
forms the weather seal for the window. 
138 
Interior Surface Issues: 
The interior surfaces of the Temple are in good condition, excepting 
the wall above the toilet in the first floor women's restroom, which shows 
signs of water damage. It is suggested that a plumber be consulted to 
determine the cause of this damage, as well as to suggest necessary 
repairs. As was previously cLiscussed earlier in this chapter, the historic 
ceiling of the Lower Hall should be restored , and fireproofing installed 
throughout the Temple . Floor coverings such as carpet and vinyl tile 
should be cleaned, and replaced as necessary. 
Ideally, an extensive restoration of the historic finishes would be 
undertaken on the interior of the Temple. However, not enough evidence 
of these finishes exists to make informed decisions regarding these ele-
ments. As intrusive investigation reveals clues about the historic interior 
finishes, these elements can be restored as funding becomes available. 
Whi le much work needs to be undertaken relative to the restora-
tion, structural assessment, and maintenance issues facing the Temple, 
these undertakings are imperative for the proper preservation of the 
structure. The Temple is a truly unique building, which is important to 
not only the Lodge, but to the surrounding community as well. It is a 
resource which could never be replaced, imbued as it is with the rich 
social and architectural history of its community. These recommenda-
tions must be enacted in order to rescue the structure and preserve it for 
future generations. 
139 
No tes 
1 Netsch, Timothy. A Documentauon and Res1orn1100 Pinn for the first Chrirnnn Ad, e:nt Church m 
Jnhn Pov Oregon. Muster.; Thesis. University of Oregon. 199 1, p. 50. 
2 Allen, Edward, nnd Irmo, Joseph. The Archi1ec1·s Studm Companion- (New Yori..: John Wiley and 
Sons, Inc., 1995). p. 270. 
11bid,p.239. 
~Ibid, p. 439. 
%1d, p.447. 
61bid, p. 445. 
140 
CONCLUSION 
The Temple which houses the Whidby Island Lodge is an impor-
tant and imposing structure which embodies not only the history of the 
Lodge members, but the larger history of the area known as Ebey's Land-
ing, and Whidbey Island in general. The Lodge was founded by some of 
the first families to inhabit Whidbey Island, and indeed the Puget Sound 
region, in the latter half of the 19th century. As such, the Temple which 
was constructed to house the Lodge is a tangible, though not indelible 
record of the history of not only its members , but the Island in general. 
Today, the Temple stands as the only surviving member in the Puget 
Sound region, and it is one of the ten oldest Temples still in existence in 
Washington State. These facts alone warrant preserving the structure, 
as it is an architectural gem rich in social history which could never be 
rep licated or replaced. 
In the 132 years since the Temple was constructed, it has un-
dergone changes, modifications, alterations, and additions, all of which 
combine to form a rich and endearing tapestry. It is quite unusual for a 
building to be owned and occupied for such a long period of time by the 
same group of people, and this is just one of the many reasons why the 
Temple is so very unique. In the Temple the numerous modifications, 
which are all historic in their own right, add layer upon layer of history 
to the structure, making it a prime example for studying how gradual yet 
constant changes over time effect the interpretation of a building. How-
ever, the installation of these additions with the sole motivation of util -
ity effectively served to diminish the historic integrity of the structure, 
as preservation of the historic features of the building were not taken 
into consideration. As such, many of the recommendations given in this 
document aim to restore some of the integrity which has been lost due to 
these modifications. 
There are a number of ways in which the historic integrity of the 
Temple can be restored. These include the removal of the cement-as-
bestos shingles on the exterior of the structure, and the restoration of 
the original wood lap siding, as well as the removal of the spiral fire es-
cape on the northern elevation (and its replacement with a historically 
sensitive alternative), and the restoration of the historic cei ling on the 
Temple's first floor. While these projects will be both expensive and time 
consuming, it is imperative that they be undertaken if any hope of res tor-
141 
ing the structure's historic integrity is to be had. Given the importance 
of the building to both the Lodge and the surrounding community, it is 
absolutely essential that these changes be implemented with the utmost 
care and consideration for the structure. 
Primary to the proper undertaking of these tasks is an increased 
awareness on the part of the Lodge of preservation theories and prac-
tice. A number of sources for information have been delineated within 
this document, and it is sincerely hoped that the Lodge \viii utilize these 
resources in order to gain a full understanding of why it is so important 
that these rehabiHtation directives be followed. 
Besides issues related to the historic integrity of the structure, this 
report revealed the very real need for life safety issues and operations 
responsibilities to be addressed. The removal of the northern fire escape 
cannot be undertaken without replacing this element with a historical ly 
sensitive alternative, as modern building code requires a certain num-
ber of means of egress from every floor. To this end, a historic architect 
should be consulted to provide an alternative to the current fire escape 
which is both sensitive to the history of the structure and meets modem 
code requirements. There is also a real need for a fi.re suppression in the 
Temple. It is recommended that in the course of restoring some of the 
Temple's interior elements, that fi.re-resistant gypsum board be installed 
behind or underneath these features in order to increase the structure's 
fire protection by an hour. 
Operations responsibilities including the implementation of a 
broad based maintenance plan are necessary in order to ensure the con-
tinued operation of the building. Routine maintenance issues such as 
keeping the roof clear of debris, and preventing plantings from growing 
immediately adjacent to the structure should be addressed; and exterior 
surfaces should be cleaned, repaired, and repainted as necessary. 
Historic preservation should never be considered a luxury or a 
frivolous expense. Historic preservation is the means by which we con-
serve and protect not only building materials, but a sense of place and 
a building's history as well. The Whidby Island Lodge is a very real and 
very important physical manifestation of the tenets of Freemasonry, as 
well as of the social history of the Lodge and the surrounding community 
of Coupeville. The structure has served as a meeting house and gather-
ing place for the larger community for almost one and a half centuries, 
playing a central role in the social history of the town. If the preservation 
---
~ 
B - ---~ i 
142 
directives herein delineated are followed 1 the Temple's role in the lives of 
Lodge members and the surrounding community is guaranteed to con-
tinue for many generations to come. 
Overall , the study of the Whidby Island Lodge was fascinating, in 
that it brought together under one roof the social, political, and architec-
tural history of an area which expands far beyond the li nes of the build-
ing plot. It allowed for amalgamation of the theoretical, analytical, and 
technical aspects of preservation, and their application to a document 
which will be beneficial to a wide range of people. The Temple is an in-
credibly important structure. It s hould not and cannot be a llowed to fall 
by the wayside. It needs to be preserved so that future generations may 
continue to use the structure and add their own chapters to the long and 
impressive history of this very important building. 
143 
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=ti __:  ■ __ J_j 1 
146 
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- - - --
al-- ■ __ _J_J 
147 
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APPENDIX 
SECTION A 
MEASURED AND SCALED DRAWINGS 
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APPENDIX 
SECTION B 
TECHNICAL SUPPLIMENTS 
From Stewart Brand's How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're 
Built, (New York: Penguin Group, 1994), p. 112. 
Total cost of m a jo r re p air (C) 
Total cost o f mino r rep a ir (B) 
Tota l cost of p reventive maintenance (A) 
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE (bottom line) not only costs markedly less in aggregate than repairing 
buildings failures, it reduces human wear and tear. A buildings "'(hose systems are always breaking or 
threatening to break is depressing to the occupants, and that brings on another dimension o f expense. 
This d iagram Is adapted from Preventive Maintenance of Buildings (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 
1991 ), p . 3 . 
ofthe Interior's Standards for Rehabilitatioo http://www.cr.nps.go~nipsltpslstandguidc/rehablrehab_standards.hun 
- -GUIDl!UNIES-l!lllterior M•terlals 
1. A property will be .....ct aa It••• hl•torieally or be given • new UM that requl,-
mlnlmal change to lt9 dl•ttnctlve matertals, fHturN, apacn, and spatial relationships. f ,t, 1;1.':"• •P •· 
St.1,•f, .. ,I· 
2. The historic character or a property will be Nblned and prnervecl. The rwmoval of Interior f••turu 
dlstlnctlw matertats or •lwrlltlon of tutu,.., •pacn, and ap.attal relatfonshlps that 5-t,u...t .. , "=>1 -l,-,,, 
charactartza a property will be avoided. sr,,-:,,.~. f ., ,1," -.-~ , 
1-1.e,r,,o,,.,.I 5 1 ·-lc"• 
3. Each property wlll be recognized as a physical record of Its dme, ptau, •nd uu. 
Changn that create a falH sensa of historical de\litlopment, such n ltddlng ii.ls: 
conjectural turu,- or elements from other historic properties, will nol be ~ 
undertaken. 
Special Requirements 
4. Changn to a property that have acquired ht.torte significance In their own right wiH l< c-•.}• Err, -
be retained and pnserved. 
5. Dtsdncdve materta. .. featurn , finishes, and construction taehnlques or eumpN'S 
of craftsmanship that charactarlze a property wlll be preserved. I 1 1r:: s1 ANUA~us l 
6. Deterlontad historic , ..t u,.. will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the 
H vertty of deterioration requires replacement of a dlsdncdve feature, the new feature 
will match the old In design, cotor, texture, and, where possible, matertala. 
Replacement of mining , ..t u,.. will be su~tandated by documentary and phy9kal 
mdence. 
7. Chemical or physlcal trutrnenta, If approprta•, will be undertaken using thrl 
.g.e..n.U..n..t  meaM poultN. Trutmenta that caUH damage to historic materials wlll not 
I. An:heok)glcal resoun::N will be ~ and pNNfV'ed In place. tf such l'NOUn:N 
must be d ..t urbed, mitigation muaurw will be undeftliken. 
I . New additions, extartor alterations, or related new conatructlon will not dntroy 
hlstortc ma......_ts, tutu,.., and •patlal relatlonahlpe; that characterize the property. 
The new worll: shall be dm.r.ntlated from thrl okt and will be compatltN wfth the 
historic matertate, fNW,.., sin, .ule and proportion, and rnaulng to p,otKt thrl 
Integrity of the property and tta environment. 
10. Nrt-w addttfonti and adjacent or related new construction will be undeftalwn In a 
such ■ manner that, If removed In the tutur., the ....n ttal fonn and Integrity of the 
htetoric property ■nd lt9 environment would be unimpaired. 
Guidtfln,::s for Rehtbilit t tion--> 
J:!.UiTORICAL OYCRYICW • f.R.l.ll.8..Y.l • rehabllltatlng • ~-AfCONSTRUCTJNG 
3/29/2005 8: 17 PM 
.. 
ai-=--- ~ 
-
for Rehabilitation and Guidelines fot Rehabilitating Histor... http://www.cr.nps.gov/hpsltpslstandguide/rchab/rchab_approach.htr11 
c.,.,,,,.. -'~ 
li=l►ilfltifliihlhiHilfi lid 'iiffliEEEiEffl :ihiili:ifiiiM iiifliM@ilfi'i¼◄ 
~ 
hteriof"M.terl•. . 
'Mier! repair and replac«nenl. of deteriorated '9atun,s we necessa,y; when alterations or 
additions lo fM prop#Jfty IJl'e plent>tld for• new or continued u-se; and when its depiction at• 
particular period of~ Is not appropriate, RehabiNtation may be consideffld u • treetment. 
Prior IO undeltalanfl WOft, a doctlmentatJion p4an for Rehabilitation should be developed. 
,1 ., t,,,.,, ~, ., .... 
Choosing Rehabilitation as a Treatment :t ., .., :_;·,." ·'_' -,. 
In RehlbUttation, historic building materials and character~flning features ar9 protected and 
INlllltamed u they at111 in the treatment Preservation: however. an auumption Is made priof to wot1c 
lt\at existing historic fabric hu beaJme damaged or deteriorated OWN" time and, aa • rMUlt, m<Me 
repair and replaoement win be required. Th.Js, latitude ia given in the Standarda tor Rehab41ttaUon 
and Guldellnn for RehabUttation to replace amneively deteriorated, damaged. or miamg futures 
using eithef traditional or subatitute materiels. Of the four treatments, onty Rehabititlltion lndudn an 
opportunity 110 make poe.aible an efficient contemporary uae through altenltions and additions. 
j I ltS IANUA l•WS j 
Identify, Retain, and Preserve Historic Materials and 
Features 
Ul:e Preservation, guidance for the treatment Rehlbllltation begins with recommendations to identity 
the form and detailing of those architectural materials and reatures that are important in defining the 
building's historic character and which must be retained In order to preserve that characlef. 
Therefore, guidance on ldMtJfylng, rwlMnlng. •nd ,.._.,,,,,. character-defining fel'tl.lrn is always 
given l'irsl The character ol I historic building may be defined by the fol'm and detailing of exterior 
materialS, sueh as masonry, wood, and metal; exterior features, suet, as roots, porc:hes, and windows; 
Interior materials, such n ptaster and paint; and lnteriol' features, SUCh aa moldings and staiiways, 
room oonl'lguration and spatial relationsh~, as well as structiJtal and rnechanicll systems. 
Protect and Maintain Historic Materials and Features 
After identifying those materialt and featufes that are important and must be retanled in the process 
of RahablHtation IMlttl, then protecting and maintaining them are addressed. Protection generally 
n'IOlves the lust degree of Intervention and ii preparatoty to other wo,11. For•~. prolection 
lt'ldudes the maimenan01 d hislOnc material through treatments SUCh as rust J9fflOYII, caulking, 
limrt.ed paint removal, and t'9-app!ICltbon of protedMI coatings: the cycnca1 cleanng of roof gutter 
S)'lteml; or installation of fenang, slann systemt and other temporary protectM, measures. Although 
• historic building WII uaually require more enensiYe wont. a, owtrall evaluation of its ph)'SK:11 
a>ndition should aJways begin at this leYel, 
Repair Historic Materials and Features 
Next. when the phy,ical condltioo of character~l'ining materials and features warrants addrt10nal 
J/29/2005 8:08 PM 
■ 
for Rchabiliwion and Guidelines for Rehabilitating HlSlor... http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/scandguide/n:hablrehab_approKh.htrn 
work ,...-tng, is reccnvnended. Rehabilitation guidance fol' the repair of historic malerials IUCh as 
masonry, '#000, and archrtec:tunll metals agai, begins with the least degree of intervention possibte 
sud'I • patching, piecing-in, spacing, consolidating, or 0Chefwise ~ or upgrading them 
aa:otding lo nic::ognized preaervation methods. Repairing abo irdJdN the limitlBcl rwplamrnent in 
knd-or With~ llbltitl.,te meteriaJ--o1' elClensiYefi/ deteriorated or missing parts of features 
~ thefe ... surviving prolDCypeS (fot exan,pta, brackets. deotilS. steps, plaster, or pmions cl slate 
or tie rool'rlg). Although UUlg the same 01d a.f matllrial is atways the p,eferTed CIJ)Cion, SLOltitute 
materiaAisaic:eeptaibMitlhebmanddesiign•--aathesibstitL,tematlltrialitselfa,no,;eybviaual 
appearance of the remeining parts of the fl9ature and finish. 
f h,.· ,,. , ... o1,.,., ,.,,. { n,,,,,,,....,.,.,, ,.,,,,.,,,t/(-M ,,,, Its.,.,,...,. -""''-'frr1111-,w.1 '"')f.1/Hllh- 0V"Ulr/H't<',l,·c, ,.~~It. ,,,..,, 
,.,.,,,,J,..,k,I m l 'llfo m 1/.- ( ',u//Hl<MI jn/-t ,.,,., ,:,.-.-,, u ,,..., .;,.,,,,.,,.. . , n,.,f/111( 11 .,,,n,,,I u ,,,,,,,,._,,. of ,n,·s. 
,.,.,..._,.,,~,,,..,.., ,-.,.,.,,.,,.~,_..,..., .,,_J,.,,,.~n.•stmrc,nf lll/1H..-sWn- .,,,,.,./1<1ug uocJof{,,-.(i,,.,u,..,,,m,,.,.,.,...,, r,,., 
,...J hnt.l ,.-,J//j /111<I ~" I""'*'' ,wn..,,.,1 ,,,.,.._, .,,...,. ,1,.. ,·.-
,,.,,,,. 1.11,·rc ,Ufft/(" ,.,.,,HIit'"' .., ,,,.,,..,. u,,d ''"'"""'h ,,,,,,.,. .,-,s,,.. .R,. <f.l,1,t. ..1 ,h, d,1,,11,,., 11·,rl ,,,.-J,,.ki/ ,.,,,,,.,..,,1,., nmh11>I,• f\'f"""'"'S: ,,.,,,, lfMllt·fo,,,: ..,,,,.,<Ir ,,,., 
' 'l'P"V• II<' 11Wr1<>r,J1<·nll1<HIS 71•• lt,11/,Jmjf ///, 'M"'" ,,,,,.,x ,u..·,J,,. <I r,,1,11/ d~,p ,,,.,,.,//, ,,._,. /il.•1, 
Replace Deteriorated Historic Materials and Features 
Following repair in the hieratchy, R.habllltatlon guidance is pmYided f'0r ~/"fl an entire 
charader~ feature wilt! new material because the level of deterioration or damage of materials 
precludes repair (for example, an exterior comict; an intarior staircase; or a c:omple1e pon::h or 
storafront). "the essential fonn and detailing are stiU evident so that the physical evidence can be 
used to r&--establish the featunt as an integral part of the rehabilitation, then its replac::ement is 
apprnpriale. Ula the guidance for '9pllir, the prefenad option is always~ of the entire 
feature in kind, that is, with the same material. Because this approach may not ahlriBys be technically 
or economically feasible, provisions are m8Cle to consider the use of a compatible substitute material. 
It ahould be noted that, wt1ile the National Paril Service guidelines t8C0rTlfflMd the replacement of an 
antinl charadet-defining futur9 that is axt&nsiYely oeteriorated, they neYllf' recommend removal and 
l'8l)lacement with new mat8rial of a feature !hat-although damaged or deteriorated-<:ould reasonably 
be repaired and thus presel'Vlld. 
Design for the Replacement of Missing Historic Features 
When., entire interior or exterior feature is missing (for example, an entrance, Of cast iron facade; or 
a pnncipal ltairt:ae), ii no lclnpef" p6ays a ro6e in physjcaly defnng the hiwric d,aradl!lt of lhe 
buting lffltSI it can be acx:uratety rea:wered in form and detailing thrOugh the pn,c:ess of carefulty 
docunencJng the hlStoncal ~ - Although acceptng the loss is one posslbiltty, where an 
ITlpOftant archilec:tuf'al featura Is missing, itl replaoement is at.wys rec:mmended in the 
Rehabllttatlon guideir-.s as the first OK preferred, cot.ne of action. Thus. if adequate histoncal, 
pectorial, and physical doQ.Jmentation eJOSts so that the feature may be accuratety reproduced, and if 
II a desirable to ra-estabNsh the feature as part of the burlding's historical appearance, then designing 
and aJnSlnJcting a new feature based on suc:h information is appropriate. HoiNever, a second 
ac:ceptab6e option for the replacement feature is a new design that is oompatib'8 with the remaining 
d\aracter-defnng featuret of lhe historic building. The new de-Sign Should aM'llys take into aocount 
lhe size. scale, and matenal of the historic building itself and, most mportantly, should be dearty 
differentiated so that a false histori0N 8A)earance is not created. 
3/29/2005 8:08 PM 
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:II- • _ J _J 
• 
for RehabiliwK>n and Outdelines for Rehabilitaaing Histor. .. http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/standguidc/rehab/rehab_approa,ch.hb1'1 
Alterations/ Additions for the New Use 
Some exteriol' and i'lterior attemions to • historic building aie generatty needed to assure its 
continued use, but It ia most mportant that suCh altemions do not radically change, obaan, or 
deStrOY chllracter-deflniog IPftCN, materials. leaturel, or Mishes. Altef8tions may includll providing 
addilional pai1ling 1peoe on an existing historic building•: cutting new entranms or windcMS on 
,eoondaty elellationa; inserting an addrtional floor: installing an entirely new mechanical! 1ystem, or 
creating an IICnl..m or light ""'911. Alt9ration may also include the selective removal of bY1khngs or other 
features of the environment 01 building .lite that are intn.isNe and therefore detrad from ttie <Mtfllll 
hlstoriecnlf"ldlr. Thec:onstrudx>nafanexteriofadmliontoahistoricbui6dingmayseemtobe 
essential for Iha new I.M, but It ii ernpha9lzed In tt. Rithabllltltlon guldeffnes that such new 
additions should be avoided, if pouil:Me, and considered onty after It Is detennined that those needs 
camot be met by altering secondary, I.e., non charedef-defining interior apaoas. If, after a thOrough 
eYaluation of Interior IOkltiont, an uterior eddi6on is stiH judged to be the only viable allanttive, It 
shoOld be dealgned and conatructed to be d8arty differentiated from the historic building and sc that 
the character-defining features we not radically changed, obec.Jred, damaged, or destroyed. 
Adcfttions and atteratlons to historic buiktlngs are referenced within spedl'ic sections of the 
Rehabilitation guidelines suCh .. Site, Roofs, Structunll Systems, etc., but ant addrnaed In detail In 
New Additions to Historic Buildinga (Me nav bar, right). 
Energy Efficiency/Accessibility Considerations/Health and 
Safety Code Considerations 
These sections of the guidance addreN WOf1l done to meet aia::essibitity requil1lffl80ta and health and 
safety oode requirements; or nMroftttiog musurN lo improye energy efficiency. AJtnough lhis WOf1t ia 
qoo8 often an impoftant aspect of RehabUltltlon projects, it is usually not. part of the OYerlll 
process of proteCting or repairing charactef-defining features: rather, wet, W0fk ii assessed for its 
pc,t8fthl negatMI implld on the building'• hiatoricc::tl8r8der. For this reason, partia.urcare must be 
taken not to ~lty c:Nnge, obean, damage, OI dNtroy charKter-defioing materials or features In 
lhe pmcesa of meeting code and energy A1Quirements. 
Hl5TORICAL OYHYICW • f..B.lll.BY.lt! • ,.h,bllitatlng • ~ - ACCON5TBUCJ ING 
3/29/200.5 8:08 PM 
-
Brief 10: Exteriol' Paint Problans on Historic Woodwork bttp:/lwww.cr.nps.gov/bps/tps/bricfslbrieflO.htol 
10-~-i!ch_res_n_ca_)e _ ~_a_ti_:_n_~_MCeS_B_rl_;;e_fs..;_ ___9  National Part< s~ 
Exterior Paint Problems on 
Historic Woodwork 
Kay D, Weeks and David W. Look, AIA 
•Purposes of Exterior Paint 
» Treating Paint Problems 
»Justification for Paint Removal 
»Paint Removal Precautions 
»Repainting Historic Buildings for Cosmetic Reasons 
»Conditions/Recommended Treatments 
,.Selecting the Safest Method to Remove Paint 
»General Paint Type Recommendations 
»Conclusion 
» ReadingLi"st 
A NOTE TO OUR USERS: The web versions of the Preservation Briefs differ somewhat from 
the printed versions. Many illustratlons are new, captions are simpllfied, illustrations are typically 
in color rather than black and white, and some complex charts have been omitted. 
A cautionary approach to paint removal is Included In the guidelines to the 
secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Removing paints down 
to bare wood surfaces using harsh methods can permanently damage those 
surfaces; therefore such methods are not recommended. Also, total removal 
obliterates evidence of the historical paints and their sequence and architectural 
context. 
This Brief expands on that advice for the architect, building manager, contractor, or 
homeowner by identifying and describing common types of paint surface conditions 
and failures, then recommending appropriate treatments for preparing exterior 
wood surfaces for repa inting to assure the best adhesion and greatest durability of 
the new paint. 
Although the Brief focuses on responsible methods of "paint removal, " several paint 
surface conditions will be described which do not require any paint removal, and 
still others which can be successfully handled by limited paint removal. In all cases, 
the Information is intended to address the concerns related to exterior wood. It will 
2121/200.S 4:50 PM 
-- -- . ---- .. 
:II-- ■J..J. 
Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems OD Historic Woodworic http1/www.cr-.gov/bps/lpslbrie&/brief10-
also be generally assumed that, because houses built before 1950 Involve one or 
more layers of lead-based paint, the majority of conditions warranting paint 
removal will mean dealing with this toxic substance along with the dangers of the 
paint removal tools and chemical strippers themselves. 
Purposes of Exterior Paint 
The paint on this exterior 
decoratiw featurw 19 sound. 
Photo: NPS files. 
Paint applied to exterior wood must withstand yearly extremes of both temperature 
and humidity. While never expected to be more than a temporary physical 
shield--requirlng reapplication every 5 to 8 years--its importance should not be 
minimized. Because one of the main causes of wood deterioration is moisture 
penetration, a primary purpose for painting wood is to exdude such moisture, 
thereby slowing deterioration not only of a building 's exterior sid ing and decorative 
features but, ultimately, its underlying structural members. Another important 
purpose for painting wood Is, of course, to define and accent architectural features 
and to Improve appearance. 
Treating Paint Problems In Historic Buildings 
Exterior paint Is constantly deteriorating through the processes of weathering, but 
in a program of regular malntenance--assuming all other building systems are 
functioning properly--surfaces can be cleaned, lightly scraped, and hand sanded In 
preparation for a new finish coat. Unfortunately, these are Ideal conditions. More 
often, complex maintenance problems are inherited by owners of historic buildings, 
including areas of paint that have failed beyond the point of mere cleaning, 
scraping, and hand sanding (although much so-called "paint fa ilure" is attributable 
to interior or exterior moisture problems or surface preparation and application 
mistakes with previous coats) . 
21211200, 4:,o PM 
• 
Brief IO: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork bttp://www.cr.nps.gov/bpsltps/briefs/bricflO.httP 
~ 
When ttM protective and 
decorative paint finish WH 
removed and an Inappropriate 
clear finish appll~, the extarior 
character of the bulldlng WH 
atteNd. Photo: NPS filff. 
Although paint problems are by no means unique to historic buildings, treating 
multiple layers of hardened, brittle paint on complex, omamental--and possibly 
fragile--exterlor wood surfaces necessarily requires an extremely cautious 
approach. In the case of recent construction, this level of concern Is not needed 
because the wood is generally less detailed and, in addition, retention of the 
sequence of paint layers as a partial record of the building's history ls not an issue. 
When historic buildings are Involved, however, a special set of problems 
arises--varying in complexity depending upon their age, architectural style, 
historical importance, and physical soundness of the wood--which must be carefully 
evaluated so that decisions can be made that are sensitive to the longevity of the 
resource. 
Justification for Paint Removal 
At the outset of this Brief, It must be emphasized that removing paint from historic 
buildings--with the exception of cleaning, light scraping, and hand sanding as part 
of routine malntenance--should be avoided unless absolutely essential. Once 
conditions warranting removal have been identlfled the general approach 
should be lo remove paint lo the next sound layer using the gentlest 
means possible, then to repaint. Practically speaking as well, paint can adhere 
just as effectively to existing paint as to bare wood, providing the previous coats of 
paint are also adhering uniformly and tightly to the wood and the surface is 
properly prepared for repainting-- cleaned of dirt and chalk and dulled by sanding . 
But, if painted exterior wood surfaces display continuous patterns of deep cracks or 
if they are extensively blistering and peeling so that bare wood is visible, then the 
old paint should be completely removed before repainting. The only other 
justification for removing all previous layers of paint is if doors, shutters, or 
windows have literally been "painted shut," or if new wood is being pieced-in 
adjacent to old painted wood and a smooth transition is desired. 
2121/2005 4:50 PM 
Brief IO: Exterior Paint Problems oo Historic Woodworic http://www.a.nps.gov/bps/tps/brie&/brieflO.hbD 
Paint Removal Precautions 
Because paint removal Is a difficult and painstaking process, a number of costly, 
regrettable experiences have occurred--and continue to occur·-for both the historic 
building and the building owner. Historic buildings have been set on fire with blow 
torches; wood irreversibly scarred by sandblasting or by harsh mechanical devices 
such as rotary sanders and rotary wire strippers; and layers of historic paint 
inadvertently and unnecessarily removed. In addition, property owners, using 
techniques that substitute speed for safety, have been injured by toxic lead vapors 
or dust from the paint they were trying to remove or by misuse of the paint 
removers themselves. 
Owners of historic properties considering paint removal should also be aware of the 
amount of time and labor involved. While removing damaged layers of paint from a 
door or porch railing might be readily accomplished within a reasonable period of 
time by one or two people, removing paint from larger areas of a bulldlng can, 
without professional assistance, easily become unmanageable and produce less 
than satisfactory results. The amount of work involved In any paint removal project 
must therefore be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Hiring qualified professionals 
will on:en be a cost-effective decision due to the expense of materials, the special 
equipment required, and the amount of time Involved. Further, paint removal 
companies experienced In dealing with the inherent health and safety dangers of 
paint removal should have purchased such protective devices as are needed to 
mitigate any dangers and should also be aware of State or local environmental 
and/or health regulations for hazardous waste disposal. 
All in all, paint removal Is a messy, expensive, and potentially dangerous aspect of 
rehabilitating or restoring historic buildings and should not be undertaken without 
careful thought concerning first, its necessity, and second, which of the available 
recommended methods Is the safest and most appropriate for the Job at hand . 
Re-painting Historic Buildings for Cosmetic Reasons 
If existing exterior paint on wood siding, eaves, window sills, sash, and shutters, 
doors, and decorative features shows no evidence of paint deterioration such as 
chalking, blistering, peeling, or cracking, then there is no physical reason to 
repaint, much less remove paint! Nor is color fading, of itself, sufficient j ustification 
to repaint a historic building. 
The decision to repaint may not be based altogether on paint failure. Where there 
is a new owner, or even where ownership has remained constant through the 
years, taste in colors oft:en changes. Therefore, if repainting is primarily to alter a 
building's primary and accent colors, a technical factor of paint accumulation should 
be taken into consideration. 
?n .1n .OO'I 4 :'10 PM 
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:II--- ■J_j 
• 
1D(lll Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwon: http://www.a.nps.gov/bps/tps/brie&/brieflO.httD 
When the paint on the 
wood wtndows became 
too thick, itWH 
removed and the 
wtndow repainted. 
Photo: NPS m. .. 
When paint builds up to a thickness of approximately 1/16" (approximately 16 to 
30 layers), one or more extra coats of paint may be enough to trigger cracking and 
peeling in limited or even widespread areas of the building's surface. This results 
because excessively thick paint is less able to withstand the shrinkage or pull of an 
additional coat as It drfes and is also less able to tolerate thermal stresses. Thick 
paint invariably falls at the weakest point of adheslon•~the oldest layers next to the 
wood. Cracking and peeling follow. Therefore, if there are no signs of paint .failure, 
it may be somewhat risky to add still another layer of unneeded paint simply for 
color's sake (extreme changes in color may also require more than one coat to 
provide proper hiding power and full color). When paint appears to be nearing the 
critical thickness, a change of accent colors (that is, just to limited portions of the 
trim) might be an acceptable compromise without chancing cracking and peeling of 
paint on wooden siding. 
If the decision to repaint Is nonetheless made, the "new" color or colors should, at 
a minimum, be appropriate to the style and setting of the building. On the other 
hand, where the Intent is to restore or accurately reproduce the colors originally 
used or those from a significant period in the building's evolution, they should be 
based on the results of a paint analysis. 
Identification of Exterior Paint Surface Conditions/Recommended 
Treatments 
It is assumed that a preliminary check will already have been made to determine, 
first, that the painted exterior surfaces are indeed wood--and not stucco, metal, or 
other wood substltutes--and second, that the wood has not decayed so that 
repainting would be superfluous. For example, if any area of bare wood such as 
window sills has been exposed for a long period of time to standing water, wood rot 
Is a strong possibility. Repair or replacement of deteriorated wood should take 
place before repainting. After these two basic issues have been resolved, the 
2121n oos 4:so PM 
irioD Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork http-Jlwww.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief10.htin 
surface condition identification process may commence. 
The problem evidenced her9 
by mossy growth and 
deterion11ted wood must be 
resolved and the wood allowed 
to dry out before the wood ts 
repainted. Photo: NPS files. 
The historic building will undoubtedly exhibit a variety of exterior paint surface 
conditions. For example, paint on the wooden siding and doors may be adhering 
firmly; paint on the eaves peeling; and paint on the porch balusters and window 
sills cracking and alligatoring . The accurate identification of each paint problem is 
therefore the first step in planning an appropriate overall solution. 
Paint surface conditions can be grouped according to their relative severity: CLASS 
I conditions include minor blemishes or dirt collection and generally require no 
paint removal; CLASS II conditions include failure of the top layer or layers of paint 
and generally require limited paint removal ; and CLASS III conditions include 
substantial or multiple-layer failure and generally require total paint removal. It is 
precisely because conditions will vary at different points on the building that a 
careful inspection is critical . Each item of painted exterior woodwork (i .e., siding, 
doors, windows, eaves, shutters, and decorative elements) should be examined 
early in the planning phase and surface conditions noted. 
CLASS I Exterior Surface Conditions Generally Requiring No Paint Removal 
Dirt, Soot, Pollution, Cobwebs, Insect Cocoons, etc. 
Cause of Condition 
Environmental "grime" or organic matter that tends to cling to painted exterior 
surfaces and, in particular, protected surfaces such as eaves, do not constitute a 
paint problem unless painted over rather than removed prior to repainting. If not 
removed, the surface deposits can be a barrier to proper adhesion and cause 
peeling. 
Recommended Treatment 
Most surface matter can be loosened by a strong, direct stream of water from the 
2121/lOOS 4:50 PM 
Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork http://www.cr.nps.gov/bps/tps/brie&/briefl 0.htm 
nozzle of a garden hose. Stubborn dirt and soot will need to be scrubbed off using 
1/2 cup of household detergent in a gallon of water with a medium soft bristle 
brush. The cleaned surface should then be rinsed thoroughly, and penmitted to dry 
before further Inspection to detennlne if repainting Is necessary. Quite often, 
cleaning provides a satisfactory enough result to postpone repainting. 
Mildew 
cause of Condition 
Mildew is caused by fungi feeding on nutrients contained in the paint film or on dirt 
adhering to any surface. Because moisture is the single most Important factor In its 
growth, mildew tends to thrive in areas where dampness and lack of sunshine are 
problems such as window sills, under eaves, around gutters and downspouts, on 
the north side of buildings, or In shaded areas near shrubbery. It may sometimes 
be difficult to distinguish mildew from dirt, but there Is a simple test to 
differentiate : If a drop of household bleach Is placed on the suspected surface, 
mildew will Immediately tum white whereas dirt will continue to look like dirt. 
Recommended Treatment 
Because mildew can only exist in shady, wann, moist areas, attention should be 
given to altering the environment that Is conducive to fungal growth. The area In 
question may be shaded by trees which need to be pruned back to allow sunlight to 
strike the building; or may lack rain gutters or proper drainage at the base of the 
building . If the shady or moist conditions can be altered, the mildew Is less likely to 
reappear. A recommend solution for removing mildew consists of one cup 
non-ammonlated detergent, one quart household bleach, and one gallon water. 
When the surface Is scrubbed with this solution using a medium soft: brush, the 
mildew should disappear; however, for particularly stubborn spots, an additional 
quart of bleach may be added . After the area Is mildew-free, It should then be 
rinsed with a direct stream of water from the nozzle of a garden hose, and 
penmltted to dry thoroughly. When repainting, specially fonmulated 
"mildew- resistant" primer and finish coats should be used. 
Excessive Chalking 
cause of Condition 
Chalking--or powdering of the paint surface--is caused by the gradual 
disintegration of the resin In the paint fi lm. (The amount of chalking Is detenmined 
both by the fonmulatlon of the paint and the amount of ultraviolet light to which the 
paint Is exposed .) In moderation, chalking is the ideal way for a paint to "age," 
because the chalk, when rinsed by rainwater, carries discoloration and dirt away 
with it and thus provides an ideal surface for repainting. In excess, however, it is 
not desirable because the chalk can wash down onto a surface of a different color 
beneath the painted area and cause streaking as well as rapid disintegration of the 
paint film itself. Also, if a paint contains too much pigment for the amount of binder 
(as the old white lead carbonate/oil paints often did), excessive chalking can result. 
Recommended Treatment 
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Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems oo Historic Woodwork http://www.a.nps.gov/hpshps/brie&/briefl O.hml 
The chalk should be deaned off with a solution of 1/2 cup household detergent to 
one gallon water, using a medium soft bristle brush. After scrubbing to remove the 
chalk, the surface should be rinsed with a direct stream of water from the nozzle of 
a garden hose, allowed to dry thoroughly, (but not long enough for the chalking 
process to recur) and repainted, using a non-chalking paint. 
staining 
cause of Condition 
Staining of paint coatings usually results from excess moisture reacting with 
matertals within the wood substrate. There are two common types of staining, 
neither of which requires paint removal. The most prevalent type of stain is due to 
the oxidation or rusting of iron nails or metal (iron, steel, or copper) anchorage 
devices. A second type of stain is caused by a chemical reaction between moisture 
and natural extractives in certain woods (red cedar or redwood) which results in a 
surface deposit of colored matter. This is most apt to occur in new replacement 
wood within the first 10· 15 years. 
Recommended Treatment 
In both cases, the source of the stain should first be located and the moisture 
problem corrected. 
When stains are caused by rusting of the heads of nails used to attach shingles or 
siding to an exterior wall or by rusting or oxidizing iron, steel, or copper anchorage 
devices adjacent to a painted surface, the metal objects themselves should be 
hand sanded and coated with a rust-inhibitive primer followed by two finish coats. 
(Exposed nail heads should ideally be countersunk, spot primed, and the holes 
filled with a high quality wood filler except where exposure of the nail head was 
part of the original construction system or the wood Is too fragile to withstand the 
countersinking procedure.) 
Discoloration due to color extractives in replacement wood can usually be cleaned 
with a solution of equal parts denatured alcohol and water. After the affected area 
has been rinsed and pennitted to dry, a "stainblocking primer"' especially developed 
for preventing this type of stain should be applied (two primer coats are 
recommended for severe cases of bleeding prior to the finish coat) . Each primer 
coat should be allowed to dry at least 48 hours. 
CLASS II Exterior Surface Conditions Generally Requiring Umited Paint 
Removal 
Crazing 
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Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodworic http://www.a.nps.gov/bps/tps/briefslbrieflO.btOl 
~---~ 
~ ' ./- -:-----r-' (_ 
~·--,, ).;_'/. ..E. -l ::., . : ::] 
r--~~---~ 
Crazi~•urface 
cracking-ls an exterior 
surface condition which 
can be successfully 
treated by sanding and 
painting. Photo: Courtesy, 
National Decorating 
Products Auocation. 
cause of Condition 
Crazing--flne, jagged interconnected breaks in the top layer of paint--results when 
paint that is several layers thick becomes excessively hard and brittle with age and 
is consequently no longer able to expand and contract with the wood in response to 
changes in temperature and humidity. As the wood swells, the bond between paint 
layers is broken and hairline cracks appear. Although somewhat more difficult to 
detect as opposed to other more obvious paint problems, it is well worth the time 
to scrutinize all surfaces for crazing. If not corrected, exterior moisture will enter 
the crazed surface, resulting in further swelling of the wood and, eventually, deep 
cracking and alligatoring, a Class III condition which requires total paint removal. 
Recommended Treatment 
Crazing can be treated by hand or mechanically sanding the surface, then 
repainting. Although the hairline cracks may tend to show through the new paint, 
the surface will be protected against exterior moisture penetration. 
Intercoat Peeling 
cause of Condition 
2121/2005 4:SO PM 
Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems OD Historic Woodwork bap:/lwww.a.nps.gov/bps/tps/briefslbrieflO.hta'I 
He,., a latex top coat 
was applied dir'Ktty 
over old oil paint, 
resulting In lntercoat 
peellng. The latex WH 
unable to adhe,-. If latex 
Is used over oil, an 
oil-base primer should 
be applied fl,.t. Photo: 
Mary L 0.hrteln, AJA. 
Intercoat peeling can be the result of improper surface preparation prior to the last 
repainting. This most often occurs in protected areas such as eaves and covered 
porches because these surfaces do not receive a regular rinsing from rainfall, and 
salts from airborne pollutants thus accumulate on the surface. If not cleaned off, 
the new paint coat will not adhere properly and that layer will peel. 
Another common cause of intercoat peeling is incompatibility between paint types. 
For example, If all paint Is applied over latex paint, peeling of the top coat can 
sometimes result since, upon aging, the oil paint becomes harder and less elastic 
than the latex paint. If latex paint is applied over old, chalking oil paint, peeling can 
also occur because the latex paint Is unable to penetrate the chalky surface and 
adhere. 
Recommended Treatment 
First, where salts or Impurities have caused the peeling, the affected area should 
be washed down thoroughly after scraping, then wiped dry. Finally, the surface 
should be hand or mechanically sanded, then repainted. 
Where peeling was the result of using incompatible paints, the peeling top coat 
should be scraped and hand or mechanically sanded. Application of a high quality 
oil type exterior primer will provide a surface over which either an oil or a latex 
topcoat can be successfully used. 
Solvent Blistering 
cause of Condition 
Solvent blistering, the result of a less common application error, Is not caused by 
moisture, but by the action of ambient heat on paint solvent or thinners in the 
paint film . If solventrlch paint Is applied in direct sunlight, the top surface can dry 
Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork bttp:/lwww.cr.nps.gov~s/briefs/brieflO.httn 
too quickly and, as a result, solvents become trapped beneath the dried paint film . 
When the solvent vaporizes, it forces its way through the paint film, resulting in 
surface blisters. This problem occurs more often with dark colored paints because 
darker colors absorb more heat than lighter ones. To distinguish between solvent 
blistering and blistering caused by moisture, a blister should be cut open. If 
another layer of paint ls visible, then solvent blistering is likely the problem 
whereas if bare wood ls revealed, moisture is probably to blame. Solvent blisters 
are generally small. 
Recommended Treatment 
Solvent-blistered areas can be scraped, hand or mechanically sanded to the next 
sound layer, then repainted. In order to prevent blistering of painted surfaces, 
paint should not be applied in direct sunlight. 
Wrinkling 
cause of Condition 
WrfnkSed layers c:an generally 
be removed by scr.aplng and 
sanding u opposed to total 
paint removal. Photo: 
Courtesy, National Deconiting 
Products Association. 
Another error in application that can easily be avoided is wrinkling. This occurs 
when the top layer of paint dries before the layer underneath. The top layer of 
paint actually moves as the paint underneath (a primer, for example) Is drying. 
Specific causes of wrinkling Include: (1) applying paint too thick; (2) applying a 
second coat before the first one dries; (3) inadequate brushing out; and (4) 
painting in temperatures higher than recommended by the manufacturer. 
Recommended Treatment 
The wrinkled layer can be removed by scraping followed by hand or mechanical 
sanding to provide as even a surface as possible, then repainted following 
manufacturer's application instructions. 
CLASS III Exterior Surface Conditions Generally Requiring Total Paint 
Removal 
If surface conditions are such that the majority of paint will have to be removed 
2/2 112005 4:50 PM 
,..000 Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems oo Histmic Woodwork bttp..Jlwww.cr.nps.gowhps/tps/brie&/brieflO.btlP: 
prior to repainting, it is suggested that a small sample of intact paint be left in an 
inconspicuous area either by covering the area with a metal plate, or by marking 
the area and Identifying it in some way. (When repainting does take place, the 
sample should not be painted over). This will enable future Investigators to have a 
record of the building's paint history. 
Peeling 
cause of Condition 
WII!!'£- - · _ ,-,.--;;;-----::-= 
--~-~. .. ~ 
~ - ~~  
J.-....:-::_ ~'f~ 
\ 
Extenstwty ~ora'-d paint 
needs to be remowd to bare 
wood, then primed and 
~inted. Photo: NPS flies. 
Peeling to bare wood is most often caused by excess Interior or exterior moisture 
that collects behind the paint film, thus impairing adhesion. Generally beginning as 
blisters, cracking and peeling occur as moisture causes the wood to swell, breaking 
the adhesion of the bottom layer. 
Recommended Treatment 
There is no sense in repainting before dealing with the moisture problems because 
new paint will simply fall. Therefore, the first step in treating peeling is to locate 
and remove the source or sources of the moisture, not only because moisture will 
jeopardize the protective coating of paint but because, if left unattended, it can 
ultimately cause permanent damage to the wood. Excess interior moisture should 
be removed from the building through installation of exhaust fans and vents. 
Exterior moisture should be eliminated by correcting the following conditions prior 
to repainting: faulty flashing; leaking gutters; defective roof shingles; cracks and 
holes in siding and trim; deteriorated caulking in joints and seams; and shrubbery 
growing too close to painted wood . After the moisture problems have been solved, 
the wood must be permitted to dry out thoroughly. The damaged paint can then be 
scraped off with a putty knife, hand or mechanically sanded, primed, and 
repainted. 
Cracking/ Alligatoring 
cause of Condition 
Cracking and alligatoring are advanced stages of crazing. Once the bond between 
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Brief 10: F.xterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork bttp-J/www.a.nps.gov/bpsl1ps/brie&lbriefl0.hUD 
layers has been broken due to intercoat paint failure, exterior moisture is able to 
penetrate the surface cracks, causing the wood to swell and deeper cracking to 
take place. 
This process continues until cracking, which forms parallel to grain, extends to bare 
wood. Ultlmatety, the cracking becomes an overall pattern of horizontal and 
vertical breaks in the paint layers that looks like reptile skin; hence, •alligatoring.• 
In advanced stages of cracking and alligatoring, the surfaces will also flake badly. 
Recommended Treatment 
If cracking and alligatoring are present only in the top layers they can probably be 
scraped, hand or mechanically sanded to the next sound layer, then repainted. 
However, if cracking and/or alligatoring have progressed to bare wood and the 
paint has begun to flake, it will need to be totally removed. Methods include 
scraping or paint removal with the electric heat plate, electric heat gun, or chemical 
strippers, depending on the particular area involved. Bare wood should be primed 
within 48 hours then repainted. 
selecting the Appropriate/Safest Method to Remove Paint 
After having presented the •hierarchy• of exterior paint surface conditions--from a 
mild condition such as mildewing which simply requires cleaning prior to repainting 
to serious conditions such as peeling and alligatoring which require total paint 
removal--one important thought bears repeating : if a paint problem has been 
identified that warrants either limited or total paint removal, the gentlest method 
possible for the particular wooden element of the historic building should be 
selected from the many available methods. 
The treatments recommended--based upon field testing as well as onsite 
monitoring of Department of Interior grant-in-aid and certification of rehabilitation 
projects--are therefore those which take three overriding issues Into consideration 
(1) the continued protection and preservation of the historic exterior woodwork; 
(2) the retention of the sequence of historic paint layers; and (3) the health and 
safety of those individuals performing the paint removal. By applying these criteria, 
it will be seen that no paint removal method is without its drawbacks and all 
recommendations are qualified in varying degrees. 
Methods for Removing Paint 
After a particular exterior paint surface condition has been identified, the next step 
in planning for repainting--if paint removal is required--is selecting an appropriate 
method for such removal. 
The method or methods selected should be suitable for the specific paint problem 
as well as the particular wooden element of the building. Methods for paint removal 
can be divided into three categories (frequently, however, a combination of the 
three methods is used) . Each method is defined below, then discussed further and 
specific recommendations made: 
2/21/200.S 4:.SO PM 
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·on Brief IO: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork http:J/www.a.nps.gov/bps/tps/brie&'brieflO.hbP 
Abrasive--"Abradingn the painted surface by manual and/or mechanical means 
such as scraping and sanding. Generally used for surface preparation and limited 
paint removal. 
Thermal--Softening and raising the paint layers by applying heat followed by 
scraping and sanding. Generally used for total paint removal . 
Chemical--Softening of the paint layers with chemical strippers followed by 
scraping and sanding. Generally used for total paint removal. 
Abrasive Methods (Manual) 
[f conditions have been identified that require limited paint removal such as 
crazing, intercoat peeling, solvent blistering, and wrinkling, scraping and hand 
sanding should be the first methods employed before using mechanical means. 
Even In the case of more serious conditions such as peeling--where the damaged 
paint is weak and already sufficiently loosened from the wood surface --scraping 
and hand sanding may be all that is needed prior to repainting. 
Recommended Abrasive Methods (Manual) 
Putty KnHe/Paint Scraper: Scraping is usually accomplished with either a putty 
knife or a paint scraper, or both. Putty knives range in width from one to six inches 
and have a beveled edge. A putty knife is used In a pushing motion going under 
the paint and working from an area of loose paint toward the edge where the paint 
is still firmly adhered and, in effect, "beveling" the remaining layers so that as 
smooth a transition as possible Is made between damaged and undamaged areas. 
Paint scrapers are commonly available in l·S/16, 2-1/2, and 3-1/2 inch widths and 
have replaceable blades. In addition, profiled scrapers can be made specifically for 
use on moldings. As opposed to the putty knife, the paint scraper Is used in a 
pulling motion and works by raking the damaged areas of paint away. 
The obvious goal In using the putty knife or the paint scraper ls to selectively 
remove the affected layer or layers of paint; however, both of these tools, 
particularly the paint scraper with its hooked edge, must be used with care to 
property prepare the surface and to avoid gouging the wood. 
Sandpaper/Sanding Block/Sanding sponge: After manually removing the 
damaged layer or layers by scraping, the uneven surface (due to the almost 
inevitable removal of varying numbers of paint layers in a given area) will need to 
be smoothed or "feathered out" prior to repainting . As stated before, hand sanding, 
as opposed to harsher mechanical sanding, is recommended if the area is relatively 
limited. A coarse grit, open-coat flint sandpaper--the least expensive kind--is useful 
for this purpose because, as the sandpaper clogs with paint it must be discarded 
and this process repeated until all layers adhere uniformly. 
Blocks made of wood or hard rubber and covered with sandpaper are useful for 
handsanding flat surfaces. Sanding sponges--rectangular sponges with an abrasive 
aggregate on their surfaces--are also available for detail work that requires 
reaching into grooves because the sponge easily conforms to curves and irregular 
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-atiOO Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems oo Historic Woodwork http://www.cr.nps.gov/bps/tps/briefs/briefl0.ht1P 
surfaces. All sanding should be done with the grain. 
Summary of Abrasive Hethods (Hanua/) 
Recommended : Putty knife, paint scraper, sandpaper, sanding block, sanding 
sponge. 
Applicable areas of building: All areas. For use on : Class I, Class II, and Class Ill 
conditions. 
Health/Safety factors: Take precautions against lead dust, eye damage; dispose of 
lead paint residue properly. 
Abrasive Methods (Mechanical) 
If hand sanding for purposes of surtace preparation has not been productive or if 
the affected area is too large to consider hand sanding by Itself, mechanical 
abrasive methods, i.e., power-operated tools may need to be employed; however, 
it should be noted that the majority of tools available for paint removal can cause 
damage to fragile wood and must be used with great care. 
Recommended Abrasive Methods (Mechanical) 
Orbital sander: Designed as a finishing or smoothing tool--not for the removal of 
multiple layers of palnt--the orbital sander Is thus recommended when limited paint 
removal is required prior to repainting. Because it sands in a small diameter 
circular motion (some models can also be switched to a back-and-forth vibrating 
action), this tool Is particularly effective for ~feathering" areas where paint has first 
been scraped. The abrasive surface varies from about 3x7 Inches to 4x9 Inches and 
sandpaper is attached either by clamps or sliding clips. A medium grit, open-coat 
aluminum oxide sandpaper should be used; fine sandpaper clogs up so quickly that 
it is Ineffective for smoothing paint. 
Belt sander: A second type of power tool--the belt sander--can also be used for 
removing limited layers of paint but, in this case, the abrasive surface is a 
continuous belt of sandpaper that travels at high speeds and consequently offers 
much less control than the orbital sander. Because of the potential for more 
damage to the paint or the wood, use of the belt sander (also with a medium grit 
sandpaper) should be limited to Mat surfaces and only skilled operator,; should be 
permitted to operate it within a historic preservation project. 
Not Recommended 
Rotary Drill Attachments : Rotary drill attachments such as the rotary sanding 
disc and the rotary wire stripper should be avoided. The disc sander--usually a disc 
of sandpaper about 5 inches in diameter secured to a rubber based attachment 
which is in tum connected to an electric drill or other motorized housing--can easily 
leave visible circular depressions in the wood which are difficult to hide, even with 
repainting. The rotary wire stripper--clusters of metals wires similarly attached to 
an electric drill-type unit--can actually shred a wooden surface and is thus to be 
used exclusively for removing corrosion and paint from metals. 
Waterblasting: Waterblasting above 600 p.s.i. to remove paint is not 
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!IO(lll Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork bttp:/lwww.cr.nps.gov/hpsltps/briefs/brieflO.htm 
recommended because it can force water into the woodworlc rather than cleaning 
loose paint and grime from the surface; at worst, high pressure waterblastlng 
causes the water to penetrate exterior sheathing and damages Interior finishes. A 
detergent solution, a medium soft bristle brush, and a garden hose for purposes of 
rinsing, is the gentlest method involving water and is recommended when cleaning 
exterior surfaces prior to repainting. 
sandblasting: Finally- -and undoubtedly most vehemently •not 
recommended"--sandblasting painted exterior woodwork will indeed remove paint, 
but at the same time can scar wooden elements beyond recognition. As with rotary 
wire strippers, sandblasting erodes the soft porous fibers (spring wood) faster than 
the hard, dense fibers (summer wood), leaving a pitted surface with ridges and 
valleys. Sandblasting will also erode projecting areas of carvings and moldings 
before it removes paint from concave areas. Hence, this abrasive method is 
potentially the most damaging of all possibilities, even if a contractor promises that 
blast pressure can be controlled so that the paint is removed without harming the 
historic exterior woodwork. (For Additional Information, See Preservation Briefs 6, 
"Dangers of Abrasive Cleaning to Historic Buildings".) 
Summary of Abrasive Hethods (Hechanlca/) 
Recommended: Orbital sander, belt sander (skilled operator only). 
Applicable areas of building : Flat surfaces, i.e., siding, eaves, doors, window sills. 
For use on : Class II and Class III conditions. 
Health/Safety factors : Take precautions against lead dust and eye damage; dispose 
of lead paint residue properly. 
Not Recommended: Rotary drill attachments, high pressure waterblastlng, 
sandblasting. 
Thermal Methods 
Where exterior surface conditions have been identified that warrant total paint 
removal such as peeling, cracking, or alligatoring, two thermal devices--the electric 
heat plate and the electric heat gun--have proven to be quite successful for use on 
different wooden elements of the historic building. One thermal method--the blow 
torch-- is not recommended because it can scorch the wood or even bum the 
building down! 
Recommended Thermal Methods 
2/2112005 4:50 PM 
Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork http://www.cr.nps.gov/bpsltps/briefs/brieflO.b1m 
A heat plata wH UNd on ttM- cornice to 
remove paint. Photo: NPS files . 
Electric heat plate : The electric heat plate operates between 500 and 800 
degrees Fahrenheit (not hot enough to vaporize lead paint), using about 15 amps 
of power. The plate Is held close to the painted exterior surface until the layers of 
paint begin to soften and blister, then moved to an adjacent location on the wood 
while the softened paint is scraped off with a putty knife (it should be noted that 
the heat plate Is most successful when the paint Is very thick!) . With practice, the 
operator can successfully move the heat plate evenly across a flat surface such as 
wooden siding or a window sill or door in a continuous motion, thus lessening the 
risk of scorching the wood in an attempt to reheat the edge of the paint sufficiently 
for effective removal. Since the electric heat plate's coll Is "red hot," extreme 
caution should be taken to avoid igniting dothing or burning the skin. If an 
extension cord Is used, it should be a heavy-duty cord (with 3-prong grounded 
plugs). A heat plate could over1oad a circuit or, even worse, cause an electrical fire; 
therefore, it Is recommended that this implement be used with a single circuit and 
that a fire extinguisher always be kept close at hand. 
Electrtc heat gun: The electric heat gun (electric hot-air gun) looks like a 
hand-held hairdryer with a heavy-duty metal case. It has an electrical resistance 
coll that typically heats between 500 and 750 degrees Fahrenheit and, again, uses 
about 15 amps of power which requires a heavy-duty extension cord. There are 
some heat guns that operate at higher temperatures but they should not be 
purchased for removing old paint because of the danger of lead paint vapors. 
"\,j 
' \ ·1 
TIM nonM on the electric heat 
gun permits hot a ir to Maimed 
into cavitin on solid decorative 
surfaces, s uch as this carriage 
2/21/2005 4:50 PM 
Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems oo Historic Woodworic hap://www.cr.nps.govlhpsltps/briefs/brieflO.htDI 
tKHJN door. Attar the paint has 
been sufficiently softeMd, It can 
be carefully removed with • 
scraper. Photo: NPS files. 
The temperature is controlled by a vent on the side of the heat gun. When the vent 
is closed, the heat Increases. A fan forces a stream of hot air against the painted 
woodwork, causing a blister to form . At that point, the softened paint can be 
peeled back with a putty knife. It can be used to best advantage when a paneled 
door was originally varnished, then painted a number of t imes. In this case, the 
paint will come off quite easily, often leaving an almost pristine varnished surface 
behind. Like the heat plate, the heat gun works best on a heavy paint buildup. (It 
is, however, not very successful on only one or two layers of paint or on surfaces 
that have only been varnished . The varnish simply becomes sticky and the wood 
scorches.) 
Although the heat gun ls heavier and more tiring to use than the heat plate, it is 
particularly effective for removing paint from detail work because the nozzle can be 
directed at curved and intricate surfaces. Its use is thus more limited than the heat 
plate, and most successfully used in conjunction with the heat plate. For example, 
it takes about two to three hours to strip a paneled door with a heat gun, but if 
used in combination with a heat plate for the large, flat area, the t ime can usually 
be cut in half. Although a heat gun seldom scorches wood, it can cause fires (like 
the blow torch) If aimed at the dusty cavity between the exterior sheathing and 
siding and interior lath and plaster. A fire may smolder for hours before flames 
break through to the surface. Therefore, this thermal device Is best suited for use 
on solid decorative elements, such as molding, balusters, fretwork, or 
"gingerbread." 
Not Recommended 
Blow Torch : Blow torches, such as hand-held propane or butane torches, were 
widely used in the past for paint removal because other thermal devices were not 
available. With this technique, the flame is directed toward the paint until it begins 
to bubble and loosen from the surface. Then the paint is scraped off with a putty 
knife. Although this is a relatively fast process, at temperatures between 3200 and 
3800 degrees Fahrenheit the open flame is not only capable of burning a careless 
operator and causing severe damage to eyes or skin, it can easily scorch or ignite 
the wood . The other fire hazard is more insidious. Most frame buildings have an air 
space between the exterior sheathing and siding and interior lath and plaster. This 
cavity usually has an accumulation of dust which is also easily ignited by the open 
flame of a blow torch. Finally, lead base paints will vaporize at high temperatures, 
releasing toxic fumes that can be unknowingly inhaled. Therefore, because both 
the heat plate and the heat gun are generally safer to use--that is, the risks are 
much more controllab/e--the blow torch should definitely be avoided ! 
summary of Thermal Hethods 
Recommended: Electric heat plate, electric heat gun . 
Applicable areas of building : Electric heat plate--flat surfaces such as siding, eaves, 
sash, sills, doors. Electric heat gun--solid decorative moldlng, balusters, f retwork, 
or "gingerbread ." 
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~ Brief 10: Exta'ior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork http:J/www.a-.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/briefl0.htlll 
For use on : Class III conditions. 
Health/Safety factors: Take precautions against eye damage and fire. Dispose of 
lead paint residue properly. 
Not Recommended: Blow torch. 
Chemical Methods 
With the avallability of effective thennal methods for total paint removal, the need 
for chemical methods--in the context of preparing historic exterior woodwork for 
repalntlng--becomes quite limited. Solvent-base or caustic strippers may, however, 
play a supplemental role in a number of situations, including: 
• Removing paint residue from intricate decorative features, or In cracks or 
hard to reach areas If a heat gun has not been completely effective; 
• Removing paint on window muntlns because heat devices can easily break 
the glass; 
• Removing varnish on exterior doors after all layers of paint have been 
removed by a heat plate/heat gun if the original varnish finish ls being 
restored; 
• Removing paint from detachable wooden elements such as exterior shutters, 
balusters, columns, and doors by dip stripping when other methods are too 
laborlous. 
Rea,mmended Chemical Methods 
(Use With Extreme caution) 
Because all chemical paint removers can involve potential health and safety 
hazards, no wholehearted recommendations can be made from that standpoint. 
commonly known as "paint removers" or "strippers,· both solvent-base or caustic 
products are commercially available that, when poured, brushed, or sprayed on 
painted exterior woodwork are capable of softening several layers of paint at a time 
so that the resulting "sludge"--whlch should be remembered Is nothing less than 
the sequence of historic paint layers--can be removed with a putty knife. 
Detachable wood elements such as exterior shutters can also be "dip-stripped.• 
Solvent-base Strippers : The formulas tend to vary, but generally consist of 
combinations of organic solvents such as methylene chloride, isopropanol, toluol, 
xylol, and methanol ; thickeners such as methyl cellulose; and various additives 
such as paraffin wax used to prevent the volatile solvents from evaporating before 
they have time to soak through multiple layers of paint. Thus, while some 
solvent-base strippers are quite thin and therefore unsuitable for use on vertical 
surfaces, others, called "semi-paste" strippers, are formulated for use on vertical 
surfaces or the underside of horizontal surfaces. 
However, whether liquid or semi-paste, there are two important points to stress 
2/21/200S 4:SO PM 
■ 
,non Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefslbrieflO.btol 
when using any solvent-base stripper: First, the vapors from the organic chemicals 
can be highly toxic if inhaled; skin contact Is equally dangerous because the 
solvents can be absorbed; second, many solvent-base strippers are flammable. 
Even though application out-of-doors may somewhat mitigate health and safety 
hazards, a respirator with special filters for organic solvents is recommended and, 
of course, solvent-base strippers should never be used around open flames, lighted 
cigarettes, or with steel wool around electrical outlets. 
Although appearing to be the simplest for exterior use, a particular type of 
solvent-base stripper needs to be mentioned here because it can actually cause the 
most problems. Known as "water-rinsable," such products have a high proportion 
of methylene chloride together with emulsifiers. Although the dissolved paint can 
be rinsed off with water with a minimum of scraping, this ultimately creates more 
of a problem in cleaning up and properly disposing of the sludge. In addition, these 
strippers can leave a gummy residue on the wood that requires removal with 
solvents. Finally, water-rinsable strippers tend to raise the grain of the wood more 
than regular strippers. 
On balance, then, the regular strippers would seem to work just as well for exterior 
purposes and are perhaps even better from the standpoint of proper lead sludge 
disposal because they must be hand 'scraped as opposed to rinsed off (a coffee-can 
with a wire stretched across the top is one effective way to collect the sludge; 
when the putty knife is run across the wire, the sludge simply falls into the can. 
Then, when the can is filled, the wire is removed, the can capped, and the lead 
paint sludge dispcsed of according to local health regulations). 
caustic strippers: Until the advent of solvent-base strippers, caustic strippers 
were used exclusively when a chemical method was deemed appropriate for total 
paint removal prior to repainting or refinishing . Now, it is more difficult to find 
commercially prepared caustic solutions in hardware and paint stores for 
homeowner use with the exception of lye (caustic soda) because solvent-base 
strippers packaged in small quantities tend to dominate the market. 
Most commercial dip stripping companies, however, continue to use variations of 
the caustic bath process because it is still the cheapest method available for 
removing paint. Generally, dip stripping should be left to professional companies 
because caustic solutions can dissolve skin and permanently damage eyes as well 
as present serious disposal problems in large quantities. 
If exterior shutters or other detachable elements are being sent out for stripping in 
a caustic solution, it is wise to see samples of the company's finished work. While 
some companies do a first-rate job, others can leave a residue of paint in carvings 
and grooves. Wooden elements may also be soaked too long so that the wood 
grain is raised and roughened, requiring extensive hand sanding later. In addition, 
assurances should be given by these companies that caustic paint removers will be 
neutralized with a mild acid solution or at least thoroughly rinsed with water after 
dipping (a caustic residue makes the wood feel slippery). If this is not done, the lye 
residue will cause new paint to fail. 
Summary of Chemical Methods 
Recommended, with extreme caution : Solvent-base strippers, caustic strippers. 
212 1noos 4:50 PM 
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• - - __ • _ _I _J 
Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwon: http://www.cr.nps.gov/bps/tps/brie&lbrieflO.hun 
Applicable areas of buildings: decorative features, window muntins, doo·rs, exterior 
shutters, columns, balusters, and railings. 
For use on : Oass III Conditions. 
Health/Safety factors: Take precautions against inhaling toxic vapors; fire; eye 
damage; and chemical poisoning from skin contact. Dispose of lead residue 
properly 
General Paint Type Recommendations 
Decorative features were painted with 
a traditional oil-based paint aa a part of 
the rehabilitation. Photo: NPS flies. 
Based on the assumption that the exterior wood has been painted with oil paint 
many times in the past and the existing top coat is therefore also an oil paint, it is 
recommended that for Cl.ASS I and CLASS II paint surface conditions, a top coat of 
high quality oil paint be applied when repainting. The reason for recommending oil 
rather than latex paints is that a coat of latex paint applied directly over old oil 
paint is more apt to fail. The considerations are twofold. First, because oil paints 
continue to harden with age, the old surface is sensitive to the added stress of 
shrinkage which occurs as a new coat of paint dries. Oil paints shrink less upon 
drying than latex paints and thus do not have as great a tendency to pull the old 
paint loose. Second, when exterior oil paints age, the binder releases pigment 
particles, causing a chalky surface. AJthough for best results, the chalk (or dirt, 
etc.) should always be cleaned off prior to repainting, a coat of new oil paint is 
more able to penetrate a chalky residue and adhere than is latex paint. Therefore, 
unless it is possible to thoroughly dean a heavily chalked surface, oil paints--on 
balance--give better adhesion . 
If however, a latex top coat is going to be applied over several layers of old oil 
paint, an oil primer should be applied first (the oil primer creates a flat, porous 
surface to which the latex can adhere). After the primer has thoroughly dried, a 
latex top coat may be applied. In the long run, changing paint types is more time 
consuming and expensive. An application of a new oil-type top coat on the old oil 
paint is, thus, the preferred course of action. 
• 
Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork http://www.a.nps.govJbps/tps/briefs/brieflO.hUn 
If ctASS III conditions have necessitated total paint removal, there are two 
options, both of which assure protection of the exterior wood : (1) an oil primer 
may be applied followed by an oil-type top coat, preferably by the same 
manufacturer; or (2) an oll primer may be applied followed by a latex top coat, 
again using the same brand of paint. It should also be noted that primers were 
never Intended to withstand the effects of weathering; therefore, the top coat 
should be applied as soon as possible after the primer has dried. 
CONCLUSION 
The recommendations outlined in this Brief are cautious because at present there is 
no completely safe and effective method of removing old paint from exterior 
woodwork. This has necessarily eliminated descriptions of several methods still in a 
developmental or experimental stage, which can therefore neither be 
recommended nor precluded from future recommendation. With the 
ever-increasing number of buildings being rehabilitated, however, paint removal 
technology should be stimulated and, in consequence, existing methods refined 
and new methods developed which will respect both the historic wood and the 
health and safety of the operator. 
Reading List 
Batcheler, Penelope Hartshorne, •Paint Color Research and Restoration.• Technical 
Leaflet 15. Nashville : American Association for State and Local History (undated). 
"Danger: Restoration May Be Hazardous to Your Health.• The Old House Journal. 
Vol. 4, No. 5 (May 1976), pp. 911. 
Gola, Edward F. "Avoiding Mistakes in Exterior Painting." The Old House Journal. 
Vol. 4, No. 6 (June 1976), pp. 1, 45. 
"How to Assure a Satisfactory Paint Job." Scientific Section: Circular 784. 
Washington, DC: National Paint, Varnish and Lacquer Association (undated) . 
Labine, Oem. •selecting the Best Exterior Paint.• The Old House Journal. Vol. 4, 
No. 7 (July 1976), pp. 1, 1011. 
Morton, W. Brown UI and Hume, Gary L. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards 
for Historic Preservation Projects with Guidelines for Applying the Standards. 
Washington, DC: Department of Interior, 1979. 
Paint Problem Solver. St. Louis: National Decorating Products Association, 1980. 
"Special Issue: Exterior Painting.· The Old House Journal. Vol. 4, No . 4 (April 
1981), pp. 7194. 
Thorsen, John W. "Hazardous Waste: What is it? How to Handle it ." Professional 
'2121'2005 4:50 PM 
,atioo Brief IO: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork http-Jlwww.a-.nps.gov.lbps/'lps/brie&/brieflO.btm 
Decorating & Coating Action. Vol. 43, No. 4 (September 1981), pp. 45. 
Acknowledgements 
Special thanks go to Baird M. Smith, AJA (formerly Chief, Preservation Technology Branch, TPS} 
tor providing general direction in the development of the manuscript. In addition, the following 
individuals are to be thanked for theirc:ontributk>ns as technical experts in the f'leld: Royal T. 
Brown, National Paint and Coatings Association, Washington, O.C.; Or. Judith E. Selwyn, 
Preservation Technology Associates, Boston, Massachusetts; and Dennis R. Vacca , Pratt&. Lambert 
Co., car1stadt, New Jersey. Finally, thanks go to several National Park Service staff members 
whose valuable comments were incorporated into the text and who contributed to the production 
of the brief: James A. cauf'leld, Anne E. Grimmer, Jean E. Travers, David G. Battle, Sharon C. 
Park, AJA, Charles E. Asher III, Sara K. Blumenthal, and Martha A. Gutriek. The peeling paint 
photo used as the logo Is provided, courtesy, John Leeke, Preservation Consultant, 2001, and is 
copyrighted. 
Washington, D.C. September, 1982 
Home page logo: Peeling paint on historic wood siding. Photo: Clohn Leeke, 2002. 
This publication has been prepared pursuant to the National Historic Preservation 
Act of 1966, as amended, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop 
and make avallable Information concerning historic properties. Technical 
Preservation Services (TPS), Heritage Preservation Services Division, National Parle 
Service prepares standards, guide/Ines, and other educational materials on 
responsible historic preservation treatments for a broad public. 
~ I Technical Preservation Services I Preservation Briefs I ~ I Questions/Answers 
KDW 
P~et 
MaUonai.M ' SeNiee 
Privacy &[ )isclaimer 
2/'ll/'lOOS 4:SO PM 
-
,ation Brief 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows http:/lwww.cr.nps.gowbps/tps/brief:s/bri.et09.htm 
9 -~,,-ec-~·-=-a-1""'-:,,.:-a-!-:-n n_Se_rv,ce_B_r_~_e_fs ____9  Nii:ional Par\: s~ 
The Repair of 
Historic Wooden Windows 
John H. Myers 
»Architectural or Historical Significance 
»Physical Evaluation 
»Repair Class I: Routine Maintenance 
»Repair Class II: Stabilization 
»Repair Class III: Splices and Parts Replacement 
»Weatherlzation 
»Window Replacement 
»Conclusion 
»~Reading 
A NOTE TO OUR USERS: The web versions of the Preservation Briefs differ somewhat from 
the printed ver.-;lons. Many Illustrations are new, captions are simplified, illustrations are typically 
In color rather than black and white, and some complex charts have been omitted. 
The windows on many historic buildings are an important aspect of the 
architectural character of those buildings. Their design, craftsmanship, or 
other qualities may make them worthy of preservation. This is self-evident for 
ornamental windows, but it can be equally true for warehouses or factories where 
the windows may be the most dominant visual element of an otherwise plain 
building. Evaluating the significance of these windows and planning for their repair 
or replacement can be a complex process involving both objective and subjective 
considerations. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the 
accompanying guidelines, call for respecting the significance of original materials 
and features, repairing and retaining them wherever possible, and when necessary, 
replacing them in kind. This Brief Is based on the issues of significance and repa ir 
which are implicit in the standards, but the primary emphasis is on the technical 
issues of planning for the repair of windows Including evaluation of their phy~cal 
condition, techniques of repair, and design considerations when replacement is 
necessary. 
Much of the technical section presents repair techniques as an instructional guide 
for the do-it-yourselfer. The information will be useful, however, for the architect, 
contractor, or developer on large-scale projects. It pr~sents a methodology for 
approaching the evaluation and repair of existing windows, and considerations for 
312912005 7:36 PM 
Brief9: The RepairofHistoric Wooden Windows http://www.cr.nps.gov/h~fs/brief09.hbfl 
replacement, from which the professional can develop alternatives and specify 
appropriate materials and procedures. 
Architectural or Hlstorical Significance 
Evaluating the architectural or historical significance of windows Is the first step in 
planning for window treatments, and a general understanding of the function and 
history of windows Is vital to making a proper evaluation. As a part of this 
evaluation, one must consider four basic window functions : admitting light to the 
interior spaces, providing fresh air and ventilation to the interior, providing a visual 
link to the outside world, and enhancing the appearance of a building. No slngle 
factor can be disregarded when planning window treatments; for example, 
attempting to conserve energy by closing up or reducing the size of window 
openings may result in the use of more energy by increasing electric lighting loads 
and decreasing passive solar heat gains. 
windows ar11 frequently Important visual 
focal points, npeclally on aimple facaclff 
such as this mill building. Replacement of 
the multl~oe windows with larger panes 
could dramatically alter the appearance of 
the building. Photo: NPS flln. 
Historically, the firnt windows In early American houses were casement windows; 
that is, they were hinged at the side and opened outward. In the beginning of the 
eighteenth century single- and double-hung windows were introduced. 
Subsequently many styles of these vertical sliding sash windows have come to be 
associated with specific building periods or architectural styles, and this is an 
important consideration in determining the significance of windows, especially on a 
local or regional basis. Site-specific, regionally oriented architectural comparisons 
should be made to determine the significance of windows in question. Although 
such comparisons may focus on specific window types and their details, the 
ultimate determination of significance should be made within the context of the 
whole building, wherein the windows are one architectural element. 
After all of the factors have been evaluated, windows should be considered 
significant to a buildlng if they: 1) are original, 2) reflect the original design 
intent for the building, 3) reflect period or regional styles or building practices, 4) 
3/29/2005 7:36 PM 
Brief9: The Repair ofHi5toric Wooden Windows hUp:/lwww.cr.nps.gov/bpsltpslbriefsJbrief09.hoD 
reflect changes to the building resulting from major periods or events, or 5) are 
examples of exceptional craftsmanship or design. Once this evaluation of 
significance has been completed, it is possible to proceed with planning appropriate 
treatments, beginning with an investigation of the physical condition of the 
windows. 
Physical Evaluation 
The key to successful planning for window treatments ls a careful evaluation of 
existing physical conditions on a unit-by-unit basis. A graphic or photographic 
system may be devised to record existing conditions and Illustrate the scope of any 
necessary repairs. Another effective tool is a window schedule which lists all of the 
parts of each window unit. Spaces by each part allow notes on existing conditions 
and repair Instructions. When such a schedule Is completed, it Indicates the precise 
tasks to be perfonned in the repair of each unit and becomes a part of the 
specifications. ln any evaluation, one should note at a minimum: 
• 1) window location 
• 2) condition of the paint 
• 3) condition of the frame and sill 
• 4) condition of the sash (rails, stiles and muntins) 
• 5) glazing problems 
• 6) hardware, and 
• 7) the overall ·condition of the window (excellent, fair, poor, and so forth) 
Many factors such as poor design, moisture, vandalism, insect attack, and lack of 
maintenance can contribute to window deterioration, but moisture is the primary 
contributing factor in wooden window decay. All w indow units should be inspected 
to see if water is entering around the edges of the frame and, If so, the joints or 
seams should be caulked to eliminate this danger. The glazing putty should be 
checked for cracked, loose, or missing sections which allow water to saturate the 
wood, especially at the joints. The back putty on the interior side of the pane 
should also be inspected, because It creates a seal which prevents condensation 
from running down into the joinery. The sill should be examined to insure that it 
slopes downward away from the building and allows water to drain off. In addition, 
it may be advisable to cut a dripline along the underside of the sill . This almost 
invisible treatment will insure proper water runoff, particularly if the bottom of the 
sill is flat. Any conditions, including poor original design, which permit water to 
come in contact with the wood or to puddle on the sill must be corrected as they 
contribute to deterioration of the window. 
3/29/2005 7c36 PM 
Brief9: The R.epairofHistoric Wooden Windows http'i/www.er.nps.gov/hps/tps/brie&/brief09 .btln 
Deterioration of poorty maintained windows 
usualty begins on horizontal surfaces and 
at joints, where water can collect and 
saturate the wood. Photo: NPS filn. 
One clue to the location of areas of excessive moisture ls the condition of the paint; 
therefore, each window should be examined for areas of paint failure. Since 
excessive moisture is detrimental to the paint bond, areas of paint blistering, 
cracking, flaking, and peeling usually Identify points of water penetration, moisture 
saturation, and potential deterioration. Failure of the paint should not, however, be 
mistakenly Interpreted as a sign that the wood is in poor condition and hence, 
irreparable. Wood is frequently In sound physical condition beneath unsightly paint. 
After noting areas of paint failure, the next step rs to inspect the condition of the 
wood, particularly at the points identified during the paint examination. 
Each window should be examined for operational soundness beginning with the 
lower portions of the frame and sash. Exterior rainwater and interior condensation 
can flow downward along the window, entering and collecting at points where the 
flow is blocked. The sill, joints between the slll and jamb, comers of the bottom 
rails and muntin joints are typical points where water collects and deterioration 
begins. The operation of the window (continuous opening and closing over the 
years and seasonal temperature changes) weakens the joints, causing movement 
and slight separation. This process makes the joints more vulnerable to water 
which is readily absorbed into the endgrain of the wood. If severe deterioration 
exists in these areas, it will usually be apparent on visual inspection, but other less 
severely deteriorated areas of the wood may be tested by two traditional methods 
using a small ice pick. 
An ice pick or an awl may be used to test wood for soundness. The technique is 
simply to jab the pick into a wetted wood surface at an angle and pry up a small 
section of the wood . Sound wood will separate in long fibrous splinters, but 
decayed wood will lift up in short irregular pieces due to the breakdown of fiber 
strength. 
Another method of testing for soundness consists of pushing a sharp object into the 
wood, perpendicular to the surface. If deterioration has begun from the hidden side 
of a member and the core is badly decayed, the visible surface may appear to be 
sound wood. Pressure on the probe can force it through an apparently sound skin 
to penetrate deeply into decayed wood. This technique is especially useful for 
checking sills where visual access to the underside is restricted. 
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Bricf9: The RcpairofHistoric Wooden Windows http:/lwww.a .nps.gov/hpsltps/briefs/bricf09.hn:D 
Following the inspection and analysis of the results, the scope of the necessary 
repairs will be evident and a plan for the rehabilitation can be fonnulated. 
Generally the actions necessary to return a window to •nke new" condition will fall 
into three broad categories: lJ routine maintenance procedures, 2) structural 
stabilization, and 3) parts replacement. These categories will be discussed in 
the following sections and will be referred to respectively as Repair Class I, 
Repair Class II, and Repair Class m. Each successive repair dass represents an 
Increasing level of difficulty, expense, and work time. Note that most of the points 
mentioned in Repair Class I are routine maintenance items and should be provided 
in a regular maintenance program for any building . The neglect of these routine 
items can contribute to many common window problems. 
Before undertaking any of the repa irs mentioned In the following sections all 
sources of moisture penetration should be identified and eliminated, and all existing 
decay fungi destroyed in order to arrest the deterioration process. Many 
commercially available fungicides and wood preservatives are toxic, so It ls 
extremely important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application, 
and store all chemical materials away from children and animals. After fungicidal 
and preservative treatment the windows may be stabilized, retained, and restored 
with every expectation for a long service life. 
Repair Class I:,_ Rou.tine Maintenance IJrr·'~  
-~ 
:. 
-z..-~: ·,:.: -· . . ~-
n ·w• 
This historic double-hung 
window has many layers of 
paint, some cracked and 
mining putty, slight separation 
at the joints, broken sash 
cords, and one cracked pane. 
Photo: NP$ filH. 
Repairs to wooden windows are usually labor intensive and relatively 
uncomplicated. On small scale projects this allows the do-it•yourselfer to save 
money by repairing all or part of the windows. On larger projects it presents the 
opportunity for time and money which might otherwise be spent on the removal 
and replacement of existing windows, to be spent on repairs, subsequently saving 
all or part of the material cost of new window units. Regardless of the actual costs, 
or who performs the work, the evaluation process described earlier will provide the 
3/29/2005 7:36 PM 
Brief9: The RepairofHistoric: Wooden Windows http://www.a-.nps.gov/hpsltpslbriefs/brieft>9.btm 
knowledge from wh.ich t o specify an appropriate work program, establish the work element priorities, and Identify the level of skill needed by the labor force. ' ~,_- 
vv 
After removing paint from 
the searn betwMn the 
interior stop and the 
jamb, the stop can be 
pried out and gradualty 
worked loose using a pair 
of putty knives aa shown. 
Photo: NPS files. 
The routine maintenance required to upgrade a window to "like new" condition 
normally includes the following steps: 1) some degree of interior and exterior paint 
removal, 2) removal and repair of sash (including reglazing where necessary), 3) 
repairs to the frame, 4) weatherstripping and reinstallation of the sash, and 5) 
repainting. These operations are illustrated for a typical double-hung wooden 
window, but they may be adapted to other window types and styles as applicable. 
Historic windows have usually acquired many layers of paint over time. Removal of 
excess layers or peeling and flaking paint will facilitate operation of the window and 
restore the clarity of the original detailing. Some degree of paint removal is also 
necessary as a first step in the proper surface preparation for subsequent 
refinishing (if paint color analysis is desired, it should be conducted prior to the 
onset of the paint removal). There are several safe and effective techniques for 
removing paint from wood, depending on the amount of paint to be removed. 
Sash can be removed and repaired in a 
convenient work area. Paint is being 
removed from this sash with a hot air gun. 
Photo: NPS files . 
3/29/2005 7:36 PM 
Brief 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows http://www.er.nps.gov/hps/tpslbriefsf09.htlll 
Paint removal should begin on the interior frames, being careful to remove the 
paint from the interior stop and the parting bead, partJcularty along the seam 
where these stops meet the jamb. This can be accomplished by running a utility 
knife along the length of the seam, breaking the paint bond. It will then be much 
easier to remove the stop, the parting bead and the sash. The interior stop may be 
initially loosened from the sash side to avoid visible scarring of the wood and then 
gradually pried loose using a pair of putty kn ives, wor1<1ng up and down the stop in 
small increments. With the stop removed, the lower or Interior sash may be 
withdrawn. The sash cords should be detached from the sides of the sash and their 
ends may be pinned with a nail or tied in a knot to prevent them from falling into 
the weight pocket. 
Removal of the upper sash on double-hung units ls similar but the parting bead 
which holds It In place is set Into a groove in the center of the stile and Is thinner 
and more delicate than the Interior stop. After removing any paint along the seam, 
the parting bead should be carefully pried out and worked free In the same manner 
as the Interior stop. The upper sash can be removed In the same manner as the 
lower one and both sash taken to a convenient work area (In order to remove the 
sash the Interior stop and parting bead need only be removed from one side of the 
window). Window openings can be covered with polyethylene sheets or plywood 
sheathing while the sash are out for repair. 
The sash can be stripped of paint using appropriate techniques, but if any heat 
treatment ts used, the glass should be removed or protected from the sudden 
temperature change which can cause breakage. An overlay of aluminum foll on 
gypsum board or asbestos can protect the glass from such rapid temperature 
change. It ls Important to protect the glass because it may be historic and often 
adds character to the window. Deteriorated putty should be removed manually, 
taking care not to damage the wood along the rabbet. If the glass Is to be 
removed, the glazing points which hold the glass In place can be extracted and the 
panes numbered and removed for cleaning and reuse In the same openings. With 
the glass panes out, the remaining putty can be removed and the sash can be 
sanded, patched, and primed with a preservative primer. Hardened putty In the 
rabbets may be softened by heating with a soldering Iron at the point of removal . 
Putty remaining on the glass may be softened by soaking the panes in linseed oil, 
and then removed with less risk of breaking the glass. Before reinstalling the glass, 
a bead of glazing compound or linseed oil putty should be laid around the rabbet to 
cushion and seal the glass. Glazing compound should only be used on wood which 
has been brushed with linseed oil and primed with an oil based primer or paint. The 
pane Is then pressed into place and the glazing points are pushed into the wood 
around the perimeter of the pane. 
The final glazing compound or putty is applied and beveled to complete the seal. 
The sash can be refinished as desired on the inside and painted on the outside as 
soon as a · skin" has formed on the putty, usually In 2 or 3 days. Exterior paint 
should cover the beveled glazing compound or putty and lap over onto the glass 
slightly to complete a weather-tight seal. After the proper curing t imes have 
elapsed for paint and putty, the sash will be ready for relnstallation. 
While the sash are out of the frame, the condit ion of the wood in the jamb and sill 
can be evaluated . Repair and refinishing of the frame may proceed concurrently 
with repairs to the sash, taking advantage of the curing t imes for the paints and 
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·on Brief 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows http://www,cr.nps.gov/hpslq,slbriefslbrief09.bcnl 
putty used on the sash. One of the most common work items is the replacement of 
the sash cords with new rope cords or with chains. The weight pocket is frequently 
accessible through a door on the face of the frame near the sill, but if no door 
exists, the trim on the interior face may be removed for access. Sash weights may 
be Increased for easier window operation by elderly or handicapped persons. 
Additional repairs to the frame and sash may include consolidation or replacement 
of deteriorated wood. Techniques for these repairs are discussed In the following 
sections. 
Foltowlng the 
relatfwly simple 
1'9palrs, the window Is 
weathertight, Ilk• new 
In appearance, and 
ffr"Viceable for many 
yurs to come.Photo: 
NPSflln. 
The operations just discussed summarize the efforts necessary to restore a window 
with minor deterioration to '" like new'" condition. The techniques can be applied by 
an unskilled person with minimal training and experience. To demonstrate the 
practicality of this approach, and photograph It, a Technical Preservation Services 
staff member repaired a wooden double-hung, two over two window which had 
been In service over ninety years. The wood was structurally sound but the window 
had one broken pane, many layers of paint, broken sash cords and Inadequate, 
worn-out weatherstripping. The staff member found that the frame could be 
stripped of paint and the sash removed quite easily. Paint, putty and glass removal 
required about one hour for each sash, and the reglazing of both sash was 
accomplished In about one hour. Weatherstripping of the sash and frame, 
replacement of the sash cords and reinstallation of the sash, parting bead, and stop 
required an hour and a hatf. These times refer only to Individual operations; the 
entire process took several days due to the drying and curing times for putty, 
primer, and paint, however, work on other window units could have been in 
progress during these lag times. 
Repair Class II: Stabilization 
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-,don Brief 9: The Repair ofHistoric Wooden Windows http://www.ct.nps.gov/hpsltpslbriefs/brieffl9.htol 
The preceding description of a window repair job focused on a unit which was 
operationally sound. Many windows will show some additional degree of physical 
deterioration, especially In the vulnerable areas mentioned earlier, but even badly 
damaged windows can be repaired using simple processes. Partially decayed wood 
can be waterproofed, patched, built-up, or consolidated and then painted to 
achieve a sound condition, good appearance, and greatly extended life. Three 
techniques for repairing partially decayed or weathered wood are discussed in this 
section, and all three can be accomplished using products available at most 
hardware stores. 
One established technique for repairing wood which is split, checked or shows signs 
of rot, is to: 1) dry the wood, 2) treat decayed areas with a fungicide, 3) 
waterproof with two or three applications of boiled linseed oil (applications every 24 
hours), 4) fill cracks and holes with putty, and 5) after a "skin" forms on the putty, 
paint the surface. care should be taken with the use of fungicide which is toxic. 
Follow the manufacturers' directions and use only on areas which will be painted. 
When using any technique of building up or patching a flat surface, the finished 
surface should be sloped slightly to cany water away from the window and not 
allow it to puddle. caulking of the joints between the sill and the jamb will help 
reduce further water penetration. 
Thia illustrates a two-part expoxy 
patching compound used to fill the 
surface of a weathered sill and rebuild 
the mining edge. When the epoxy 
cures, It can be sanded smooth and 
painted to achieve a durable and 
waterproof repair. Photo: NPS flies. 
When sills or other members exhibit surface weathering they may also be built-up 
using wood putties or homemade mixtures such as sawdust and resorcinol glue, or 
whiting and varnish. These mixtures can be built up in successive layers, then 
sanded, primed, and painted. The same caution about proper slope for flat surfaces 
applies to this technique. 
Wood may also be strengthened and stabilized by consolidation, using semirigid 
epoxies which saturate the porous decayed wood and then harden. The surface of 
the consolidated wood can then be filled with a semirigid epoxy patching 
compound, sanded and painted. Epoxy patching compounds can be used to build 
up missing sections or decayed ends of members. Profiles can be duplicated using 
hand molds, which are created by pressing a ball of patching compound over a 
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Brief9: The RepairofHistoric Wooden Windows http:Jlwww.cr.nps.gov1bps/tps/briefs/brief09.hb:o 
sound section of the profile which has been rubbed with butcher's wax. This can be 
a very efficient technique where there are many typical repairs to be done. The 
process has been widely used and proven in marine applications; and proprietary 
products are available at hardware and marine supply stores. Although epoxy 
materials may be comparatively expensive, they hold the promise of being among 
the most durable and long lasting materials available for wood repair. More 
information on epoxies can be found in the publication •Epoxies for Wood Repairs 
in Historic Buildings, • cited in the bibliography. 
Any of the three techniques discussed can stabilize and restore the appearance of 
the window unit. There are times, however, when the degree of deterioration is so 
advanced that stabilization is impractical, and the only way to retain some of the 
original fabric is to replace damaged parts. 
Repair Class III: Splices and Parts Replacement 
When parts of the frame or sash are so badly deteriorated that they cannot be 
stabilized there are methods which permit the retention of some of the existing or 
original fabric . These methods involve replacing the deteriorated parts with new 
matching pieces, or splicing new wood into existing members. The techniques 
require more skill and are more expensive than any of the previously discussed 
alternatives. It is necessary to remove the sash and/or the affected parts of the 
frame and have a carpenter or woodworking mill reproduce the damaged or 
missing parts. Most millwork firms can duplicate parts, such as muntins, bottom 
rails, or sills, which can then be incorporated Into the existing window, but It may 
be necessary to shop around because there are several factors controlling the 
practicality of this approach. Some woodworking mills do not like to repair old sash 
because nails or other foreign objects In the sash can damage expensive knives 
(which cost far more than their profits on small repair jobs); others do not have 
cutting knives to duplicate muntin profiles. Some firms prefer to concentrate on 
larger jobs with more profit potential, and some may not have a craftsman who 
can duplicate the parts. A little searching should locate a firm which will do the job, 
and at a reasonable price. If such a firm does not exist locally, there are firms 
which undertake this kind of repair and ship nationwide. It Is possible, however, for 
the cidvanced do-it-yourselfer or craftsman with a table saw to duplicate moulding 
profiles using techniques discussed by Gordie Whittington in "Simplified Methods 
for Reproducing Wood Mouldings,• Bulletin of the Association for Preservation 
Technology, Vol. III, No. 4, 1971, or illustrated more recently in The Old House, 
Time-Life Books, Alexandria, Virginia, 1979. 
The repairs discussed in this section involve window frames which may be in very 
deteriorated condition, possibly requiring removal ; therefore, caution is in order. 
The actual construction of wooden window frames and sash is not complicated. 
Pegged mortise and tenon units can be disassembled easily, if the units are out of 
the building. The installation or connection of some frames to the surrounding 
structure, especially masonry walls, can complicate the work immeasurably, and 
may even require dismantling of the wall . It may be useful, therefore, to take the 
following approach to frame repair: 1) conduct regular maintenance of sound 
frames to achieve the longest life possible, 2) make necessary repairs in place, 
wherever possible, using stabilization and splicing techniques, and 3) if removal is 
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;lb()II Brief 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefslbrief09.httn 
necessary, thoroughly Investigate the structural detailing and seek appropriate 
professional consultation. 
Another alternative may be considered if parts replacement is required, and that is 
sash replacement. If extensive replacement of parts is necessary and the job 
becomes prohibitively expensive it may be more practical to purchase new sash 
which can be Installed into the existing frames. Such sash are available as exact 
custom reproductions, reasonable facsimiles (custom windows with similar 
profiles), and contemporary wooden sash which are similar In appearance. There 
are companies which still manufacture high quality wooden sash which would 
duplicate most historic sash. A few calls to local building suppliers may provide a 
source of appropriate replacement sash, but if not, check with local historical 
associations, the state historic preservation office, or preservation related 
magazines and supply catalogs for information. 
If a rehabllltatlon project has a large number of windows such as a commercial 
building or an industrial complex, there may be less of a problem arriving at a 
solution. Once the evaluation of the windows is completed and the scope of the 
worlc Is known, there may be a potential economy of scale. Woodworking mills may 
be interested In the worlc from a large project; new sash In volume may be 
considerably less expensive per unit; crews can be assembled and trained on site 
to perform all of the window repa irs; and a few extensive repairs can be absorbed 
(without undue burden) Into the total budget for a large number of sound windows. 
While it may be expensive for the average historic home owner to pay seventy 
dollars or more for a mill to grind a custom knife to duplicate four or five bad 
muntlns, that cost becomes negligible on large commercial projects which may 
have several hundred windows. 
Most windows should not require the extensive repairs discussed In this section. 
The ones which do are usually In buildings which have been abandoned for long 
periods or have totally lacked maintenance for years. It Is necessary to thoroughly 
investigate the alternatives for windows which do require extensive repairs to 
arrive at a solution which retains historic significance and Is also economically 
feasible. Even for projects requiring repairs identified in this section, if the 
percentage of parts replacement per window is low, or the number of windows 
requiring repair is small , repair can still be a cost effective solution. 
Weatherizatlon 
A window which Is repaired should be made as energy efficient as possible by the 
use of appropriate weatherstripping to reduce air infiltration. A wide variety of 
products are available to assist in this task. Felt may be fastened to the top, 
bottom, and 'meeting rails, but may have the disadvantage of absorbing and 
holding moisture, particularly at the bottom rail. Rolled vinyl strips may also be 
tacked Into place In appropriate locations to reduce infiltration . Metal strips or new 
plastic spring strips may be used on the rails and, if space pennits, In the channels 
between the sash and jamb. Weatherstripping is a historic treatment, but old 
weatherstripping (felt} is not likely to perform very satisfactorily. Appropriate 
contemporary weatherstripping should be considered an Integral part of the repair 
process for windows. The use of sash locks installed on the meeting rail will insure 
J/29/2005 7:36 PM 
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Brief9: The RtpairofHisloric Wooden WiDdows http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/briel09.hb0 
that the sash are kept tightly closed so that the weatherstripping will function more 
effectively to reduce infiltration. Although such locks will not always be historically 
accurate, they will usually be viewed as an acceptable contemporary modification 
in the interest of improved thermal performance. 
Many styles of storm windows are available to improve the thermal performance of 
existing windows. The use of exterior storm windows should be investigated 
whenever feasible because they are thermally efficient, cost•effective, reversible, 
and allow the retention of original windows (see "Preservation Briefs: 3") . Storm 
window frames may be made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, or plastic; however, the 
use of unfinished aluminum storms should be avoided. The v isual impact of storms 
may be minimized by selecting colors which match existing trim color. Arched top 
storms are available for windows with special shapes. Although Interior storm 
windows appear to offer an attractive option for achieving double glazing with 
minimal visual Impact, the potential for damaging condensation problems must be 
addressed. Moisture which becomes trapped between the layers of glazing can 
condense on the colder, outer prime window, potentially leading to deterioration. 
The correct approach to using interior storms is to create a seal on the interior 
storm while allowing some ventilation around the prime window. In actual practice, 
the creation of such a durable, airtight seal is difficult. 
Window Replacement 
Although the retention of original or existing windows is always desirable and this 
Brief is intended to encourage that goal, there is a point when the condition of a 
window may clear1y indicate replacement. The decision process for selecting 
replacement windows should not begin with a survey of contemporary window 
products which are available as replacements, but should begin with a look at the 
windows which are being replaced. Attempt to understand the contribution of the 
wlndow(s) to the appearance of the facade including: 1) the pattern of the 
openings and their size; 2) proportions of the frame and sash; 3) configuration of 
window panes; 4) muntln profiles; 5) type of wood; 6) paint color; 7) 
characteristics of the glass; and 8) associated details such as arched tops, hoods, 
or other decorative elements. Develop an understanding of how the window 
reflects the period, style, or regional characteristics of the building, or represents 
technological development. 
Armed with an awareness of the significance of the existing window, begin to 
search for a replacement which retains as much of the character of the historic 
window as possible. There are many sources of suitable new windows. Continue 
looking untll an acceptable replacement can be found . Check building supply firms, 
local woodworking mills, carpenters, preservation oriented magazines, or catalogs 
or suppliers of old building materials, for product information. Local historical 
associations and state historic preservation offices may be good sources of 
information on products which have been used successfully in preservation 
projects. 
Consider energy efficiency as one of the factors for replacements, but do not let it 
dominate the issue. Energy conservation is no excuse for the wholesale destruction 
of historic windows which can be made thermally efficient by historically and 
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Brief 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows bttp1lwww.a.nps.gov11ipsltpslbriefs/brief09.hbJl 
aesthetically acceptable means. In fact, a historic wooden window with a high 
quality storm window added should thermally outperform a new double-glazed 
metal window which does not have thermal breaks (insulation between the Inner 
and outer frames intended to break the path of heat flow) . This occurs because the 
wood has far better insulating value than the metal, and in addition many historic 
windows have high ratios of wood to glass, thus reducing the area of highest heat 
transfer. One measure of heat transfer is the U-value, the number of Stu's per hour 
transferred through a square foot of material. When comparing thermal 
performance, the lower the U-value the better the performance. According to 
ASHRAE 1977 Fundamentals, the U-values for single glazed wooden windows range 
from 0.88 to 0.99. The addition of a storm window should reduce these figures to a 
range of 0.44 to 0.49. A non-thermal break, double-glazed metal window has a 
u-value of about 0.6. 
COndusion 
Technical Preservation Services recommends the retention and repair of original 
windows whenever possible. We believe that the repair and weatherization of 
existing wooden windows is more practical than most people realize, and that 
many windows are unfortunately replaced because of a lack of awareness of 
techniques for evaluation, repair, and weatherization. Wooden windows which are 
repaired and property maintained will have greatly extended service lives while 
contributing to the historic character of the building. Thus, an important element of 
a building's significance will have been preserved for the future. 
Additional Reading 
ASHRAE Handbook 1977 Fundamentals. New York : American Society of Heating, 
Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers, 1978 {chapter 26). 
Ferro, Maximillian. Preservation: Present Pathway to Fall River's Future. Fall River, 
Massachusetts: City of Fall River, 1979 (chapter 7) . 
"Fixing Double-hung Windows." Old Houseloumal (no. 12, 1979): 135. 
Morrison, Hugh. Early American Architecture. New York : Oxford University Press, 
1952. 
Phillips, Morgan, and Selwyn, Judith. Epoxies for Wood Repairs In Historic Buildings. 
Washington, DC: Technical Preservation Services, U.S. Department of the Interior 
(Government Printing Office, Stock No. 024016000951), 1978. 
Rehab Right. Oakland, C.lifomia: City of Oakland Planning Department, 1978 (pp. 
7883). 
"Sealing Leaky Windows. " Old House Journal (no. 1, 1973) : 5. 
Smith, Baird M. "Preservation Briefs: 3 Conserving Energy in Historic Buildings." 
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·oo Brief9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows http://www.a.nps.gov/hps/'lps/briefs/brief09.bt111 
Washington, DC: Technical Preservation Services, U.S. Department of the Interior, 
1978. 
Weeks, Kay D. and David W. Look, "Preservation Briefs: 10 Exterior Paint 
Problems on Historic Woodwork.• Washington, DC: Technical Preservation Services, 
U.S. Department of the Interior, 1982. 
Washington, D.C. 1981 
Home page logo: Historic six-over-six windows-preserved. Photo: NPS files. 
This publication has been prepared pursuant to the National Historic Preservation 
Ad of 1966, as amended, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop 
and make available information concerning historic properties. Technical 
Preservation Services (TPS), Heritage Preservation Services Division, National Parle 
Service prepares standards, guidelines, and other educational materials on 
responsible historic preservation treatments for a broad public. 
Order Brief J Technical Preservation Services I Preservation Briefs I Search I Questions/Answers 
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