Student Fine Arts Exhibition

Montpelier Craftsmen
by Whit Jacobs ’08


           In 2001, the Montpelier Foundation underwent an extensive architectural survey of the Montpelier mansion estate, former home of President James Madison.  For 18 months, historians analyzed all aspects of the house which included: plaster samples, nail hole markings, windows and doors, and many other elements that gave evidence towards the original Madison mansion existing.  At the conclusion of the investigation, the analysts agreed to embark on an attempt to uncover and restore the home to its 1809-1836 appearance.  In 2003, the Montpelier Foundation commenced a complete restoration of the home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, and fourth President of the United States.

            The project, led by Hampden-Sydney College graduate and Restoration Foreman John Jeanes (’79), has been undertaken by a unique and gifted set craftsmen.  Outside of the many different contracted companies that helped make this project a reality, there remained a small group of men employed with the Montpelier Foundation.  Those men included Mac Ward, Keith Forry, Les Lamois, Thomas Tyler, Bill Bichell and Joe Doody.  Each of these men, craftsmen in their own field, has worked on every aspect on the jobsite.  By looking at the beautiful woodwork installations throughout the house, the restored landscape around the house, and the detailed craftsmanship in every aspect of the restoration, one cannot fathom the level of expertise and knowledge these men hold.

            For two summers, I was given the privilege to work for the Montpelier Foundation.  The construction site is unlike any other.  Work each day included a total mansion cleanup where things were swept and scrubbed as visitors would be coming through as crews underwent restoration construction.  I was able to help restore and install the front portico porch with Mac Ward, repair flooring with Keith Forry, install fire suppression lines with Joe Doody, and complete numerous carpentry tasks under the instruction of Thomas Tyler and Les Lamois. 

            This past semester, I chose to document the Montpelier Construction Crew before the job neared its final stage of completion.  Nearly every week, I traveled back to my hometown, Orange, Virginia, and documented their everyday activities.  I had the craftsmen provide me with a handwritten statement describing their experiences at the jobsite.

            I chose to do this project for two reasons.  First of all, once the project is completed, these men will most likely depart for other similar jobs nationwide.  Secondly, from a visitor’s standpoint, it is impossible to know exactly who the craftsmen were that underwent the task of restoring a house, in the 21st century, back to its 19th century appearance.  Words cannot fully describe the credit these men deserve; however, I am hopeful that these photographs will honor their contributions.