Winter 2024 Virginia City Nugget

VIRGINIA CITY NUGGET

ROBBER’S ROOST UPDATE

By Bob Bayley

Since 1999 the Virginia City Preservation (VCPA) has had the honor and the responsibility of being the owner of Robber’s Roost, a compound of buildings located on Highway 287 south of Sheridan, Montana and about 14 miles distant from Virginia City. The principle structure is an impressive, two story milled log building known as Daly’s Inn after it was likely built in 1867. It operated as a stage stop, inn, bar and dance hall for many years until the Prohibition Era.

In an effort to make Robber’s Roost more available and accessible to the

public the VCPA has continued to invest time, effort and funds into restoration and safety improvements to the buildings and landscaping on the Roost property. In the past two years two grants from the Foundation for Montana History (FMH) have been particularly instrumental in furthering this goal.

The first grant in 2021 focused on a site assessment of the buildings and landscape with particular attention given to Daly’s Inn, the two story stage stop. Two projects were identified for the inn as being in particular need of attention, the stabilization of the

foundation at the northeast corner with an archeology component and the restoration and reinforcement of the second story porch railing and deck structure along the front facade.

We are happy to report that in addition to the successful completion of site assessment under the first grant from the FMH, half of the work identified under the second grant of 2022 has been successfully completed and it is anticipated that the remaining work consisting of foundation stabilization and archeology are

Robber’s Roost showing the principal building, the inn and stage stop, late last year upon completion of balcony restoration and reinforcing work. The caretakers cabin with the red door seen to the far left. Credit: Bob Bayley

Robber’s Roost Update cont. page 2

Work underway by carpenters, the Hicks brothers, installing new wood framing members and metal hangers at the underside of the balcony at the main structure at Robber’s Roost. Credit: Bob Bayley

About the Virginia City Preservation Alliance.

VCPA Organization. The Virginia City Preservation Alliance is organized and operated in accordance with the Montana Nonprofit Corporation Act and the tax exemption requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 501(0(3). The VCPA maintains the following website: www.

virginiacitypreservationalliance .org

VCPA Board meetings are held on the second Monday of each month in the undercroft of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 102 E. Idaho Street, Virginia City, at 7:00 PM (except that meetings for December-March are held at 12:00 Noon).

Virginia City Nugget.

The Virginia City Nugget is published by the Virginia City Preservation Alliance to communicate with Members about VCPA activities and events, as well as to provide Members with historical information on relevant topics involving Virginia City, Alder Gulch and the western mining frontier.

Mission Statement

The princial purpose of the Virginia City Preservation Alliance is to preserve, restore and put on public display structures and artifacts relating to the history of the town of Virginia City, Montana; to tell the story of the western mining frontier; and to protect the integrity of the local community.

In this issue....

Robber’s Roost Update..............................................1-2

2023 Grand Victorian Ball.............................................3

Summer 2024 Events.....................................................4

Hangman’s Building Over the Years...........................5-6

Annual Meeting Summary.............................................7

Historic Materials on Historic Buildings....................8-9

Virginia City Circa 1937..........................................10-11

expected to be completed this spring.

There are other tasks identified for the property for the immediate future including a new porch entry for the Linderman Cabin (an historic cabin moved to the one acre Roost site a few years ago), a storage shed for landscape equipment, a hand operated water pump, the restoration and stabilization of the root cellar and the dug well, the chinking of building walls and the introduction of electric service. Stay tuned!

New wood joists and beams at underside of balcony at main Roost Building.

A closeup view of new wood framing members and steel joist hangers at underside of balcony at main Roost building.

Credit: Bob Bayley

Robber’s Roost Update cont. from page 1

A look back in time...

THE 2023 GRAND VICTORIAN BALL

The Virginia City Preservation Alliance hosts the Grand Victorian Ball every August for folks to return to those high society days and enjoy high tea, a prominade, reception and ball with period music and refreshments. This ball celebrates the end of the Civil War, where we step back in time and learn about customs and the influence of the post Civil Ware era. Below are some highlights from the 2023 Grand Victorian Ball.

Photos courtesy Pat Jacobs

(L) Proud to be escorting Grandmother and sister to the Grand Victorian Ball.

(Above) Authentic Civil War era dances in full “swing”.

(Below) Return attendees having a “Grand” time.

Summer 2024 Events

As the Virginia City Preservation Alliance (VCPA) continues with its mission of safeguarding the rich history of Virginia City, a series of exciting events looms on the horizon. These events serve as a testament to the alliance’s dedication and passion for ensuring that Virginia City’s heritage remains vibrant and accessible to all. Join us!

Saturday, July 20th – BOZEMAN TRAIL EVENT

Saturday, August 17th – GRAND VICTORIAN BALL

Sunday, September 8th - BREWERY TO BREWERY TOUR

2024 VCPA SUMMER SERIES PRESENTATIONS

“Historic Buildings of Madison County”

“St. Mary’s Church:  Adeline Laurin’s Legacy” by Bill Lev Linderman Cabin

Sunday, June 23th, at 2:00 pm

“Virginia City Pioneer Joseph Griffith:  A Granddaughter’s Stories” by Sue Ann Griffith Hangman’s Building

Saturday, June 29th, at 10:00 am

“Courthouses of Madison County” by Amy Grice Linderman Cabin

Sunday July 7th, at 3:00 pm

“Pete Daly and His Infamous Inn” by Gary Forney Linderman Cabin

Sunday, August 4th at 2:00 pm

All programs are open to the public. For updates and more information, please go to:

www.virginiacitypreservationalliance.com/events-2

HANGMAN’S BUILDING - a visual history.

On January 14, 1864, during the construction phase of this building, the Vigilantes utilized its sturdy central support beam to execute five of Henry Plummer’s road agents: Frank Parish, Boone Helm, Jack Gallagher, Haze Lyons, and Club Foot George Lane. Following its completion, druggists Clayton, Hale, and later Morris occupied the premises until the 1880s, when it became the site of the U.S. Post Office. In 1903, ownership transitioned to the Virginia City Water Company, managed by Sarah Bickford, who retained offices here until her passing in 1931. Ms. Bickford’s ownership of a utility company, a rare feat for a black woman in Montana at the dawn of the twentieth century, stands as a testament to her remarkable achievement in state history.

During Ms. Bickford’s ownership, the building underwent its main structural change: splitting it into two offices by converting front windows into doors and center doorway into windows. Interior walls were added, creating its current layout. A rear two-story addition added in the early 1940s was later removed. Charles Bovey bought the Hangman’s building in 1947. Since the VCPA acquired it in 1997, they’ve stabilized it with a new foundation and roof, thanks to donations and grants. In 1999, Robert Wilson created a diorama depicting the building’s namesake event.

Please enjoy the following images of the Hangman’s Building over the years!

Hangman’s Building cont. on page 6

Dear Virginia City Preservation Alliance Member and Supporter:

Wow, what a year! 2023 saw a lot of activity and I am very proud of the Virginia City Preservation Alliance’s accomplishments! I would personally like to thank you for your support of this important organization. Our events remain a highlight of summer activities in Virginia City. Another preservation grant award from the Foundation for Montana History has allowed us to continue with our preservation and planning efforts to further our mission (FMH). Volunteer efforts from our Board members saw many repair and maintenance activities at our various properties. While tremendous progress was made, there remains much to be done.

I would like to extend my personal gratitude for your commitment to the VCPA. We could not continue our work without your membership, dedication, and financial support. This past year we saw balcony repairs completed at Robber’s Roost. This work was recommended in the Conditions Assessment done a couple of years ago, also made possible through a FMH grant. Our matching dollars and volunteer labor is making that work possible. We anticipate spring/summer 2024 will see action to address foundation conditions as well.

Board member Mary Stassi has lovingly committed her time and efforts to the Robber’s Roost grounds and gardens. The result has been a return of the sweet peas and delphiniums, creating a beautiful respite for travelers in a magnificent historical setting. We have a significant need for a sympathetically compatible storage shed to house gardening tools and a riding lawn mower. The installation of a new water hand pump is in the works, so we no longer have to carry buckets from Ramshorn Creek to sustain the gardens. We are anticipating the need to spend approximately $5,000 to complete this work and purchase a new mower if needed. We are hoping further work at the “Roost” will promote additional educational opportunities and an enhanced utilization of the site to increase public awareness of this unique piece of Alder Gulch history.

The next phase of work has begun on the Hangman’s Building. A generous member donation in 2021 &

2022 allowed improvements to drainage, a new wood lamp post, and boardwalk replacement. Harsh weather conditions had taken a toll on the siding, parapet, windows, and doors causing further siding deterioration and loss of material. The Board voted to move forward with much needed façade and window repairs and other improvements to see the building into the next century. While siding repairs and replacement have commenced, additional funds are needed to facilitate the installation of new historically sympathetic gutters and downspouts, door and window restoration and the construction of a new exterior stair along the west wall where one previously existed.

Twenty twenty-four is forecasted to be just as productive with property improvements, education, and fun. Look for announcements in the Nugget to be released in the next couple of weeks. We hope we can continue to receive your support in the coming year. If you are wondering if your membership is current, please reach out to Mary Stassi at stassimc@yahoo.com with any questions regarding your date of renewal or address corrections. We have also included a membership envelope with this correspondence.

As we move into 2024, your membership and contributions are greatly needed. Please won’t you consider a tax-exempt contribution to the preservation efforts of our buildings and grounds.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, all donations made to the Virginia City Preservation Alliance are tax-deductible. Members will receive a receipt for their donation.

We count on your support in fulfilling our mission in keeping Virginia City history alive! Please reach out to me or any of our board members with your ideas and suggestions. Our board is hard at work striving to excel at our mission, and with your help we will make great strides!

With my sincere thanks,

Patricia Jacobs, President Virginia City Preservation Alliance

ANNUAL MEETING SUMMARY.

By Pat Jacobs

The Virginia City Preservation Alliance conducted their annual meeting on November 12, 2024 at the historic Elling House Arts and Humanities Center. The meeting was very well attended by members and interested parties. President Pat Jacobs presented the State of the Organization and reiterated the organization’s mission and successes. Elections were held and unanimously supported. Pat Jacobs was re-elected to the board along with Lori Cain, Eric Barsness, Sheri Jarvis and Ashley Polk-Sutherlin. Present board members continuing their terms include Marge Antolik, Hannah Brook, Gary Forney, Chris Leonard, Bill Lev, and Mary Stassi.

Treasurer Chris Leonard presented the financials followed by a recap of the 2023 events. Property needs and improvements were discussed with details on the work at Robber’s Roost and the Hangman’s Building the areas of focus.

We were honored to recognize the following preservation stewards with our presentation of Preservation Awards. This year’s awards went to the Virginia City Coffee Depot (Commercial Award), Les Gillman and family (Individual Achievement Award), Hannah and Glenn Brook (Residential Award) and Elijah Allen (President’s Award).

The afternoon was concluded with an informative presentation by Pat Jacobs titled, “What’s Up with Stonewall Hall?” Many progress photos of historical findings were shared with the attendees.

Current Board Members

Pat Jacobs - President

Gary Forney - Vice President

Chris Leonard - Treasurer

Bill Lev - Secretary

Mary Stassi

Marge Antolik

Sheri Jarvis

Ashley Polk-Sutherlin

Rebecca Miller

Hannah Brook

Lori Cain

ADVISORY BOARD

Bob Bayley

Barbi & Tom Donnelley

Mark Weber

Lyman Bennett

USE OF HISTORIC MATERIALS ON HISTORIC BUILDINGS

By Pat Jacobs

What does one do when your historic materials on your historic property have deteriorated beyond repair or the ability to be salvaged?

This was a challenging question board leadership was confronted with as siding on the Hangman’s Building began to fail. Over the last couple years, the VCPA has been addressing much needed work at Hangman’s Building. In 2021 and 2022 improvements were made to the foundation and boardwalk through a generous member donation. The addition of a water barrier and improved drainage helped to mitigate water infiltration into the basement.

Foresight into the siding concerns set about a plan to seek contractor bids for repairs and replacement to siding, windows and doors, and new siding at the foundation of the west wall to cover the recently installed waterproofing. We were unable to engage a contractor who was willing or

thought it possible to carefully splice in new beveled siding while retaining the best of the existing siding on the front façade. As a result, we were forced to take a new approach -replace all the siding on the front at one time. Struggles with obtaining bids and securing a contractor delayed work until a bid for siding work was secured in November 2023.

Work was scheduled to move forward as soon as possible to address the siding concerns before winter weather set in and winds and further decay resulted in more siding loss. It was determined very little of the front façade siding was salvageable. Severe cracking, splits, and rot permeated throughout leading us back to the question – What to Do?

Fortunately, the Secretary of the Interior has developed very informative rehabilitation standards to serve as a guide when addressing properties contributing to National Historic Register districts. The following information is excerpted and summarized from various documents available through the National Park Service. A complete listing of reference documents can be found below.

THINGS FOR CONSIDERATION:

1. What is the need for replacing historic materials?

2. How much needs to be replaced?

3. Where are materials of significance and where are they locat ed relative to the building’s historic character?

4. The appropriateness of a particular substitute material relative to the historic material, and the performance over time.

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation generally require that deteriorated distinctive architectural features of a historic property be repaired rather than replaced. Standard 6 of the Standards for Rehabilitation further states that when replacement of a distinctive feature is necessary, the new feature must “match the old in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual properties, and, where possible, materials” (emphasis added). While the use of matching

materials to replace historic ones is always preferred under the Standards for Rehabilitation, the Standards also purposely recognize that flexibility may sometimes be needed when it comes to new and replacement materials as part of a historic rehabilitation project. Substitute materials that closely match the visual and physical properties of historic materials can be successfully used on many rehabilitation projects in ways that are consistent with the Standards.

(https://www.nps.gov/subjects/ taxincentives/evaluating-substitutematerials.htm)

In the case of Hangman’s Building very little siding material could be salvaged so a determination was needed regarding replacement materials. Taking this into account, the question was raised - what must be considered when the level of deterioration makes repair infeasible? Technical and economic factors may also play a role. These

Historic Materials cont. on page 9

Historic

may include historic material availability, inadequate durability, a need for enhanced performance or sustainability, among others.

The National Park Service (NPS) Technical Preservation Services has also prepared other highly informative reference materials in the form of Preservation Briefs. These papers “provide information on preserving, rehabilitation, and restoring historic buildings…and recommend methods and approaches for rehabilitation historic buildings that are consistent with their historic character. These briefs can be referenced online at: https://www. nps.gov/orgs/1739/preservation-briefs. htm.

Topics covered include: Preservation Brief 2 - Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings, Preservation Brief 3Improving Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings, Preservation Brief 9 - Repair of Historic Wooden Windows, Preservation Brief 10Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork, Preservation Brief 14 – Preservation Brief 26 - Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns, Preservation Brief 26- The Preservation and Repair of Historic Log Buildings, and forty-three others of various topics.

In October of 2023, an updated Preservation Brief 16 – The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors was released. This Brief is most applicable to the various repair issues to be addressed at the Hangman’s Building. (https:// www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/upload/ preservation-brief-16-substitutematerials-2023.pdf)

In the consideration of replacement materials for the loss of siding materials on the front façade the physical and visual properties, material profile, surface texture, dimension s, and performance were taken into account. The VCPA has submitted an application to the Historic Preservation Advisory

Committee (HPAC), an advisory board to the Town of Virginia City for the use of rough sawn cedar in lieu of the former rough sawn fir that was used historically. The installation of new cedar as opposed to greyed and weathered fir has presented a visual difference under review. The VCPA application is scheduled to be reviewed by the HPAC on February 29th at 6PM.

Interestingly enough, for much of the Hangman’s Building’s early history as documented in various photographs, the building had a painted or whitewashedlike finish. Some siding remains

where visual evidence of the paint is apparent. The VCPA has begun investigating costs for historic paint analysis to have a permanent record documenting this early evidence before further wear and weathering removes this opportunity. Costs for this analysis appear to be in the area of approximately $1,000. Please consider if you might be able to assist in defraying this expenditure through a specifically allocated donation. Donations can be sent to: VCPA, PO Box 55, Virginia City, MT 59755. The VCPA is a 501c3 organization and may be considered as a charitable donation.

VIRGINIA CITY CIRCA 1937.

Photos Courtesy of Marilyn Hunt (Original negatives are available on eBay)

Overview of Virginia City, Montana

Parade and Caleo Gasoline in the background.

Parade and Hangman’s Building.

Circus posters and gas pumps.

Carriage in parade and grocery store..

Wheel barrow in parade and Post Office.

Own a piece of history! With an initial donation of $50 or more, you will receive a square foot of real estate located within Block 97-Lot 10 in Virginia City, with a Certificate of Deed and copy of an 1868

We invite you to join the VCPA to help us restore, preserve, interpret and celebrate historic Virginia City. To join, please complete the form below and return it with your tax-deductible contribution to: Virginia City Preservation Alliance P.O. Box 55 Virginia City, MT 59755