Colleen Clinton

Publication Date

Fall 2014

Abstract

This final project is the culmination of my master’s degree in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University. For this project I focused on my family’s house in Oxford, Ohio. My intention was to create a succinct report on the structure to document both the interior and exterior of the home. To document this unique structure I first created a Historic American Building Survey, next I completed the Ohio Historic Inventory Form, and produced drawings of elevations and floor plans. The reason I selected this structure for my final project is because it is one of the only Arts and Crafts style homes in the city and past owners and residents are influential members of the community and Miami University. Another reason I chose this property is to correct misinformation listed on the Ohio Historic Inventory Form, known as the I-Form. One of the main issues with the I-Form was the date of construction. As a result many other documents also list this incorrect information.

The Ohio Historic Inventory Form is a general, above-ground, survey. To expand on the information in this form I created a HABS report to fully document the structure and historical context. I began working on the HABS report in the Spring 2014. At this time I focused on building systems within the house. I continued researching deeds and historical context throughout the summer, thanks in large part to Valerie Elliot, Oxford Historian. During this time I noticed that there are no early views of the structure, which is why I created drawings of elevations and floor plans based on images from the 1997 renovations by local architect John Bystrom. My final step was compiling the information from the HABS report into the Ohio Historic Inventory Form.

During this project I utilized all the skills and research methods I have learned throughout my education in the Historic Preservation program. This project combines different research techniques, including but not limited, to deeds research, field observations, technical drawing, structure assessments, and referencing official documents such as the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. This project demonstrates the importance of accuracy when documenting a historic structure. As a result of this project I have learned how to use and apply the various technical skills I have learned as a graduate student during the past two years.

Download

Share

COinS