By Peter Raposa, Mill Supervisor at Newport Restoration Foundation
The Samuel Whitehorne House (1811), located at 416 Thames Street in Newport, RI, was in dire need of repair when Doris Duke acquired the building in 1970. A story emerged from the massive efforts of that restoration project, a legend of sorts, which was shared with me some 30 years ago. The legend says there are three window sashes original to the house – the round sash on the third floor and the six foot tall arched sash on the second floor, located on the west side of the building (front façade), and the arched window in the stairwell landing on the east side of the building (rear façade). Through the decades, these sashes have been removed to be worked on individually, but never all at the same time since 1970. I recently had the opportunity to work on all three sashes thanks to a generous grant the NRF received.
The approach I took to preserve them was to take one out at a time, repair it, put it back and take the next one, etc. To start, I removed the arched window from the east side. The first thing I noticed was that it was in very good shape and needed minor repairs, such as replacing some loose glazing, sanding the exterior and interior sides, applying some primer and two coats of paint on each side. There was no peeling of paint to speak of so there was no heavy scraping involved. Piece of cake – the sash was completed and reinstalled.
I then removed the six-foot arched sash from the west side, located on the second floor. Compared to the first sash, this one was in rough shape, and the 34″ panel frame work that the sash sits on was rotted beyond repair. A new one had to be made.
The last time this house was painted was back in 2005 – 16 years ago. When I brought the sash back to the mill, I really had the opportunity to take a closer look at it. Most of the glazing was missing, except for some of the areas around the arch. Most of the glass was just floating, and the only thing holding the glass in place were the points. All the lites had to be removed and labeled so each one would go back in exactly the same opening and in the same orientation. The photo below shows how I did this. The interior and exterior paint was flaking off due to the heat from the afternoon sun beating down on it for so many years. I had no choice but to remove the paint on both sides to the bare wood. This did not take long because the condition of the paint was so poor.
When scraping the paint on the curved muntins on the interior side, I discovered something amazing. I noticed how the craftsman achieved the curved shape of the muntins – something that has been covered by layers of paint for quite some time, and remained hidden for possibly decades. The muntins had relief cuts cut three quarters of the way through and spaced 1/2″ apart from each other, all cut with a very thin blade from a hand saw. This method would allow a straight piece of wood to be manipulated into a curve (see photo below). It made me think. Could this sash be original? Further probing needed to happen. Since there were multiple curves on this sash, I needed to confirm how many other curves were made in this manner. To my surprise, I found that they were all crafted in the same way.
At this point, I started to ask a looming question about the first arched sash that I just completed. Since I did not scrape any paint from the interior side, were the curved muntins crafted with relief cuts? If so, this could establish a common timeline for them and if not, expose a different one.
I completed the repair work of that tall sash and installed it back in its home. I was eager to start the last sash – the round one on the third floor. Once getting it back to the shop, the very first thing I did was to remove the paint to expose how the craftsman made the curved muntins. I was hoping to discover relief cuts to give credence to the legend, but what I had actually discovered was that they did not match. Not one curved muntin was made in the same fashion as the other one.
It was very disappointing to confirm this. That very first arched sash from the east side – the one that I did not scrape any paint off – was at the forefront of my mind. I needed to go back and remove the sash even though it was completely done, bring it back to the shop, and confirm whether or not it is of the same timeline. When I had it back at the shop, I removed a small section of paint on just the inside portion of the curved muntins. This is where I would find the relief cuts. To rule out the possibility that I unveiled a repair made from a solid piece of wood, I removed a small section of paint on all the curved muntins, but found that not one muntin had relief cuts.
So it was determined that the two sashes without relief cuts were made from a different time period, much later, and machine made. They were one solid piece compared to three individual pieces – the bead portion with relief cuts, the middle section that was cut to the curve, and then the thin vertical back piece, where the glazing would rest against, that was bent and nailed to follow the curve (see photo below).
Before I could give my final evaluation of whether or not the six-foot arched window was original, I needed more proof to lead me to believe it was indeed original – and I found it.
I went back to the museum to look more closely at the interior trim and it was staring at me all the while. The interior trim around the arched openings were obviously curved as well and I needed to see how it was made. We know with certainty through old photo documentation that the trim around those three window frames are original, as well as many other trim pieces in the house, for that matter.
You can see by the photos below that the method of creating the curve is an exact match to the way the curve of the arched sash was created, all done with relief cuts and possibly with the same saw. The house joiners in 1811 not only made and installed the interior trim pieces but also made the sashes as well. Furthermore, that tall sash had old wooden shutters on the exterior side protecting it for many decades. In many ways, that building was sustained for decades because of preservation by poverty.
Examples of original relief cuts
With of all the evidence falling into place and fitting perfectly, I believe the six foot arched sash is indeed original and that a part of the legendary story is true. The other two sashes are unfortunately not original, but are still beautifully crafted and historic.
As always, it is a complete honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to dive into these historic sashes and exam them carefully. Thank you for your time reading about the sashes of the Samuel Whitehorne House Museum. The museum is open to the public seasonally, and worth your while to pay a visit, not only to see the fine furniture and artifacts, but also to see these sashes in person for they, too, are made of the highest craftsmanship and integrity.
Thank you to The 1772 Foundation, in cooperation with Preserve Rhode Island, for providing partial grant funding to support this project.
I say, “was,” because after you sort through someone’s clothing (including underwear), you get to know them fairly well.
The main objective of my internship at Rough Point over the summer and fall was to accession (or catalogue) a recent collection of her clothes that were shipped from her former Shangri-La property in Hawaii to the museum staff at NRF.
Some things I learned about Doris while doing this were that she loved belts, enjoyed a comfy caftan, and had a penchant for bright colors and modern fashions. A portrait of her, printed to a life-size scale, watched over me diligently in my temporary office as I browsed her clothing collection, which was busting out of the boxes from Hawai’i. The vast swath of styles stretched over decades from the 1930s to the 1980s, and, of course, I had some personal favorites along the way.
I enjoyed seeing the bright prints and short skirts of the 1960s and 1970s, and cooed over the delicate beadwork on bias-cut gowns. However, there was, and still is, an academic barrier that kept me from loving them. As a graduate student who is versed in fashion history, each of these garments turned into a mini-study. These things, to me, were relics to be treated with the utmost delicacy and care. A majority of the clothing I referred to as objects, divided from me by time and space. These objects were cool, but they were not applicable to my life.
What was applicable, and the clothes that I loved, were tourist t-shirts from the mid-to-late 80s. I never grew up wearing crinolines or mod suits, nor did I ever see anyone wearing any in my day-to-day life. But having been born in the late 90s, I did recognize t-shirts.
Doris had t-shirts from trips she took to Hawai’i, Montana, and more– little “touristy” things that might even be considered cheap looking to some people. These shirts made Doris feel real to me, and not just some larger than life figure that watched me from a poster. These are things that she would have acquired late in her life, and very much reminded me of my own grandmothers. It was a very bittersweet moment, looking over these casual clothes and being reminded that Doris was once my grandmothers’ age. The experience left me feeling melancholy, but with a new affinity for an aging woman who had a life well-lived, and probably grew to enjoy the comfort of a t-shirt.
I once again think of my own grandmothers and the stories they tell about their lives. The decades scarcely understood by myself, having never lived them, but still sharing an intimate connection through clothing. They love a good t-shirt, I love a good t-shirt, and so did Doris.
By Paige Bailey
Paige Bailey was the curatorial graduate intern for 2021 summer and fall. Paige is in her second year of the Master of Science degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design at the University of Rhode Island.
Newport Restoration Foundation is excited to be able to continue in-person programs and events at our museums this fall. Rough Point Museum, Whitehorne House Museum, and Prescott Farm will offer a variety of free and ticketed programs for all ages and interests. Please mark your calendars for upcoming special events including:
Classic Cocktails
Whitehorne House Museum (416 Thames Street, Newport)
October 2 / 5:00 – 6:30 PM
$30 – Advance registration required
Taste the eclectic mixed drinks of 18th century Newport at this fun and flavorful evening in the garden at the Whitehorne House Museum!
In the intimate Formal Garden at Rough Point, the Salve Regina a capella groups, Mixtapes and Pitches with Attitude, perform a collection of songs from their repertoire. Visitors can lounge on the grass amongst the blooms in the Formal Garden, or bring blankets, chairs, or pillows to relax. Grounds open at 6:00pm, performance begins at 6:30pm.
Second Sundays Prescott Farm (2009 West Main Road, Middletown) September 12 / 12:00 – 3:00 PM Free admission
Each month, NRF joins with a non-profit partner to highlight the expansive history and horticulture of Prescott Farm. In October, join NRF and Sankofa Community Connection to learn about all things Kwanzaa! Climb inside the historic windmill, explore our varied gardens with URI’s Master Gardeners, and enjoy themed activities and crafts.
Roam Around Rough Point Rough Point Museum (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) October 30 / 5:00 – 8:00 PM $0-$20; Newport County Residents are free!
Discover strange and eerie objects, go on a Treasure Hunt, enter our Costume Contest, and hear recordings of ghost stories told by the staff who knew Rough Point at its spookiest.
Newport Restoration Foundation is excited to be able to continue in-person programs and events at our museums this season. Rough Point Museum, Whitehorne House Museum, and Prescott Farm will offer a variety of free and ticketed programs for all ages and interests. Please mark your calendars for upcoming special events including:
In the intimate Formal Garden at Rough Point, the String Poets will perform string versions of hit pop songs through the decades. Visitors can lounge on the grass amongst the blooms in the Formal Garden, or bring blankets, chairs, or pillows to relax. Grounds open at 6:00pm, performance begins at 6:30pm.
Yoga in the Yard at Rough Point Rough Point Museum (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport)
September 9 / 6:00 – 7:00 PM $15 – Advance registration required
Join us for a Slow Flow session led by Patti Doyle from Middletown’s Innerlight Yoga, set against our expansive ocean backdrop.
Wood Identification Workshop Whitehorne House Museum (416 Thames Street, Newport) September 10 / 6:00 – 7:00 PM
$15 – Advance registration recommended
Join us in the pocket garden as furniture conservator Randy S. Wilkinson of Fallon & Wilkinson, LLC guides you through the very basics of wood identification.
Second Sundays Prescott Farm (2009 West Main Road, Middletown) September 12 / 12:00 – 3:00 PM Free admission
Each month, NRF joins with a non-profit partner to highlight the expansive history and horticulture of Prescott Farm. Climb inside the historic windmill, explore our varied gardens with URI’s Master Gardeners, and enjoy themed activities and crafts.
A Taste of Newport Tea
Whitehorne House Museum (416 Thames Street, Newport)
September 18 / 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
$30 – Advance registration required
Get a taste of 18th century Newport in the garden at Whitehorne House Museum! This tea tasting features historic teas of Revolutionary and Early America and a talk by Merrill Kohlhofer.
Roam Around Rough Point Rough Point Museum (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) September 25 / 5:00 – 7:00 PM $0-$20; Newport County Residents are free!
On the last Saturday of every month, explore the house and gardens after hours. Newport County residents receive FREE admission! For more info visit newportrestoration.org/events.
Art&Newport and Newport Restoration Foundation invite you to
I N T H E W A V E S
by
MELISSA McGILL
at Rough Point
Newport RI
Curated by Dodie Kazanjian
Artist painting on site
Aug 2 – 14 (10AM – 5PM)
Performances
Aug 18-21 & 24-28 (3 + 4PM)
IN THE WAVES is an admission-free public art project in support of Newport Restoration Foundation’s Keeping History Above Water Initiative — created with an ensemble of
local community members.
Melanie George/producer and dramaturg
Davalois Fearon/choreographer
Visitors invited to interact with the artist, choreographer, and ensemble between performances.
Newport Restoration Foundation is excited to be able to continue in-person programs and events at our museums this season. Rough Point Museum, Whitehorne House Museum, and Prescott Farm will offer a variety of free and ticketed programs for all ages and interests. Please mark your calendars for upcoming special events including:
Summer Stories Whitehorne House Museum (416 Thames Street, Newport)
Fridays until August 27 / 10:00 – 11:00 AM Free admission
Listen to storybook readings in the garden and put together a themed craft to take home. Recommended for kids aged Pre-K to 1st grade.
The Kaiholunuie Polynesian Dance Company brings the Pacific to the Atlantic with a performance from the grounds of Rough Point. Visitors can lounge on the grass amongst the blooms in the Formal Garden, or bring blankets, chairs, or pillows to relax. Grounds open at 6:00pm, performance begins at 6:30pm.
Second Sundays Prescott Farm (2009 West Main Road, Middletown) August 8 / 12:00 – 3:00 PM Free admission
Each month, NRF joins with a non-profit partner to highlight the expansive history and horticulture of Prescott Farm. In August, the Portsmouth Arts Guild shows us the basics of plein air painting, and visitors will have a chance to do some painting themselves!
Yoga in the Yard at Rough Point Rough Point Museum (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport)
August 12 / 6:00 – 7:00 PM $15 – Advance registration required
Unwind and get ready for the weekend with an hour-long sunset yoga class on the grounds of Rough Point. Bring your yoga gear and join us for a relaxing and re-energizing Vinyasa Flow session led by Patti Doyle from Middletown’s Innerlight Yoga, set against our expansive ocean backdrop.
In the Waves Rough Point Museum (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) Performances held August 18-21, 24-28 / 2:00—4:30 PM Free admission
In the Waves, by artist Melissa McGill, is a series of live free public art performances activating the landscape and evoking the urgency of rising sea levels and a rapidly changing climate. The performances will take place on the grounds of Rough Point Museum. Free grounds admission will be available to the public for the month of August. The project is a collaboration between Art&Newport and Newport
Restoration Foundation’s Keeping History Above Water initiative.
Roam Around Rough Point Rough Point Museum (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) August 28 / 5:00 – 7:00 PM $0-$20; Newport County Residents are free!
On the last Saturday of every month, explore the house and gardens after hours. Newport County residents receive FREE admission! For more info visit newportrestoration.org/events.
