|  Recovery continues slowly along the Gulf Coast and many residents are still without homes. HCN will return to Bay St. Louis to provide additional assistance to one family in rebuilding their home. Join us for this two-week project and see what the work of many hands can accomplish.
Participants will work at the house at 115 Washington. The project involves the final stage in the restoration of this historic balloon frame house – reconstructing the original front porch. The house was built c. 1895 by Edwin Edwards who ran the Edwards Sawmill in Pearlington, Mississippi. Edwards' knowledgeable construction techniques could be what allowed the house to withstand Katrina's huge tidal surge, which destroyed most of the other houses between 115 Washington and the Gulf. The owner, with the help of neighbors, has worked for the past year to rebuild the house. The porch is the final piece. Participants will learn preservation carpentry skills as they help complete the project.
 The workshop will be two weeks in length and participants may register for one or two weeks. The cost is US$480 per week; this fee covers the cost of participants' lodging (double rooms) with breakfast, insurance and instruction. There is no cost to area residents attending to learn skills needed to preserve their own home. For local participants, the workshop starts at the site Monday morning, January 1, 2007 or January 8, 2007, and ends on Friday afternoon. Participants are responsible for transportation to Gulfport, lunches and dinners. Lunches are available in Bay St. Louis near the work site, and numerous restaurants are available for dinners in Gulfport and other locations.
Since lodging is unavailable in Bay St. Louis, participants will be staying in Gulfport at the Gulfport Beachfront Hotel. The Gulfport Beachfront Hotel itself was damaged by the storm but was able to reopen in October 2005. The hotel and staff have been highly supportive of hurricane relief groups. The drive to Bay St. Louis from the hotel is approximately 30 minutes. Several cars will be available to provide daily transportation. If you plan to rent a car and are willing to take other participants to and from the worksite each day, please contact HCN.
Safety is always an important issue at the work site. Conditions in Bay St. Louis require that work safety be uppermost in everyone’s mind. Please be sure you have a current tetanus inoculation before coming. Bring heavy shoes or boots, work gloves and clothing that is protective while working. Also bring water bottles, sunscreen and insect repellant.
If you have additional questions or have information for us, please contact us at workshops@heritageconservation.net or call +1 303-444-0128.
If you would like to help with the repair and preservation of hurricane-affected homes but are unable to attend the workshop, you can still participate by supporting our conservation efforts with a tax deductible donation to HCN.
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