The Philip Walker House, which currently sits on an acre of green space in the middle of an urban area, was built by one of the prominent founders of Rhode Island. Philip Walker owned and operated a sawmill and was also a surveyor, church deacon, weaver and poet. His house is the result of two major building campaigns - 1740 and 1790. Most rooms retain architectural details dating from the mid-eighteenth century, but they also show a remarkable layering of architectural styles.

A small chamber on the second floor has a rare example of paneling from the mid-1600s (see above), believed saved from an earlier house on the site. Beehive ovens from the 1700s also remain. The house is of major significance for two reasons: 1) it is the oldest "square plan" house found in New England and 2) it is the oldest house so far identified constructed completely of mill sawn timbers. The Walker family remained in the house until the late 1980s when they donated the property to Preserve Rhode Island.

Preserve Rhode Island is using the Philip Walker House as a preservation learning laboratory. Students from Roger Williams University are learning architectural investigative techniques; the grounds are being used for a restoration landscaping program in cooperation with the East Providence school system; and community members have the opportunity to learn about colonial era construction techniques, among other things. Beginning in 2004, hands-on workshops will become an integral part of the conservation of the property.

The HCN workshop, in cooperation with Preserve Rhode Island, will begin preservation efforts on the interior of the house. Rory Brennan, an expert in historic plaster, will teach participants techniques for repairing and re-applying horsehair plaster. This will be an excellent opportunity for historic home owners to learn techniques for dealing with deteriorating plaster in their own historic homes. There will also be an opportunity to be involved in further investigative work to determine the house's construction history. Instruction will be in English.

The workshop will be two weeks in length and participants may register for either one or two weeks. The cost is US$875 for one week and US$1750 for two weeks, which will cover lodging, breakfast and lunch, insurance and workshop materials. The cost for area residents not requiring lodging or breakfast is $350 per week. Transportation to the workshop is not included and is the responsibility of the participant. The workshop agenda will be finalized approximately two weeks before the workshop.

The Philip Walker House is located in East Providence, Rhode Island, approximately five minutes from Providence and forty minutes from Newport. During the course of the workshop, participants will visit nearby historic sites and will also have free time in the evenings and over the weekend to explore the area. Summer in East Providence brings daytime high temperatures of 83 F (28 C). We will for the most part be working indoors. Bring attire suitable for the weather that will also be protective while working. Keep in mind that working with horsehair plaster involves exposure to lime, which may require protection for eyes and skin. Sturdy shoes and work gloves are recommended along with water bottles, insect repellant and sunscreen as needed. Please be conscious that safety is an important issue at any work site.

Students needing to fulfill an internship requirement can combine this workshop with the workshop at the Francis Mill and gain four weeks of hands-on building conservation experience.

If you need additional information, please contact us at workshops@heritageconservation.net or call +1 303-444-0128.

If you find this project intriguing, but are unable to attend, you can still participate by supporting conservation work at the Philip Walker House and at other project sites with a gift to HCN. Donations are tax deductible and will be used in a variety of ways - to sponsor a participant, to provide materials needed for conservation work, or to provide teaching materials for participants, just to name a few.

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Photos copyright Preserve Rhode Island