The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1880-09-21
WHAT THEY EAT AND WEAR,
TuR HAPPY FAMILY,

REPAIRS TO THE CUSTOM HOUSE. FOR
several weeks Mr.. W. n. Kimbal, Super.
intendent Of repairs OF the United States
Treasury Department, has been in this
city engaged in the examination OF the
Custom House and Postottice, with refer.
enCe to whatever repairs might be neCes.
sary. The results OF his examinations
were forwarded to the proper authorities
at Washington City, together with his re-
concentrations In the matter, and day
or two ago these were returned to him
approved in each particular by the depart
ment, and yesterday work was begun upon
the exterior improvements'to the building.
An lNTELLI0ENCER man coming up Market
street noticed the progress Of the work,
and asked Mr.. Kimball, who was standing
near by how extensive were the contem.
plated changes.
"This building" he began, (Which by
the way is very good one, was
erected about twenty-five yeurs ago.
At the time Of It's erection some
Of the stones used in 1t were procured
from quarry which was, at that time, be.
ing developed, and after they had been
inserted for some years began to scale oil
in some places, which, you see, has mar
red the beauty OF the build.
ing in some places. These defective
stones purpose removing and replacing
with better and approved ones. This
done, tho whole OF the building, that is
the outside walls, will be washed of CON.
plelely, the joints repointed, the stones
oiled and then painted. | shall use some
dark paint, OF tasteful color, and when
this is on think the building will present
beautiful and attractive appearance, and
compare very favorably with others !
know oil in the country.
Then in place Of the slate roof on the
building at the present, there will be tin
one; new conductors will be placed In
proper position; five iron grated windows
and two doors will be placed in the first
story for the purpose OF better ventilation.
These are about all the exterior improve
ments, and in the interior there will be
some important changes. At the southern
end OF the building, near the foot OF the
steps leading to the second story, there Is
a large space, which ia Of no utility as it
is now. The bay window, known as the
carriers window, will be cut Of, the lock
boxes on the southern side will be removed
to the western side OF the building and
placed next 10 the lock boxes on that side,
thus placing them altogether, and making
them much more convenient and aCcessi.
BILE. The space thus made vacant on the
southern side will be converted into an
office for the Chief Clerk, whose Office Ia
now at the northern end OF the building,
and in a in very convenient place, as the
postmaster and his assistant are in differ.
emit parts OF the building. BY the pro.
posed change their offices will open into
each other.
At night the steps leading to the second
story are readily accessible to all persons
as well as the space at the foot OF the
stairs and under the stairs, so that 1t
would be very little trouble for any one to
secrete himself in the second.story or
around the building. In repairing the
interior 1t is intended to place folding
doors across the aisle near the foot Of the
stairs, these doors 10 be closed at night. In
the Postmaster's room the huge iron
double doors will be replaced by a more
slightly window, which will improve the
appearance Of things and afford much
better light. The room now occupied by
the Chief Clerk will be turned into room
10 be used for the purposes OF the mail
agents and other employees Of the postal
service, which will be great convenience
and one long needed. The carriers win.
dow will be changed from the southern
end OF the building to the window near
the general delivery window, which will
also be convenience. Then the whole
interior will be repsinted, revarnished
and generally overhauled, so by the time
all have told you shall have been com.
pleted the Postoffice will present quite an
other appearance"
Mr.. Kimball will remain in the city I'M
til the proposed repairs shall have been
when II is likely he will go to
Mobile, Ala, to look after the interests Of
the Government in that city.