The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-09-16
RAISING BIG BUILDINGS.
skfIlfnl work In which Wstsra Mn
stand Unrivalled.

When a structure becomes antique or un-
handy, in place of being razed and replaced
at a tremendous cost, it is elevated, built
under. torn asunder and rejoined In diff
ferent manner and to suit more modern
design. All along East and West Water
streets evidence Of the work is to be had,
and still it furnishes employment for many
men. and contractors make a speciality OF
the work. In Milwaukee, foremost among
improvers in this particular line, is con-
tractor Henry Buestrin. At present ne Is
engaged upon considerable of this work, and
his largest lob is the task of raising the
brick building near Grand avenue bridge,
occupied as a saloon by Henry Wehr. This
structure is of solid brick, 30 by l2O feet
in dimensions, and four stories in height.
Its estimated weight, which can be figured
down very closely by taking the number OF
thousand brick, the mortar to join them,
the roof and the frame work, is the mon
strous load of 1000 tons. Yet it is being
raised three feet, and contractor Buestrin
calls it small job. Really the work does
seem simple to the man who virtually lives
by moving mountains, but it must be car
ried on with consummate care and skill,
and a single mismove or mistake might
prove fatal to the entire undertaking, and
might even bring the huge pile crashing to
the ground, to the great destruction OF life
and property.
In raising building of this description
experienced workmen, under Mr.. Buestrin' s
sole supervision, carefully pierce the walls at
a distance of three feet apart entirely around
the structure, and make apertures suffi-
GENTLY large for the introduction of huge
beams or "needles." These jut out few
feet from the wall, and under the ends are
placed long screws, similar to jackscrews,
only made for the purpose, being much
longer and stouter. These are blocked up
under securely, and care must be taken that
the foundation is good for the blocks and
equally firm all around. When the pile is
encircled in this manner the work OF
''screwing up" commences, as also does the
real care. This must be done gradually
and tenderly. In no part must the build
ing rise faster than the other, and all needs
to be done with a charming unanimity Of
movement. When the building is raised
to the required height the foundation is
built under, the screws are removed, and
the simple yet herculean task is completed,
much to the wonderment of the unskilled
throng that daily passes and stops to look
at the work with look of astonishment
and inquisitiveness.
Contractor Buestrin says the heaviest
building he ever raised was an entire block
on West Water street, which bore down on
his screws to the tune of 5000 tons. He
also consummates the delicate task of mov-
ing tall brick chimneys from one place to
another. This he does by raising them,
placing them under CREASED foundations,
and carefully and tediously, with great pa
tience and skill, sliding them to their re.
quired location. Recently he accomplished
a rather difficult feat of removing across
the exposition building the huge stone
Zwietusch soda fountain, which was built
as thousands have seen it, near the east en-
trance. The moving of this, without shak.
ing out of place any of the fine and fancy
glass and silver light trimmings, was nc
little task. 1t was, however, safely accom-
plished by placing it on thin planks, which
had been creased with tallow, and sliding
it slowly, after the fashion of moving thu
towering chimneys.-MSlooauhee Erenins
Wisconsin.