Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1907-05-04
Progressive Citizens Think Build
ing Cannot be Made Strong
BUILDING, FIXED, STILL OLD
Those Who Talk Say Building Should Have
Laboratories, That 1t was not Built
for Present Age.

The corner piers and chimney seem
to be in good condition, whilst the
Intermediate ones, except those to
right and left of front entrance, show
no bullying or cracks, in fact they ap-
pear to be slightly hollow at the Sec
ond floor level, which condition may
have been brought about whilst the
building was in course of erection.
The two piers at the front entrance
are bulged outwards, but have been
tied back bv iron anchors, which will
probably prevent any further damage.
Both the brick and stone masonry
and the plastering have been damaged
by water, mostly owing to leaks in
the concealed roof cutters, which
find to have been lined with galvaniz-
ed iron. in long lengths and the ex-
pansion and contraction have caused
the joints to open. These have recent
ly been repaired but | fear the
trouble will not be permanently re
moved until these cutters are refined
with tin instead of galvanized iron.
What Mr.. Brauns Advises.
l would recommend that the foun-
dations be examined and if found to
be built as stated, that concrete rein
forcements be built on the outside of
the old walls and that the stonework
be repointed with cement mortar.
2nd.-That the work of anchoring
the brick work with iron rods be con-
tinued and completed, as already par
TALLY done.
3rd-That the cutters be refined
with heavy tin-care being taken to
see that they are properly graded to
lead the water to the downspouts and.
that the downspouts be of ample size
to lead the water to the ground sur
face and be so arranged that the out
flow cannot damage the foundations.
4th.-That the second floor of joists
be supported by additional Orders
and psts of such size as to prevent
sagging and vibration and cracking of
the first story ceiling.
6th.-That all loose plastering be
soon as convenient, the ceilings be
stripped and covered with sheet metal
in neat but simple patterns
7th.-That new edge grained or rift
hard pine or maple floors be laid
throughout the building, not only for
sake of looks but for sanitary reasons
Sth.-That the plastering and wood
work be repaired where affected by
shrinkage or settlement and neatly
painted or whitewashed.
9th.-That the Communications of
Mr.. G. D. Whitson, who has had better
opportunity of examining the building
in detail, be carried out to full COM
pletion as already commenced.
10th.-That all class room and out
err doors be made to open outwards to
facilitate egress in case of panic.
No Cause For Fear.
In conclusion, would state that
see no reason for fear of any imme-
date danger to the building or those
cngregated therein, and that if the
recommendation are accepted and ex-
ecuted in a workmanlike, intelligent
and careful manner, believe that the
building may be preserved for many
years of usefulness.
The renewing Of the ceiling in the
High school will be the first of the
recommendation made by Architect
Henry Brauns, of Baltimore for the
strengthening of the structure that
will be acted upon by the school
board, 1t will be done Immediately.
The report of Mr.. Brauns was ac-
cepted by the board Oh Friday. With
the exception of renewing the ceiling
all other work viii be deferred until
the close of the school year. The
ceiling is in bad condition and will be
fixed inasmuch as it is not desired to
endanger the lives of the children.
The action was in accordance with
the suggestions made in a report set
ting forth the weak points Of the