October 2000
Colonial Williamsburg Architects Analyze The Hollow
Dr. Carl R. Lounsbury, Michael Bourne and Peter Sandbeck of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation made an initial review of The Hollow on June 20, 2000. Mr. Sandbeck completed an incredibly detailed and thoughtful written analysis of their findings a few weeks later. Mr. Sandbeck’s paper is available on the Friends of the Hollow web site at www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/7445/sandbeck.htm.
On August 30, 2000, these three gentlemen returned to the site for a further and final analysis of the building. This time, they were accompanied by noted restoration carpenter, Ken (Buzzy) Smith, who provided assistance in removing and replacing various wall coverings and nail evidence for analysis. Cheryl Shepherd and Ed Ashby (a local stonemason and historian) were also present. Much more was learned about the interior finishings and building configurations of the early and later years at The Hollow.
Archaeological Investigation
Dr. Collins has retained Dr. Doug Sanford, Director of the Center for Historic Preservation at Mary Washington College, to conduct archaeological investigations on The Hollow site. The investigations commenced in August and are currently underway. The investigations include excavation of a suspected east end chimney and the cellar. Also included will be a sampling of the fenced-in yard area surrounding the house through a program of shovel test pits, which may reveal other outbuilding evidence.
Virginia Historic Landmark Eligibility Approved by Local Field Office
Cheryl Hanback Shepherd, the architectual historian retained by Dr. Collins, has researched, prepared and submitted an outstanding Preliminary Information Form (PIF) to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources so that the eligibility determination decision can be included on the agenda for the next State Review Board meeting in December.
The initial review by David Edwards of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources field office in Winchester resulted in a recommendation of approval to the full Virginia Board of Historic Resources in Richmond.
Once the State Review Board has determined that The Hollow is eligible for Virginia and National Landmark status, Ms. Shepherd will prepare the final nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
* * *
The Friends of the Hollow, Inc. is a Virginia non-stock, non-profit charitable corporation formed in 1981 with the express purpose of preservation and restoration of the boyhood home of Chief Justice John Marshall known as The Hollow. Basic membership dues are $10.00 per year and sustaining membership is $25.00 per year. Additional donations are welcome. Dues and contributions are fully tax deductible. Please make checks payable to Friends of the Hollow, Inc. and mail to Friends of the Hollow, 4283 N. 38th Street, Arlington, VA 22207.
Friends of the Hollow News is published by the Friends of the Hollow, Inc., 4283 N. 38th St., Arlington, VA 22207. Editor: T.M. deButts