Carthage Pillar Replacement

Columns as they appeared before demolition

Most of the Trees in the Nauvoo area rot because of the wet ground and high humidity. In fact, the early saints of Nauvoo couldn't use local trees for lumber to build homes or buildings because the center of the trees were roted. The only thing which the local trees could be used was making fires.

When Nauvoo was restored, it was determined that the same wood the early saints used would be in reconstruction. That meant that a lot of pine was used. Now much of it is rotting and needs to be replaced. Replacement doors and windows are being made out of African Mahogany which holds up well here and will last for many years. For some items, treated wood is used.

Base of pillar rotted clear through 

A good example of the wood rot problem is that of the pillars on be rear entrance to the Carthage Visitors Center. An inspection earlier this year indicated a problem with the pillars. Dave and I went to check the condition of the pillars and determined that two of them should be replaced. However, when I returned to Carthage to demolition the pillars, they were much worse than presumed. When I removed the trim, I found that the steel base was very badly rusted and the bolts were rusted off and the base of the wooden columns were total rotted away and were not providing any support. This was due in part to water being able to collect on the steel base which allowed the water to wick up into the wood as well as to rust the base. It was determined that all four of the pillars needed to be replaced. 

Finished pillars before painting

For the replacement pillars, we used treated 4 x 4 posts which we mounted on new quarter inch raised steel bases which were powder coated. We then wrapped the posts with 2 x 6's which were held off the concrete porch so that water would not be wicked up into the wood to prevent rotting. Those were then wrapped in one half inch red wood and then the red wood trim was then added to provide a nice appearance. Dave had me mill all of the red wood wrap and trim.When we finished, the painters painted them.

Finished pillars after being painted

I have only included two of the several pictures I took of the pillars as they appeared before and during demolition. This project was complete during this last summer.