March 2011 Volume 36 No. 1 ISSN 0384 7335 The Griffin A Quarterly Publication of Heritage Trust of

2 REPORT President’s Report Peter Delefes 3 RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS The Many Chapels of King’s College Taunya Dawson 6 RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS/BUILDINGS AT RISK Église Saint Jean-Baptiste, Corberrie Fr. Maurice LeBlanc 7 HERITAGE BUILDINGS The Bandstand in the Halifax Public Gardens Lyndon Watkins 8 BUILDER’S MANUAL The Conservation and Restoration of Stained Glass Norbert Sattler 12 ADAPTIVE RE-USE School’s Out! : Breath of Life Comes to Truro’s Surplus Schools Janice R. Zann 13 INFORMATION/GUIDES New Means to Explore New Buildings

14 LECTURE Dr. Paul Bennett: Endangered Schoolhouses: The Palace Schools of Victorian and Edwardian Nova Scotia Janet Morris 15 BUILDER’S MANUAL Diamond-Lock Shingles Bruce MacNab

March 2011 1 REPORT President’s Report The Griffin A quarterly newsletter of a staff person (currently, the Trust has published by no paid employees), fund-raising and Heritage Trust of strategies for advocacy and education Nova Scotia will be open for discussion. Members of the Trust are welcome to contact me by Unless otherwise indicated, e-mail ([email protected]) or by phone the opinions expressed (902-826-2087) if they have any com- in these pages are those of the ments or ideas they would like to share contributors and do not regarding the purpose, objectives and necessarily reflect the views of Heritage Trust of strategies of Heritage Trust. Nova Scotia. We were saddened by the death of one of our long-time members, Bernie Davis, on January 23. At the time of his Editorial Committee Peter Delefes passing, Bernie was a member of the Peter Delefes, Linda Forbes, Board, Chair of the Membership Com- Janet Morris, Nancy O’Brien The 2010 Built Heritage Awards were mittee and a member of the Halifax presented at the Halifax Club on Feb. Committee. He was passionate about Contributors to this issue 21, 2011. The Residential Award went the preservation of older buildings and Taunya Dawson, Peter Delefes, to Philip Mitchell and Mark Narsansky, owned a number of historic buildings in Fr. Maurice LeBlanc, owners of Morning Tide on Water Street north-end Halifax. Several members of Bruce MacNab, Janet Morris, in Chester. The Commercial Award was the Board attended the funeral service Norbert Sattler, Lyndon Watkins, presented to Dexel Development Ltd., for Bernie. Phil Pacey, past-president of Janice R. Zann for The Lofts at Greenvale, on Ochterloney the Trust, was one of those asked by Street, Dartmouth. Detailed information Bernie’s wife, Margaret Matthews, to We welcome submissions. on these buildings can be found on the deliver a tribute at the service. Bernie’s Deadline for the next issue: HTNS website (www.htns.ca). Plans are dedication to historic buildings was April 15, 2011 underway for the second Symposium evidenced by the family’s request that on Religious Buildings to be held at the donations in Bernie’s memory be made Please send your Atlantic School of Theology on Saturday, to the Morris Building Project. submissions to April 16. The full-day workshop pertain- Heritage Trust of NovaScotia, ing to the protection and preservation P.O. Box 36111 of historic church buildings includes a Spring Garden RPO performance by Musique Royale. Pro- Halifax, N.S. B3J 3S9 gram information and registration forms Photo needed of 153 Campbell Road area E-mail material to can be found on our website. [email protected] The last strategic planning exercise Thomas Bell lived at 153 Campbell Rd. website: www.htns.ca undertaken by the Heritage Trust Board before the . Tel: 902 423-4807 was conducted a few years ago. At its No photos of this house last meeting in January, the Board unan- have been found in the NS Archives. Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia imously agreed it was time to review the If you have photos taken in the area, is a charitable organization. goals and strategies of the Trust, and set please contact All donations are tax creditable. aside a meeting in June, in Sydney, for [email protected] the purposes of strategic planning. Such or (902) 453-0912. matters as a revolving fund for heritage building acquisition, the employment

cover image Bandstand in the Public Gardens, Halifax. (Courtesy of Colin Stuttard) See article on page 7.

2 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia RELIGOUS BUILDINGS The Many Chapels of King’s College

King’s College Chapel, Halifax

Taunya J. Dawson historical context. The architecture and to raise funds to build a new King’s Col- furnishings of both buildings reflect not lege in the town of Windsor. The new The Early Days only the Anglican tradition, but also the College was founded in 1789; however, Since its founding in New York in contemporary doctrines and opinions Royal Charter was not obtained until 1754, under a Royal Charter from King that shaped them. Both of the build- 1802. Christ Church, Windsor (built in George II, the University of King’s College ings that were built as chapels are still in 1790) became a temporary chapel for has maintained ties with the Anglican regular use as such. the new College.3 In the beginning Church. The Rev. Dr. Samuel Johnson, The first King’s students studied in a there were only seventeen students, founder of the college, stipulated that building near the original Trinity Church, who apparently attended Christ Church the President “ ...is to be always a mem- which had been built in 1697 on Wall every Sunday morning. Funds were a ber of the Church of England, and the Street at Broadway. Trinity Church itself significant problem in the early years prayers of the church are always to be served as the Chapel.2 After fewer than and the use of a local church rather than used in it.”1 As well as producing Divinity forty years in New York, however, the building a chapel was presumably seen students for ordination up until 1971, backlash against the supporters of the as a practical solution. student life at King’s has always included Crown after the American Revolution Anglican worship. Over a period of 250 resulted in the removal of King’s College The Chapel at Windsor years and two major relocations, Angli- to Nova Scotia. The Anglican Church Early provisions were, however, can worship at King’s has been centred itself became more firmly established in made for a college chapel in the main in seven different locations. Nova Scotia around that time, with the building, which had been constructed While this article focuses on the two appointment of Bishop Charles Inglis in (like the main King’s residence building College chapels built at Windsor and 1788. today) in the Oxford tradition as a series Halifax, it is useful to see them in their Inglis was actively involved in plans of “bays” built around staircases. Initially

March 2011 3 the Chapel was on the ground floor of preferences of Binney and Hensley. The uncommon in the twentieth century!) “North Pole Bay”, at the east end of the majority of the seating is in the nave, Thus the current Chapel has a ham- building. From 1842, it was relocated to the ecclesiastical west of the rood merbeam trussed roof reflecting the to the bay adjacent to the one at the screen, and facing forward, in the man- Gothic influence, but with classical west end that served as the college ner of most parish churches. A single round-arched windows. Classical arches President’s residence.4 This bay became block of seating faces inward in the are also found in the rood screen. The known as the Chapel Bay. (A Chapel Bay chancel. Like many other Nova Scotian pews are less ornate than those in Wind- exists in King’s today – but is ironically churches, however, it is not oriented on sor, featuring flat tops and traditional the bay farthest away from the Chapel!) a traditional east-west axis (with the altar rectangular panelling. As in Windsor, Plans had been initiated by the “pointing towards Jerusalem”). there are three windows above the altar, Alumni Association as early as 1861 to In 1920, fire destroyed much of the but set in Palladian-style mouldings with replace the Chapel in Chapel Bay. Two main building in Windsor. Fund-raising miniature Doric pilasters rather than the years later construction began on the efforts to rebuild were made, but not Gothic lancet arches. College’s Convocation Hall, which was enough support was generated to Probably the most significant differ- finished in 1867. A greater focus on the finance the proposed plans by Andrew ence between the two chapels is in the Divinity program was perhaps evident Cobb, a Halifax architect. An offer of seating. Brian Cuthbertson notes that when Dr. John M. Hensley was appoint- assistance from the Carnegie Founda- in the present King’s Chapel, “...the floor ed as Professor of Pastoral Theology in tion prompted a decision to enter into plan is modeled after those of Oxford 1859. Hensley made arrangements to an agreement with and Cambridge Colleges in the tradi- have the Hall furnished so as to be suit- and relocate to Halifax. King’s moved tion of medieval monastic chapels,” with able for Sunday services.5 (Other sources to Halifax in 1923, but without any new the pews facing inward. In effect, the suggest that the room in Chapel Bay buildings, instead moving into Birchdale, chancel occupies the majority of the remained in use until 1877.6) one of the large estates on the North floor space, leaving a small nave at the Hensley’s enthusiasm for a dedi- West Arm. At Birchdale, a temporary back, where movable seating is normally cated place of worship was perhaps a Chapel was established, which housed configured facing the altar. The balance reflection of his Tractarian roots, which various pieces of original furnishings of chancel vs. nave seating is almost he shared with the Right Reverend from Windsor, including the carved the reverse of the Hensley Memorial Hibbert Binney, Bishop of Nova Scotia English oak Eagle lectern. chapel – perhaps reflecting the greater from 1851 to 1887. Bishop Binney, who numbers of members of the College became President of the Alumni Asso- The Chapel at Halifax requiring seating. What the two chapels ciation in 1854, helped to raise funds for Eventually, the construction of new have in common is a very traditional the construction of a separate Chapel College buildings on Coburg Road was “high church” focus on the altar – the building, which was completed in 1877, completed, designed by Andrew Cobb, absence of an equally prominent pulpit and dedicated to the memory of Dr. the Halifax architect who had planned perhaps reflects a focus on the function Hensley, who had died in 1876. the rebuilding of the Windsor campus of administering the Sacrament rather Both Convocation Hall and Hens- (later rebuilt as King’s College School, than on that of preaching. ley Memorial Chapel reflect the early and now King’s Edgehill School). The Chapel furnishings include the lec- English Gothic style of architect David present University of King’s College tern and altar from the Windsor chapel, Sterling. The Gothic features visible from Chapel was built in 1929-30. as well as a font made from the Ship’s the outside include “...slender lancet The building was constructed pri- Bell of HMCS King’s, the “stone frigate” windows and a large rose window,” with marily with bluish-gray quartzite. Some naval training unit that was based in stained glass typical of the period. (The red stones were scattered into the ex- King’s during the Second World War. side windows of the nave feature more terior wall surface. The peak of the roof The White Ensign of HMCS King’s is laid recent stained glasswork.) A photograph was graced with a neolithic-style cross up in the Chapel, together with the of the Chapel taken in 1910 clearly similar to the one on the roof of the Colours and Guidon of the Halifax Rifles. shows many interior Gothic features, Hensley Memorial Chapel. In King’s Col- The Chapel features various memorials, including Gothic arches, carved pews lege: A Chronicle, Fenwick Vroom praises including plaques to commemorate the and other woodwork including a rood the fact that the altar faced east (at least dead of both World Wars, and in honour screen. The original oak and ash altar by Halifax street standards) – in contrast of the original Founders of the College. donated by alumni would be later to the Hensley Memorial Chapel. As mentioned previously, the widened (from three panels to five) and Jean Weir has noted the way in Hensley Memorial chapel is currently moved to Halifax following the 1920 fire. which Cobb interwove the two very the chapel of Kings Edgehill School, an The Gothic design was typical of the different Gothic and Georgian styles. independent school that maintains an 19th century, and also of the Tractarian (Such “fusion” architecture would not be Anglican tradition. The King’s Chapel

4 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia Hensley Memorial Chapel, Windsor. (Courtesy of NSARM) continues to hold daily Offices and 1 Berrian, William, Rev. Dr. An His- Collection”, p. 2. regular Holy Communion services; torical Sketch of Trinity Church, New York. 5 Vroom, Fenwick Williams. King’s although no longer offering degrees New York: Stanford and Swords, 1867, p. College: A Chronicle. Halifax: The Imperial in Divinity (now offered through the 104. Publishing Co. Ltd., 1941, p. 129. Atlantic School of Theology), King’s still 2 Ibid, p. 23. 6 Hathaway, op. cit., p. 2. maintains a tradition of Anglican wor- 3 Cuthbertson, Brian. A Journey Just ship. Both buildings provide an interest- Begun: A History of the Diocese of Nova ing insight into the development of Scotia and Prince Edward Island, 1710- both the Anglican church and educa- 2010. Halifax: Diocese of Nova Scotia and tion in Nova Scotia, and are unique Prince Edward Island, 2010, p. 140. parts of Nova Scotia’s diverse heritage of 4 Hathaway, Janet et al. “University ecclesiastical architecture. of King’s College Architectural Records

March 2011 5 RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS/BUILDINGS AT RISK Église Saint Jean-Baptiste, Corberrie

Father Maurice LeBlanc

It is not at all clear when the present church in Corberrie was built. Accord- ing to a document by historian Placide Gaudet, kept at l’Université Saint-Joseph, now l’Université de Moncton, on Sept- ember 5th, 1837, Father Jean-Mandé Sigogne* blessed a cornerstone in that area, for a church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. On September 1st, 1841, the church was completed and blessed by Father Jean-Mandé Sigogne. The church was situated on the only road running between Yarmouth and Weymouth, and faced east. Later, the church was oriented towards the south and has remained in that position ever since. Unfortunately the archives concern- ing this church were lost in the fire that destroyed the rectory in Church Point in 1893 and for that reason it is not known if the original church was demolished or simply renovated and reoriented on the site it occupies today. During its restora- tion a steeple was added to the build- ing. Nobody seems to know when and by whom the renovation was done. We know that in 1904, while Father Jérémie Sullivan was pastor of Saint-Bernard, and Saint John the Baptist was a mission of Saint-Bernard [parish], the church was enlarged to its present size. The church is situated on a level grassy surface, of which a good portion formula of three naves, a central one The Village Acadien de la Nouvelle- forms the cemetery. Its setting gives the and two aisles, while the vault consists Ēcosse in West Pubnico would be building a certain elegance. As far as the of a flat ceiling. pleased to inherit this building. It would architectural lines are concerned, there A kind of triumphal arch frames the surely be a great asset to the historical is nothing extraordinary: the building sanctuary. The altar and the tabernacle village. Of course all this means money. is rectangular with a gable roof, the are of simple design and the retable is Will it ever happen? We shall wait and steeple in the front and a sacristy in the practically nonexistent. A statue of Saint see! rear. The windows, with their semicirc- John the Baptist stands over the taber- ular arch, have adopted the Roman- nacle. The Romanesque lines of the ex- * Father Jean Mandé Sigogne was a French esque style. Nevertheless, the spire that terior are repeated inside with the grand priest who fled his country during the surmounts the tower of the steeple has arcades supported by the columns of French Revolution and went to England. the form of a svelte pyramid, while three the naves and the arch at the entrance In 1799 he came to Nova Scotia and was walls form the apse. These are the main of the sanctuary. a missionary of high repute on the French features of the exterior of the building. The community in the Corberrie Shore until he died in 1844. The interior, while modest in its area has diminished during these past dimensions, does keep to the traditional years and the church has been closed.

6 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia HERITAGE BUILDINGS The Bandstand in the Halifax Public Gardens

Lyndon Watkins in re-constructing the building. No more preservation and knowing that it will quick fixes. It was known that some form last long into the future is what gives However wonderful it might be, of metal was used on the bandstand’s Ron Cahoon and his team their greatest spending half a million dollars to fix the original roof­– copper, zinc, or lead being satisfaction. In nearly 40 years of work bandstand in the Halifax Public Gardens the most likely. Because of its durability in the field, Ron has been involved in might seem a trifle excessive. But as and reliability, 16-ounce sheet copper some of the most notable restoration the dismantling proceeded late last was chosen this time, to be installed projects in the region. These include the year it became more and more obvious in sections by Ontario sub-contractors remarkable post-fire restoration of St. why the work had to be done. Literally, Copperworld, and made water-tight by George’s Round Church in Halifax and St. from top to bottom, the structure was soldered seams. John’s Church in Lunenburg, as well as a doomed. The ravages of time, and the As a result of all these efforts, what general conservation of the Little Dutch renovation mistakes of the past, had the public will see of the rebuilt band- church in Halifax. severely imperilled the structure. stand will appear very close indeed to The city is not alone in seeking to The biggest challenge facing Dora what Henry Busch, its German-born save its revered Victorian bandstand. Construction’s renovation expert, Ron architect, designed 114 years ago to Elsewhere in the world a rash of similar Cahoon, was overcoming the poor celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Ju- preservation projects is underway. workmanship involved in the “quick fix” bilee. Decoratively, it will be as close to Unlike Halifax’s bandstand, most of approach taken in the previous overhaul the original as historic building conser- the European structures seem to have in the 1970s. A new concrete foundation vator, Kellie McIvor, and the five member used cast iron as their main component. was poured at that time, replacing the Dora Construction team could make it. This was certainly the case with the original stone wall. About 75 per cent of the railings and large, amazingly elaborate bandstand When attempting to re-make the some of the other decorative features built within the City of Derby’s famous upper portion of the bandstand this are original, and painstaking research Arboretum. Conceived and executed in time, the engineers found a four inch will have restored the original muted 1827 by the famous landscape architect, difference in some of the steel columns primary colour scheme. There are two Joseph Strutt, the Derby arboretum supporting the roof. Anchor plates shades of green and a combination of was the world’s first public park. A securing the metal column had also red, blue, white, and ochre. daring social innovation for its time, its rusted away to such an extent that they Beneath the surface the structure is fame spread to North America and was were no longer doing their job. And the to be almost entirely new. Not every- inspirational nine years later in the first immensely heavy red fibreglass roof thing, however, is quite what it may tentative steps leading to the eventual was literally coming apart at the seams, seem. Were he to attend the Band- establishment of the glorious Halifax allowing water to drip into the building’s stand’s grand re-opening in late May, Public Gardens. Sadly, the Arboretum’s wooden interior and filling the columns even architect Busch might not spot the own bandstand, a large and elaborate with as much as a foot of water. faux feature in the new visual conceit. example of the iron workers’ art, was Avoiding the underlying design Retained from the 1970s in the “new” destroyed when Luftwaffe bombs fell on and materials problems that allowed bandstand are the fibreglass sleeves that city in 1941. It was never rebuilt. the fibreglass roof to cause so much that conceal the steel support columns. damage was a major challenge. Rather These were made to resemble the than replace the entire foundation, it original old pine wooden columns that The Friends of the Public Gardens have was decided to make up for the column predated the 1970 fix. They are impervi- launched the Victoria Jubilee Campaign to discrepancy within the design of the ous to weather and did such a good raise funds to help defray the cost of restor- new octagonal roof. job of appearing to be wooden that ing the Bandstand (see www.halifaxpub- Any change to the roof posed some- Parks Canada, renowned as a purist in licgardens.ca). A grand re-opening is being thing of a public relations dilemma, the demanding the use of historically appro- planned for Victoria Day, May 23, 2011. much photographed red dome having priate materials in National Historic Sites, become visually synonymous with the like the Halifax Gardens, allowed their Gardens. It was clear from the outset, inclusion in this year’s restoration. however, that if the bandstand was Unquestionably, the sensitive to survive for another hundred years, combination of old and new building it was imperative that tried and true techniques and materials is important traditional approaches should be made in any restoration. Seeing a building’s

March 2011 7 BUILDER’S MANUAL The Conservation and Restoration of Stained Glass

Norbert Sattler

The Art and Craft of Stained Glass Windows Stained glass windows not only illu- minate the sanctuaries of many church- es, they also grace windows in private homes and public buildings. They can be figurative, scenic or ornamental and they are an integral part of the buildings they adorn. To that end, they are part of our architectural heritage. In order to understand how stained glass dete- riorates, one must first understand the materials and how they are combined to create a window. This article aims to demystify stained glass and thus help proprietors be proactive and informed about the conservation and restoration of stained glass windows. The tradition of stained glass dates back to the 8th Century when coloured Glass-making today. glass was first assembled to create Bibli- cal scenes, which illustrated the gospels much since stained glass windows were Like coloured antique glass, old for the illiterate. To this day, stained glass first glazed, new types of glass have clear glass can also display a variety of is made of molten glass, which has been been developed. Nonetheless, mouth- textures due to the mouth-blowing blown or rolled, and then shaped into blown glass continues to be made by technique. Older homes often have clear sheets. These coloured sheets become the oldest known technique for making antique glass installed in their windows the palette from which the glasscutter glass; this glass is therefore known as an- that often goes unnoticed. In the United makes his selection based on the artist’s tique glass. The art of blowing glass has Kingdom, clear glass used to be spun concept. In traditional stained glass win- its own rich history. Years of training and into roundels measuring 6 feet in diam- dows, the cut coloured glass pieces are generations of secrets have culminated eter. Each roundel has a circular pattern often hand-painted with special vitreous in the ability of the glassmakers to make that centres in the middle, which dis- glass paints. Depending on the style and over 6000 different colours through a fu- tinguishes it from other mouth-blown purpose of the window, the painting sion of quartz sand, limestone and pot- glass. Windows made of these roundels might consist of a simple application of ash and various metal oxides, including are extremely rare and great care should trace lines (black) and silver-stain (yel- gold and silver. Thus, it offers not only be taken in preserving them, especially low), and/or a combination of matting, the largest spectrum of colours, but also because roundels of this size are no stippling and back-painting to create a natural unevenness and texture that longer being made. Small roundels are a three dimensional effect. The paint is creates a “liveliness” unique to this pro- still being fabricated. fired into the glass at a very high tem- cess. As such, antique glass remains the Later advancements in the trade perature to permanently fuse the paint finest quality of glass available. It was of glass making resulted in handmade to the surface of the glass. The individual normally used by European, and some rolled glass, also called table or cathedral glass pieces are glazed, or assembled, Canadian, studios to make ecclesiastical glass, which is made by pouring molten into panels with lead-came; this is called stained glass windows and is still used glass onto a flat surface and rolling it a lead matrix, which is soldered, at the by major North American studios today. out. This process has been mechanized joints. Finally putty is worked under the It is therefore the kind of glass typically resulting in machine-rolled glass, which lead cames, on both sides of the panels, required for church restoration work, features more texture, but less colour to make them watertight and stable. such as the stained glass window resto- variety than the cathedral glass. Drawn While neither the craft of stained rations for St. John’s Anglican Church in glass is available with a variety of pat- glass, nor the tools used, have changed Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. terns, but with limited colour variation.

8 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia Glass-making the old way.

Sagging. Norbert Sattler cutting glass.

March 2011 9 Finally, float glass, also known as indus- buckling and sagging; and the putty is there bulges in the panel? Inspect your trial glass, is clear glass without texture. brittle and falling out. The main cause window, especially the higher panels, It is available in large sizes, and is used of bulging of the panels is the size of for downward movement. Is there a gap today in all window applications. the windows and the fatigue of the lead between panels or an overlap else- over time. Many windows were original- where? Stained Glass Conservation ly installed in one piece and the weight • Fading paint: Inspect the glass for Sadly, according to Department of of the whole window presses down on faded paint. Consider, is there any paint Canadian Heritage statistics, in the 30 the base, causing bulging. Sometimes that is less visible than other parts? Can years from 1970-2000, Canada lost be- improper design of the original lead you only faintly see the outlines of what tween 21 and 23 per cent of its historic matrix or faulty installation can also con- must have been a figure or ornament? building stock and that unfortunate tribute to early sagging and bulging. • Detached copper wire: Inspect the trend continues unabated. Stained glass Fortunately, with some awareness connection between the copper wire windows are another part of our cultural of telltale signs, proprietors of stained and lead came. Are they detached? Is heritage that continues to be threat- glass windows can identify stained glass the rod separating from the panel? ened by deterioration. deterioration. With early intervention • Broken/missing glass: Look for Stained glass windows are, like all and the use of the proper conservation broken or cracked glass. This is espe- other outward-facing parts of a build- and restoration techniques, the loss of cially dangerous if the glass is loose and ing, subject to the influences of climate stained glass can be prevented. First and threatening to fall. Glass often breaks and the wear of the window’s me- foremost it is advisable to ensure that when windows buckle. chanical uses. Although glass and lead stained glass windows are documented are chemically very durable materials, in order to monitor any changes in the In addition to the inspection of the they are still affected by acid rain, nitric condition of the window. Furthermore, stained glass itself, the frame, the sup- oxide and other harmful emissions. each window should be photographed port system and the outside protection Exposure to fire, as in the windows of and a physical inspection should be and ventilation need to be checked. St. John’s Anglican in Lunenburg, adds performed as follows: Should any one of these signs of yet another dimension to the problem deterioration be apparent in the stained of deterioration in both the lead matrix • Lead matrix and solder joints: In- glass window, it is advisable to ask a and the glass. spect your panels for general sturdiness. trained professional to assess the degree Many older windows display some Consider, does the window rattle? Does of deterioration of the window. They will signs of deterioration due to age-related the matrix have cracks or are sections of also be able to make a recommendation fatigue. The lack of proper support be- the lead came missing? Are any solder regarding the best conservation/restora- tween panels and the size of the panels joints broken? (This is only visible using tion procedure for the window. can create problems. In older windows, surface light.) the lead matrix is weak; the panels are • Sagging or bulging panels: Are Stained Glass Restoration Each restoration and conservation effort has to take into account the im- mediate technical needs assessment and to consider, as well, the historical and cultural significance of the window and the building. Today, the conserva- tion and restoration of stained glass win- dows is, just like other art forms, subject to strict guidelines set by conservation- ists and historians. The guiding principles of any con- servation/restoration project are to take utmost care of the original substance and material, to provide the best pos- sible protection from future anticipated strains and stress and to maximize approximation to the original. There- fore it is important to retain as much as possible of the existing design, material, Glass separating from lead came. and esthetic value of the stained glass

10 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia stabilize the piece. When needed, the window is re-glazed and the lead matrix is stabilized with putty. An assessment of the window structure, in relation to its reinstallation, is also made in order to determine if additional measures are needed to securely stabilize the window for future preservation. Copper wires are soldered onto the lead matrix so they can be attached to the reinforcing rod. The individual panels are installed using steel t-bars to support each panel in the frame. The issue of exterior glazing should also be addressed, if none exists. It is usually advisable, but attention must be paid to proper ventilation. Finally all windows should be photographed and a detailed report about the restoration should be filed for future reference. With attention and proper care, stained glass windows can be preserved for future generations to enjoy and ap- preciate for their art and craft, and the history they represent.

Norbert Sattler is the owner and operator of Sattler’s Stained Glass studio and the Maritime Stained Glass Registry. He has over 40 years of experience working on conservation and restoration projects, as St. John’s, Lunenburg after the fire. well as new stained glass commissions, in Europe, Canada and the United States. He began his career in Germany by complet- windows. To return the stained glass ing a formal apprenticeship for stained window to its original form and design glass artisans. He then worked for a num- may necessitate the removal of prior un- ber of different studios in Europe before justified or poorly executed repairs and/ eventually becoming a master at the world or the replication of missing portions renowned studio, Mayer’s of Munich. In of original work. Any treatment should 1980 he opened his own studio near Augs- be as minimal as possible and the least burg and successfully built and operated invasive necessary, to properly satisfy that for 20 years. Then in 1993, he brought St. John’s, Lunenburg after restoration. the needs of the project. his considerable knowledge and expertise On site, an initial assessment of to North America, establishing a studio in the windows is made along with the glass and the condition of the lead. West LaHave where he now lives. Recently photographic documentation. Each This assessment determines how each he was recognized by the Nova Scotia window should be labeled according step of the restoration process will be Heritage Trust for his skilful restoration and to a floor plan of the building. Before handled, based on the principles above. re-creation of the stained glass windows in the individual stained glass panels are The glass is carefully cleaned and any St. John’s Anglican, Lunenburg, and for his removed from the frame, they need to broken glass is either replaced with new documentation of stained glass windows be stabilized and then carefully crated glass that has been selected according in Nova Scotia churches (Maritime Stained to prevent further damage. Upon arrival to colour and type and hand painted, Glass Registry). His studio also contributes at the studio, the panels undergo a if necessary to match the original, to contemporary art in Nova Scotia by detailed inspection including the use or glued. Alternatively a thin copper inviting fine artists into the studio to make of a microscope, to analyze the paint, foil can be inserted into the crack to unique works of art in glass.

March 2011 11 ADAPTIVE RE-USE School’s Out!: Breath of Life Comes to Truro’s Surplus Schools

Janice R. Zann

Recycling old buildings has been a common practice since time immemo- rial, particularly in the Old World. Canada has only just begun to connect the idea of recycling buildings with the recycling of our plastic, glass and metals in our daily routines. Some interesting examples of the adaptation of old buildings to new uses can be seen in Spain, especially in the southern province of Andalucía. The Moors, having occupied Spain for 700 years, left behind a wealth of architectural gems, including mosques scattered throughout the many villages in the Sierras. After the Reconquest by Proposed Farmers’ Market (Courtesy Paul Zann) the Christian monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, in the late 15th century, these buildings were quickly converted into Christian churches, with the minarets our buildings rather than demolish ing existing architecture for conversion becoming bell towers. them. In a recently acquired book, to modern uses, rather than sending The most notable example of such Re-Use Architecture by Chris van Uffelen masses of material to landfill sites. In Tru- an adaptation is the conversion of the (published by Braun)(www.braun.com), ro, for example, the landmark building great Mezquita (Mosque) in Cordoba. some fascinating examples of adaptive of the former Willow Street Elementary There, in the centre of an enormous re-use around the world are depicted, School (1915, architect E.D. Vernon) building constructed between 785 and many of which could be emulated in is now sporting a new look – a new 787 by Abd al Rahman I, featuring over Nova Scotia. A school in the Netherlands copper roof, restored cupola, renovated 850 columns of candy-striped jasper, has been converted into a restaurant windows. The resurrected building is granite and marble, members of the and offices, with an enclosed glass roof now called Willow Lofts. Some Italianate Hernan Ruiz family began in 1523 to atrium over the courtyard. In Paris, a influence can still be seen in the round construct a large Catholic cathedral. 17th century Recollet convent has been stone arch entrance ways, and stone Stunningly beautiful with its Italianate converted into the Museum of Archi- lintels and sills. This is the brainchild of dome, it is nevertheless located in the tecture. In Newtown, Sydney, Australia, Truro businessmen, Ron Meech and wrong place. Even the Holy Roman Em- concrete silos and a complex of tall Garfield Moffatt, who both attended the peror, Charles V, was shocked to see that timber storage bins, originally used for school when it was a rabbit-warren of it had spoiled such a unique structure the storage of grain, have become The classrooms. These two men recognized as the Mezquita. However, the columns Silos Apartments. In Victoria, Australia, the “good bones” of the structure, noting of the Mezquita had been recycled from former tobacco kilns have been in- that the sandstone and brickwork were a former Visigothic church on the same corporated into a domestic house. In in great shape, along with the wide hall- site. The latter church had originally Pamplona, Spain, a medieval palace has ways and the four metre high ceilings. been a Roman temple. become the general Archives of Navarra. They realized its potential for transform- In the 1960s, many town planners In Chile, the new Licanten Public Library ing into nine office spaces on the lower in Nova Scotia felt that anything “old” was once a metal shop built in 1837 for level and 10 high-end residential lofts was worthless and, therefore, had to trains. Creative ideas for adaptation are on the upper floor. Their priority was to be torn down. Fortunately, in this 21st boundless. maintain the original exterior intact as century, environmentally-conscious Many developers in Nova Scotia are far as possible. The Colchester Regional developers are beginning to recycle beginning to see the benefits of re-us- Development Agency (CORDA) Busi-

12 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia INFORMATION/GUIDES New Means to Explore Old Buildings

South End Halifax resident and software developer Ian Booth recently published an app [downloadable program for a smartphone] for Android smartphones called Heritage Buildings of Halifax. This app maps over 350 interesting older structures ranging in age from Saint Paul’s Church (1750) to the 1930 Bank of Nova Scotia on Hollis Street. The user’s actual location is high- lighted on a satellite-view map. Clicking an icon brings up a brief description of the nearest building of interest, usually including the date, style, and architect. Photo of Willow Lofts (Courtesy Mike Muggeridge) There are reference sections illus- trating familiar architectural styles and discussing a half dozen famous local ness Magazine describes the project as enormous economic boon for the town. architects. a prime example of how entrepreneurs However, an infusion of cash would be Ian hopes this app will appeal both can tap into what it refers to as the necessary for this project to proceed in to cruise ship visitors and to Halifax “Silver Economy” (younger working-age this vacant building. heritage buffs, and will increase aware- entrepreneurs providing services for re- Exciting news this fall was the ness of the city’s older buildings. He has tirees). Undoubtedly, the location within announcement at the Saturday out- previously published a similar app on walking distance of all downtown ame- door Farmers’ Market that the former the Victorian mansions of Montreal’s nities will make it attractive to seniors historic Truro Fire Hall (1899) would Golden Square Mile and is completing and other tenants. Most importantly, this open in March 2011 as a year-round another on the Halifax Public Gardens. historic building has been saved. Hats indoor Market, with facilities for outdoor The app is available for download on off to these two innovative and environ- vendors during the summer months. the Android Market for $20. mentally-responsible developers. MLA Lenore Zann announced funding This is not the only success story of $100,000 towards this project. With for this pair. The abandoned St. Mary’s Truro’s state-of-the-art hospital sched- Elementary School they intend to uled to open in 2012, and work having convert into townhouses. Thus, of the commenced on a new Civic Centre adja- Religious Buildings five schools made surplus when they cent to it, a performing Arts School and Symposium II were amalgamated into the newly-built a new Library could ensure that Truro April 16, 2011 Truro Elementary School, only one met would become, even more than it is 9 am-4:30 pm the wrecking ball. One is now the Adult now, a desirable location for both young High School, while another has become and old. Atlantic School of Theology a community recreational centre and home to a branch of Bridgeway Acad- Fee $60 includes coffee break, lunch emy. The Provincial Normal College, and Musique Royale concert a Second Empire architectural gem (David Greenberg and Chris Norman). in Truro’s historic precinct, opened in Register by April 8. 1878 for the education of Nova Scotia’s See www.htns.ca for program details teachers. It is still being considered for or call the Trust office (423-4807). a School for the Performing Arts, since a $60,000 feasibility study resulted in a positive finding. This would be an

March 2011 13 LECTURE Endangered Schoolhouses: The Palace Schools of Victorian and Edwardian Nova Scotia

Janet Morris school be situated on ‘Knock ‘em down and schools assumed a more institution- Row’?” as the south end of Brunswick al look and a more bureaucratic interior. As the Province faces threats of Street was known. Also opening in They evolved into low-rise institutions budget cuts to the school system, this 1878 and designed by Henry Busch, the with little embellishment and a forget- retrospective look at the history of Truro Normal School was very similar in table aspect. Bennett noted that now publicly-funded school buildings by design to the Halifax Academy. It served location turns on what property is avail- Dr. Paul Bennett becomes particularly as a teachers’ training school from 1878 able and the cost of land. In considering intriguing. until 1961, and is now a National Historic the future of education Bennett opined When schools first became publicly Site. that bigness and bureaucracy are prob- funded or supplemented by a public Some academies were located in ably here to stay, but the possibility tax, there was an outcry as some taxpay- park-like settings, after the philoso- exists that smaller schools will ultimately ers didn’t want to fund this new social phy of Hodgins and Ryerson. The sites triumph, or perhaps “schools within a initiative. The schools had previously themselves spoke of power, influence school” will evolve. In 1961 the grant been religious or private initiatives, and and the importance of the edifice. Char- system for schools changed, such that the ubiquitous little white schoolhouse lottetown’s Prince Street School sported school boards got much more money (later painted red) dotted the province. two acres of playground, pathways, for construction of new schools than for Though remembered with nostalgia, the and a fountain. The Yarmouth Academy renovation of existing buildings. Ben- one-room schoolhouses tended to do was grandly situated on Parade Street. nett noted that there is no inventory of little to address children’s needs. They In Lunenburg, the Academy was built school houses built in Nova Scotia – this were often small, stuffy, ill-lit, and had on a magnificent site at the top of the would be a monumental task, as in the inadequate basic facilities (like plumb- hill (formerly known as Gallows Hill). 1940s the province had 1700 school ing or heating), not to mention a lack of Opened in 1894, the Academy is sched- boards (today there are eight). recreational facilities. The 1870s to 1930s uled to close its doors in June. While in places like Boston some of saw new public schools become the The first thirty years of the twentieth the 1850s public school structures are subject and object of civic pride. These century were a golden age for Palace still in use as schools, in Nova Scotia old large scale projects were contentious – Schools. The buildings demonstrated schools tend to be decommissioned. taxpayers often resisted them. the value placed on education and the The oldest public school buildings now When the “Palace Schools” were first sites chosen were strategic, important in operation were built in 1922. Many of designed there was no recognizable locations. Walter Busch (son of Henry) the old schools were lost to fire, includ- archetype, and architects like Henry devoted a considerable portion of his ing the original , F. Busch and Harry Mott worked from work to school design and during his the Liverpool Academy and the Yar- models of British Grammar schools of career he built ten schools. The prior- mouth Academy – some were certainly Gothic style illuminated with dim light ity was quality. His work included a victims of arson. Others have been de- (like churches), and designed for adult school on Kaye Street (destroyed in molished, and some have seen adaptive eyes. Gradually a modern progressive the Halifax Explosion), the Oxford St. re-uses, such as two schools awarded school archetype developed, breaking School, St. Patrick’s School, Tower Road our Built Heritage Award. The Liverpool from the Gothic revival style, and more School, Bloomfield School (also lost in School is now the Rossignol Cultural attuned to students’ needs. Felix Clay the Halifax Explosion) and Chebucto Centre and Greenvale School, designed was a leader in this break, followed on School (which survived the explosion). in 1915 by Andrew Cobb, forms part of the national scale by Walter Lachance, Another architect who devoted much an apartment complex called The Lofts who introduced better ventilation. work to school design was Leslie Fairn of at Greenvale. An early example of a Palace School Wolfville, active in the 1920s. It is apparent that the subject of was undertaken in Saint John, New The growth and expansion of school school building types - which has surely Brunswick by Harry Mott. In Halifax, boards led to homogenization of school crossed the minds of everyone who has Henry Busch took the leading role as design, as well as internal bureaucratiza- attended a public school - has attracted the architect for the Halifax County tion. Private architectural design was limited study, and we are grateful to our Academy, which opened in 1878. Civic replaced by institutional design. As the speaker for his work on this subject, to argument churned over, “How can we twentieth century advanced, school be further expounded in his book due in afford such a building?” and “Should a boards became more cost conscious, April, 2011.

14 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia BUILDER’S MANUAL Diamond-Lock Shingles: This brilliant design was a best friend for Nova Scotia roofs

Bruce MacNab

Nova Scotia is one of the windiest places in North America. This is great for windmills. But it’s hellish for roof shingles. Centuries ago, carpenters real- ized that a roof in Nova Scotia must be designed and installed with care. Over time, roofs covered with slate, wooden shingles, copper and lead gave way to These vintage 12 inch diamond-lock asphalt The bottoms of diamond-lock shingles were asphalt shingles. shingles are actually square in shape but are notched to lock into the adjacent shingles, pro- Asphalt shingles have undergone installed in a diamond pattern. Location: Oxner’s viding maximum protection from wind. quite an evolution of their own. Some Barrel Factory, Chester Basin. of the early products were marketed as “Diamond-Locks.” These shingles were well suited for Nova Scotia’s windy popular choice. The three-tabs were Many modern shingles no longer climate. And the proof is in the pud- easier to install but had no built-in lock feature the popular three-tab design. ding. Across our province, you will to secure the exposed edges. Instead, Likewise, many roof shingles now offer still find roofs that were covered with three-tab shingles needed to be glued fiberglass reinforcement. Even with these diamond-shaped shingles about down with tar to keep the tabs secured these improvements, there are still many 50 years ago. And often, not a single in wind storms. Manufacturers started roof problems in our windy province. shingle is missing. adding a row of tar that would self- Self-sealing shingles work well The secret to the success of dia- seal shingles in the heat of summer. To except for installations in cold tem- mond-locks was the lower edge which prevent shingles from sticking to each peratures. In the winter months, today’s tucked in under the adjacent shingles. other in the bundles, a strip of plastic carpenters must still glue down roof This “lock” made it difficult for wind to lift or paper was placed over each row of shingles with tar. In spite of modern the shingle. These shingles worked so tar. In the old days carpenters had to materials and everybody’s best efforts, well that locals even used them on exte- peel these strips before installing the the tar seal often fails in Nova Scotia. rior walls in place of traditional wooden shingles. Today, the plastic strips are When this happens, shingles will flap sidings. placed on the back of the shingles and in the wind and the lower portion of Eventually, three-tab shingles don’t need to be removed. the shingle can break off below the nail replaced diamond locks as the most Roof shingles continue to evolve. line. The traditional three-tab shingle offers a natural breaking point for when this happens. This sacrifices part of the shingle in order to save the rest. This is disappointing, but at least you still have the upper portion of the shingle nailed to your roof. This will effectively keep the water out of your house while you schedule roof repairs. Strong winds will sometimes lift entire shingles off a roof. When this hap- pens, it is usually due to inadequate or improper nailing. Years ago, carpenters used six nails to fasten each shingle. Nowadays, four nails has become the norm. This reduction in nails happened It’s better to lose a tab (above) rather than the entire shingle. The six nail pattern used here is called while shingles increased in size storm-nailing. Note: Dimes used as nails. (Not recommended for installations!) continued on page 16

March 2011 15 Diamond-Lock Shingles Programs Sponsored by Other Societies from three feet to one meter in length. This double-whammy effectively placed Canadian Archaeological Association March 7, Laura deBoer, “Shipwreck recording in an extra 56% wind resistance burden on May 18-22, Annual Meeting in Halifax. the Sydney Tar Ponds.” Advance, senior, and student discounts. April 4, Jay Underwood, “Railway innovation in each nail area. Not surprisingly, roofing Pre- and post-conference tours. Nova Scotia.” manufacturers still recommend six nails http://novascotiaheritage.ca/caa2011/ May 2, David Rollinson, “The Industrial Heritage per shingle for high wind areas. of Rum.” You don’t have to be a shingle scien- Celts in the Americas Conference, www.industrialheritagens.ca. tist to know why using six nails per shin- Antigonish June 29-July 2, hosted by St FX and CBU. Mainland South Heritage Society gle instead of four is sometimes called www.mystfx.ca/academic/celtic-studies/conf2011. Captain William Spry Library “storm-nailing.” Perhaps it’s time for Nova html. To March 12, “A Pictorial Walking Tour of Scotia building codes to require storm- Mainland South, from to Pennant. nailing in our windy province. Or maybe Central Chebogue United Baptist Church Musée acadien & Centre de recherche, it’s time for Diamond-Lock shingles to Spring Tea April 16, 2-4 pm, by donation. West Pubnico make a dazzling comeback. Virginia Kleiner, 742-9333. March 15, 7 pm, Our history in stories, Laurent d’Entremont and others, $3. Bruce MacNab is a Red Seal journeyman Cobequid Planters 250 Conference March 17, 1:30 – 3:30 pm, Francophonie Days, June 11, Marigold Cultural Centre, Truro. Craft demonstration and sale. carpenter who has taught apprenticeship March 29 , 1:30 pm, Storyteller Clara Dugas and communications at NSCC. Coming Marking the 250th anniversary of the arrival of settlers from Ireland and New England and the reading from her latest book. soon: houseprofessor.ca founding of Truro, Onslow and Londonderry April 4, May 2, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Soirée de Musique All photos by author. Townships. / Kitchen Party, music by local artists with sing- http://colchesterhistoreum.ca/planters-confer- song of Acadian Songs. Tea, coffee or juice, $5. ence/ April 22, Earth Day, 10-3 pm, “Gardening in the http://colchesterhistoreum.ca/planters250/ Acadian garden” and 7-9 pm, attracting birds, organic gardening and birdhouses. www.museeacadien.ca, musee.acadien@ Dartmouth Heritage Museum ns.sympatico.ca, 762-3380. Evergreen House, 26 Newcastle Street HTNS Tues.-Sat., 10-5 pm, $2. To April 21, Blades of Steel: Dartmouth’s History NS Archaeology Society Illustrated on Ice. Rm. 165, Sobeys Bldg, SMU, 7:30 pm. Public Lectures May 3-28, Brush In Hand: An Exhibit of Art and March 22, Charles Burke, Parks Can., “New Informa- Decorative Art by the Bluenose Decorative Artists. tion from Fort Gaspereau National Historic Site.” April 26, TBA. Thursday, 17 March at 7:30 pm www.dartmouthheritagemuseum.ns.ca, 464-2300. May 24, TBA. Graeme Duffus www.novascotiaarchaeologysociety.com. ~ History of Masonry and DesBrisay Museum Architecture: 130 Jubilee Rd., Bridgewater Royal NS Historical Society Stirling, Cobb, and Duffus March 3, 7-9 pm, John G. Langley, QC, Public Archives of NS “Steam Lion, a Portrait of Samuel Cunard.” Meets third Wednesday of month, 7:30 pm. Thursday, 21 April at 7:30 pm April 17, 9-4 pm, Easter willow basket workshop, March 16, William Laurence, NS Dept. of Justice, $30. Pre-register. “Learning the Law: William Young’s Legal Iris Shea Apprenticeship in Early Nineteenth-Century ~ The Pool House in Jollimore: May 8, 2-4 pm, “Mother Knows Best,” Storyteller Clara Dugas will regale the audience with Halifax.” Uncovering the Mystery of motherhood stories, light refreshments, April 20, (Annual Dinner, location TBA), this 19th Century House, $10 in advance. AnneMarie Jonah, Parks Can., “Small Pleasures: its Original Location and Owners www.desbrisaymuseum.ca, 543-4033. Gifts and trade in personal correspondence between France and Louisbourg.” May 18, Peter Twohig, SMU, “An immediate Thursday, 19 May at 7:30 pm Friends of the Public Gardens solution to our nurse shortage?: Nova Scotia May 23 (Victoria Day) time TBA, Free Bandstand Conrad Byers nurses confront medicare.” ~ The Role of Building Civic Pride concert. www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca. through Buildings Yarmouth County Historical Society Heritage Officers Conference, Truro 22 Collins Street Museum of Natural History June 1, Prof. Dev. Day, technology and internet March 2, 2-4 pm, Abigail Robbins, Grantee #1, (Auditorium), tools and workshop for HAC members. and John Crawley, land surveyor, “Whose land Summer Street, Halifax. June 2-3, concurrent sessions, open to grant do you live on?” (examining the 1767 interested members of the public. Reg. req’d. grants of all the land in Yarmouth Twp., now Yar- For more information, mouth Municipality and Town, to 150 people). please call 423-4807. Info. Pam Macintosh [email protected]. Industrial Heritage of NS Yarmouth 250 Maritime Museum of Atlantic, 7:30 pm. http://yarmouth250.com/events/

16 The Griffin • Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia