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Reconstructing the Peyton Randolph Kitchen Covered Way Frame Raising

Photos of the various stages of the frame raising


  • The covered way was designed by architectural historians based on study of old structures and the archaeology done on the site.

  • On raising day, the heaviest framing timbers, the sills, are hauled to the foundation.

  • The sills are hoisted into place...

  • ...and joined end-to-end with a "scarf" joint.

  • The west wall is raised into place.

  • Wooden pegs secure the mortice and tenon joints.

  • Pegging the door frame.

  • The east wall goes up, and the ceiling joists are installed across the span.

  • The rafters are secured at the feet with four-inch iron spikes.

  • The covered way is 44 feet long and 8 feet wide, connecting the kitchen and the house.

  • The frame for the covered way is complete.



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