Building With Integrity

INSPECTION SURVEY &REPORT

WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

Fisher-Crouse House
Hanover, Pennsylvania

Prepared: May 15, 2017

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1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 434-9400

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania
n The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

Introduction

The Fisher-Crouse House is a 30' x 40' one-and-a-half story center-hall Germanic stone
farm house, located at the intersection of Wilson Avenue and Northland Drive in the
Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania. The rear of the Fisher-Crouse House
faces Northland Drive and the front of the house looks out over baseball fields owned by
the YMCA.

The Fisher-Crouse House was constructed by Nicholas Fisher, an early farmer and
landowner, and dates from the third quarter of the 181h century (1750-1770). The house
is reported to be the oldest existing structure in the Borough of Hanover, pre-dating the
American Revolution, and much of the original fabric is remarkably intact.

Circa 1880- Photo Credit: Hanover Public School System, Historic Photographs, Chronister Collection

1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

Exterior

While there have been some minor functional and cosmetic modifications, the general
appearance of the Fisher-Crouse House exterior has likely changed very little since the
original construction. The fieldstone foundation and structure walls are structurally
sound and have been professionally re-pointed in the recent past. The re-pointing work
was well executed and historically appropriate. The two brick chimneys are sound,
having been repainted at, or near, the same time as the stone work, and the windows
(with the possible exception of the dormers) all appear to be original and in exceptional
condition, given their age.

The enclosed porch on the rear of

the house is likely not original and
probably can be dated around the
end of the 19th century. The original
rear porch likely extended across the
entire rear of the house.

0 At some point, an exterior door was

removed and infilled on the south
end of the rear of the house. It is
difficult to determine when that
change was effected without some
intrusive forensic exploration, and is
not critical to the preservation
discussion.

The front poured-concrete porch is an unfortunate modification. It was cast in place as

a replacement for the original wood porch at the main entrance. During the process of
installing the front concrete porch, at least two basement windows were obstructed, and
are no longer visible or able to provide ventilation to the basement. The blocking of
these windows may have contributed to some minor deterioration inside the structure.

The roof has been recently replaced with architectural asphalt shingles over plywood
sheathing. This recent modification, while not historically accurate is, nevertheless,
commendable in that the house structure and interior fabric has been protected from the
elements.

At least two of the three main level exterior doors appear to be original with intact hand-
forged hinges and locksets that are consistent with the period of the house. They are
most likely original and are excellent examples of period iron work. The original window

1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania
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shutters have been removed, but the hand-forged hinge pins and shutter dogs are still
in place, and remain in excellent condition.

It is difficult to determine how surrounding development has affected drainage and

ground-water migration, but foundation walls are remarkably sound and show little sign
of deterioration. Galvanized rain gutters and downspouts have been installed at the
front and rear eaves of the roof to collect and divert rain water. While not original, the
rain gutters are helpful in reducing groundwater infiltration and retarding foundation
deterioration.

There are two exterior sets of steps leading from grade to the basement where two
restrooms have been installed, presumably for use in conjunction with the adjacent
baseball fields. The steps are bordered by retaining walls below grade. The steps and
the retaining walls are in a moderate state of disrepair and are of later construction than
the house. The original steps and retaining
walls were likely stone, and the collection of
large cut stone slabs at the rear of the house
(shown at left) may have formed part of the
original basement entrance steps.

The basement doors are not original, but are

recent upgrades, likely replacements
fabricated and installed when the front
concrete entrance was installed and the
exterior basement stairs re-built.

Remaining basement windows are barred

with hand-forged grates. They could possibly
date to the original construction of the house.

The fascia, soffit and exterior trim is in excellent condition for the age of the house and
have been well preserved. The paint on the exterior trim and exterior of the windows
remains well intact with only minor flaking or peeling.

There are three dormers on the front of the roof with windows into the second floor. It is
difficult to determine if these dormers were part of the original design, or were a 191h
century addition. There are reports that in compliance with the so-called "Federal
Window Pane Tax of 1798," there were 150 panes of glass in the house as of that date.
It is difficult to reconcile this number with the current window layout, which indicates a

1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

number significantly in excess of 150 panes. However, well documented historical

accounts indicate that assessors were not necessarily required to strictly adhere to an
accurate count, but rather that the number of window panes was a "guideline" in
assessing the value for federal tax purposes. For that reason, the window pane count
for assessment purposes may not be as reliable an indicator in dating the dormers as
actual inspection of the materials and techniques utilized in the roof and dormer
framing.

The dormers have been sided with a style of siding that was commonly used in the 191h
century. From the ground, it appears that this is not wood siding, but rather vinyl siding
that may have been installed around the same time as the recent roof installation. The
presence of a "J-molding" at the roof line is an indication that this is most likely vinyl
siding. Further forensic inspection of the roof structure and dormers would be required
to date the roof dormers, and determine the appropriate siding.

Interior
0
Entering the front door, one finds oneself in the 7'-3" wide center hall that extends the
full depth of the house, accommodates a full set of period stairs and culminates in a
wide rear door. Closing the front door reveals a set of 36" long hand-forged strap hinges
and an
impressive
hand forged
period lock.
The door is
crowned by a
4-light
transom.

lJ 1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

The floor of the center hall consists of wide heart pine planks, as do the floors
throughout the entire main level of the house. The floors are worn and original, with
remnants of paint and display an excellent patina and texture appropriate for the age of
the house. There is minimal damage to the floors, and they are nearly entirely intact,
with penetrations resulting only from the installation of a forced hot air heating system
and minimal electric wiring.

On the left of the center hall are two first floor rooms. The front room is large, (15'-9" x
14'-3) and contains a fireplace with a cast iron insert. The pine woodwork, with the
exception of the baseboards, has
all b~en stripped to bare wood.
The baseboards have a faux finish
simulating marble. The plaster
walls and ceiling are plaster and in
very good condition. The walls, as
do all the rooms on the first floor,
have a wid chair rail on all four
walls. The fabric of the walls, floor
and woodwork is well preserved
/
J and relatively undisturbed. Except
for the stripping of the woodwork,
and minimal electrical outlets, the
room appears much as it might
have in the late 1700's.

A door at one end of this room leads to a second, smaller (1 0'-

3" x 14'-3") room on the same (left) side of the center hall.
This room at the rear of the house has but one window, though
it at one time had an exterior door leading out the rear wall of
the house. One original raised panel interior door (photo,
right) with forged strap hinges is still in place in this room,
though it has been stripped of its paint. The baseboard, chair
rail and plaster have been inconspicuously infilled where the
exterior door to the back porch (removed) was previously
located.

On the other side of the center hall is one large (27' x 14')
room. This room was probably formed from two rooms that
mirrored the layout of the rooms across the hall. The larger of

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1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485
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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania
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(1 The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

these two rooms had a fireplace that was likely the main cooking area. There would
have been no kitchen sink or "kitchen cabinets" but simply a dry sink and probably a
step-back cupboard. At some point, probably late 191h century, the partition between
these rooms was removed and a "modern" kitchen installed. Beaded pine wainscot
paneling was
installed
(between the
existing
baseboard
and chair rail,
and matching
"built-in"
kitchen
cupboards
were attached
to some of
the walls.

Areas where 191h century wainscot was applied to original baseboard and chair rail in "kitchen."

Probably around the same time, the kitchen fireplace was replaced with a wood burning
cooking stove. This is the most disruptive series of
modifications that have been made to the house
,t over time. The wooden mantle and fireplace
surround have been removed, a metal stove pipe
installed in the fireplace and the damper removed
and closed up. The original walls are still in good,
restorable condition, even behind the wainscot,
and the heart pine floors are substantially intact.
There are some electrical devices, and exposed
electrical
wiring, but
overall, the
room still
retains much
of the
character of an
181h century
farmhouse.

(J
1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485
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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania
n
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The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

The stairs from the center hall to the second floor are built against the wall and open on
one side as is typical for vernacular architecture of this period. The stairs, newel,
balusters and railing are late
181h century and are fully intact
without evidence of repair or
modification. The balusters
and newel are turned
hardwood, and the rail has a
square turn-out. The stringers
are decorated with scroll
returns .

The stairs lead to a landing and

then reverse to the second floor
which also consists of a center
hall with two rooms on either
side. The opposite end of the
second-floor center hall was at
one time converted to a
bathroom, but the fixtures have
been removed and the only
remaining evidence is a few
plumbing penetrations. The
plumbing was brought to the
second floor through a chase in
the downstairs hall, and is well
disguised with minimal visual
intrusion or disruption of the
historical character of the
house.

One of the three second floor dormers is located in the end of the center hall that was
partitioned off and used for a bathroom.

(_)
1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485
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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15,2017

Each of the front bedrooms

on the second floor are 14'
x 14' and have a dormer as
well as a gable window.
The front rooms each have
a chimney running up
through them, and the
woodwork is intact and
complete. There is a
raised panel beneath each
dormer window. The
bedroom on the north
corner of the second floor
has had some water
infiltration causing an area
of plaster consisting of
about 9 square feet to
loosen and deteriorate. It
appears that while this water infiltration was ongoing over an undetermined period of
time, no significant structural damage was caused to either the roof system or the
flooring.

The floor boards on the

second floor consist of a
mixture of wide pine and
wide oak planks. They are
in very good condition and
structurally sound. There
is no evidence of any
structural damage through
neglect or alterations to
the structure. The
attempts at electrification
of the second-floor rooms
consisted of running a few
exposed 2 conductor non-
metalic clad wire (Type
NC) across floors and
along walls. The wiring is
non-invasive.

1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

 Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

The two second-floor rooms at the rear of the house are 12' x 14' and each have one
gable window. There is some minor plaster damage to one exterior wall of a rear
bedroom on the second floor. The two rear bedrooms lack the level of finish that was
provided in the two larger (front) bedrooms.

G
Basement

The basement is
accessible either
from outside, or
by a stairway
from the first-
floor center hall.
The basement is
full height, and
has a fireplace at
one end and the
remains of a
bake oven at the
other.

1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

("' The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

During the 2Qth century a forced hot-air furnace was installed in the basement, but'it has
subsequently been removed along with some of the accompanying ductwork. At the
time of this inspection there was
a small amount of standing water
in one corner of the basement,
and the remains of what
appeared to be either an indoor
cistern or a sump hole.

There is an updated electrical

circuit panel with circuit breakers,
but only six circuits have been
utilized. It appears that the
electrical service to the house
comes underground to the meter.

The basement ceiling consists of

planks that have been hewn from
logs and placed at semi-regular intervals approximately 3-4 inches apart. Clearly visible
through the gaps in those planks
is a layer of stone rubble consisting of chunks of broken stone large enough to not fall
through the 3-4 inch gaps between the hewn planks. While the intended function of this
stone rubble fill is not exactly clear, it most
certainly provided a layer of thermal mass for
heat retention from the basement fireplace and
bake oven, and consequently functioned as a
primitive form of in-floor radiant heating.

At some point in recent history, a portion of the

basement was partitioned off to form two
restrooms that were accessible from the
outside entrances to the basement. The
restrooms have multiple fixtures and a concrete
floor. The southernmost bathroom has had
plexiglass panels applied to the ceiling. These
panels, while having served to catch debris and
provide a cleanable surface, prevent air
circulation and trap moisture in the basement
ceiling. Consequently, the plexiglass panels
have exacerbated the effects of moisture
damage they were intended to control.

1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

Structural Components

The structural components of the Fisher-Crouse House appear to be remarkably sound

for a structure of its age. As noted above, the foundation and exterior stone walls have
been well preserved , and display little or no deterioration. The roof line is straight and
does not indicate the presence of stressed or failing framing members. The floor
systems appear to be over designed and exhibit no signs of deflection or structural
failure.

There is a small amount of "dry-rot" on some of the ceiling planks in the basement
which is to be anticipated due to the presence of moisture and the lack of adequate
ventilation. The degree of deterioration is not sufficient to have significantly affected the
building's structural integrity.

There is no insulation in the house. Since the walls are solid masonry, there is no wall
cavity for insulation. There is attic access, but currently there is no attic insulation.

0 Summary

The Fisher-Crouse House has compelling historical, educational and cultural value as a
well-preserved example of a late 181h century Germanic rural stone farmhouse,
appearing much the same as it did within the specific historical context in which it was
constructed. Its reported status as the oldest existing house in the Borough makes it
distinctly significant.

The Fisher-Crouse House is in very good over-all condition, without notable structural
defects. The exterior shell has been well preserved and maintained. The interior
finishes and fabric are generally well intact and undisturbed, making it an excellent
candidate for historic preservation and even museum-quality restoration.

Recommendations and Costs

While the Fisher-Crouse House has been well preserved to this point, it awaits the next
phase of its life. Further preservation efforts should include removal of the 2Q 1h century
basement interior partitions and plexiglass ceiling, and the introduction of venting to
provide adequate air circulation in and around the exposed framing members.

u 1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

The Fisher-Crouse House is an excellent candidate for restoration, either with strict
historical accuracy as a cultural and educational landmark, or as a private residence
placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is estimated that a budget for
accurate historical restoration of the Fisher-Crouse House as a museum and
educational resource would be between $105,000 and $125,000. It is estimated that
the cost to renovate the Fisher-Crouse as a single-family residence with historic
adaptations would be between $120,000 and $135,000.

Importance of Historic Preservation

Buildings are a direct and substantial representation of history and place. By preserving
historic structures, we are able to share the very spaces and environments in which the
generations before us lived. Historic preservation is the visual and tangible
conservation of cultural identity, and architecture is one aspect of our heritage with
which we can easily interact.

We have an obligation to respect and appreciate important community resources and

preserve them for future generations. Preservation works within established history and
location to build on the rich culture already at hand, passed down from previous
generations.

In addition to solidifying a community's past, preservation can help strengthen a

community's future. Historic buildings help draw tourism, art, festivals, and other
activities which in turn draw investment, revenue, and economic growth. Dynamic
historic preservation can be the centerpiece of community life, as well as a tool to boost
economy and quality of life. The more the community is involved, the more attractive
and effective an area will become for locals and visitors.

u 1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15, 2017

Building With Integrity

Who we Are

The Briarwood Company LLC. Is a full service quality construction, home improvement
and remodeling contractor established in 1985, primarily serving the Counties of Otsego,
Delaware, Chenango, Schoharie and Broome in Upstate New York. The Briarwood
Company, LLC. also performs selected historic restoration projects within and outside the
primary service area.

The Briarwood Company, LLC has a special interest in historic restoration of

architecturally significant buildings and has been instrumental in the restoration and repair
of several museum buildings as well as many historic churches, steeples and homes in
the upstate New York area. Our attention to detail in design and execution of work is an
important component of quality craftsmanship whether for historic restoration, new
G construction or a residential remodeling project, regardless of scope or budget.

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Since the dawn of history, mankind has reached beyond the basic needs of shelter to
create personalized living environments, farm buildings, community structures, places of
commerce and government, and houses of worship. Examples of these structures
range from the simply designed utilitarian building to aesthetic masterpieces and
engineering marvels. Budgets are as diverse as the structures, and include everything
from buildings pieced together from salvaged and reclaimed materials to cathedrals and
palaces that required fortunes and decades, even lifetimes to build.

While in the United States we live in relative affluence, there is still a wide economic
spectrum represented by homeowners. Buildings of every sort, from low-income
housing, to businesses, museums and churches, require repairs and occasional
maintenance, representing an extensive range of scope and budget.

For many, the home is perceived not only as a place of refuge and shelter, but becomes
an extension of one's identity. The desire for upgrades, improvements in function or
comfort, or expansion of living space is a natural outcome of day-to-day experience of
the home environment. Often the homeowner desires to makes changes, and has

u 1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania

The Briarwood Company, LLC May 15,2017

ideas and wishes, but is unskilled in the mechanics of construction, or is unable to

visualize the end result. The staff at The Briarwood Company, LLC is able to visualize
the changes, incorporate the mechanics of good building practices, and help the
homeowner achieve the desired result.

The staff and workmen at Briarwood derive great satisfaction from assisting
homeowners visualize their building dreams, converting those dreams into real projects
with budgets, and then executing those projects with care and expertise. The people
who work at Briarwood appreciate the importance of each project, from the simplest of
repairs to the most complex custom home or home improvement.

Since opening for business in 1985, Briarwood has completed over 3,200 projects
ranging from maintenance and emergency repairs of the most modest of homes, to
restoration of historic public buildings, and renovation or construction of exquisite
private residences. Every customer is treated with equal care and attention.

Briarwood personnel appreciate the architectural heritage of our region and take
particular pleasure in the restoration of historic buildings. A natural result of our
appreciation of the past is the desire to design and execute new building projects with
aesthetic appeal and integrity that will have architectural value for generations to come.

W
hen we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be
for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such
work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think, as
we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be
held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will
say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, "See,
this our father did for us."

- John Ruskin

While the Briarwood Company, LLC is primarily a

residential contractor, the list of residential projects and
customers is too vast to include here. The following is a
partial list of businesses, churches and museums who
have utilized Briarwood's restoration and renovation
services over the past 37 years.
Building With Integrity

1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825 Phone (607) 783-2485

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Fisher-Crouse House, Hanover, Pennsylvania
The Briarwood Company, LLC
Commercial and Institutional
Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY
Orogen Wholesale Electric, Oneonta, NY
Hesse Galleries, Otego, NY
Key Bank, Unadilla, NY
Super 8 Motel, Sidney, NY
Phoenix House Adolescent Center, Phoenix Mills,
NY
Walmart, Oneonta, NY
Corbett Community Center, Corbett, NY
Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta, NY
W ilber National Bank, Otego, NY
Time Warner Cable, Oneonta, NY
Worcester Grange, Worcester, NY
The Pioneer Gallery, Cooperstown, NY
Delaware County National Bank, Franklin, NY
Charter One Bank, Lyons Falls, NY
Charter One Bank, Unadilla, NY
Charter One Bank, North Hartford, NY
Charter One Bank, Binghamton, NY
Village of Unadilla Municipal Building, Unadilla, NY
Town of Springfield Municipal Building, Springfield,
NY
Worcester Creamery, Worcester, NY
Hughson & Benson Insurance, Oneonta, NY
Otsego Rural Housing, Cooperstown, NY
Greenleaf Manufacturing, Schenevus, NY
Vignelli Design, Inc., North Harpersfield , NY
Agway Building Supply, Oneonta, NY
Deer Run Village Resorts, Stamford, NY
Empire Toyota, Oneonta, NY
Scoville-Meno Chrysler, Sidney, NY
Mang Insurance, Sidney, NY
Wells Bridge Fire Department, Wells Bridge, NY
American Rehers Textile Manufacturing, Cobleskill,
NY
Northfield Farm Equine Center, Otego, NY
Sidney Federal Credit Union, Sidney, NY
Wendy's Restaurant, Oneonta, NY
Northfield Farm Equine Center, Otego, NY
Churches
Wells Bridge Baptist Church, Wells Bridge, NY
Main Street Baptist Church, Oneonta, NY
West Oneonta Baptist Church, West Oneonta, NY
Pillar of Fire Community, Zarepath, NJ
1117 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825
May 15, 2017
East Worcester Methodist Church, East Worcester,
NY
Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Worcester, NY
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Schenevus, NY
Christ Episcopal Church, Walton, NY
Christ Episcopal Church, Gilbertsville, NY
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Unadilla, NY
Worcester Methodist Church, Worcester, NY
Unadilla United Methodist Church, Unadilla, NY
Community Bible Church, Oneonta, NY
Gilbertsville Baptist Church, Gilbertsville, NY
United Presbyterian Church, Otego, NY
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sharon, NY
Salvation Army, Oneonta, NY
Museums:
Milford Historical Association , Milford, NY
The Weiting Memorial Building, Worcester, NY
Worcester Historical Association, Worcester, NY
Hanford Mills Museum, East Meredith, NY
Delaware County Historical Association, Delhi, NY
Unadilla Historical Association , Unadilla, NY
Walton Theatre, Walton, NY
Schools:
Worcester Central School, Worcester, NY
Morris Central School, Morris, NY
Oneonta Community Christian School, Oneonta,
NY
Delaware Academy, Delhi, NY
Emergency Repairs/Restoration:
New York State Electric and Gas, Oneonta, NY
New York State Electric and Gas, Sidney, NY
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum,
Cooperstown, NY
New York Central Insurance Company, Edmeston ,
NY
Scoville-Meno Honda, Owego, NY
Scoville-Meno Chrysler, Sidney, NY
Suburban Propane, Sherburne, NY
Town of Unadilla Municipal Bldg. Unadilla, NY
Unadilla Presbyterian Church , Unadilla, NY
Primary Care Medical Center, Sidney, NY
York Modern Manufacturing, Unadilla, NY
Phone (607) 783-2485