I’ve just wrapped up an engaging, inspiring, and 100% passion-fueled conversation with Willie Wilcox. You likely know this Essex resident as the homeowner who restored Crystal Spring Farm (and a handsome-if-hidden gem on Walker Road). You also likely know that all conversations with Willie are engaging, inspiring, and 100% passion-fueled!

Our conversation lasted less than an hour, but it ranged from an intriguing artifact (or two) that he recently discovered at the W.D. Ross Store; the use of spray foam insulation in historic buildings; open water swimming; the time capsule importance of the Essex Town Hall second story; apple tree grafting and scion wood collection; establishing authenticity, progeny, and value for antiques and art; and a reminder to share a preservation resource he recommends, TheCraftsmanBlog.com, with Essex blog readers.

Believe it or not, I’m actually abridging the scope of our conversation. Yes, Willie has that much energy! And if only I had a fraction of his mojo, I’d have remembered to pass along Scott Sidler’s blog — which is indeed an excellent resource for anyone rehabilitating old properties — back when Willie originally sent me this note:

I’ve been meaning to forward this blog [TheCraftsmanBlog.com] to you which I go to a lot for really good advice on preservation… It really is a good blog. Take some time and go through some older posts. Lots of great advice for old ways. Hopefully you agree and could include his blog. (Source: Willie Wilcox, January 8, 2018)

Sorry for the delay, Willie. And thanks for the great recommendation. I’m sure it’ll serve our Essex neighbors well.

To get the ball rolling with a topic relevant to many of us with old homes finished with traditional plaster walls and ceilings, I offer you Scott Sidler’s advice on why to preserve plaster instead of replacing it with sheetrock.

6 Reasons to Keep Your Plaster

Plaster is one of my favorite features in an old house and one that is easily overlooked. After all, how much do you really notice a wall or ceiling unless something is wrong with it. That being said, I think I can convince you to keep your plaster. (Source: The Craftsman Blog with Scott Sidler)