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.
Crystal Spring Farm, owned and restored by Willie Wilcox
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.
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)
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