Daniel Dunham Charcoal and Frame Restoration

The charcoal of Daniel Dunham hung in Grove Place ever since Daniel lived in the house through 2016 when the then owners of the home, Kim and John Dimas, donated it to WHPS for safekeeping.

Charcoal pictures are part of a hand-coloring tradition that dates from the 1860s into the twentieth century. There are various styles for each period. Portraits enhanced with India ink, charcoal, and crayons were primarily oversize and meant for display, being similar to a painted portrait without the expense of sitting for an artist. 

This portrait is roughly 4’x3’ and beautifully presented in an ornate gold frame, signed by H.K. Saunders probably around 1860-70 gauging from the age of the subject and the use of charcoal for the enhancement.

To our surprise a matching portrait of Daniel’s brother Mark has been found in the archives of the St. Charles History Center!

In 2023, with the contacts and expertise of the Thornapple Questers, WHPS is commissioning a conservator to restore the frame and stabilize the charcoal picture.

​Depot Restoration

Work was, and continues to be, done as funds are raised and saved for each project

Depot restoration work timeline

2007
Move
Excavating, concrete foundation, floor slab and backfilling

2008 and 2009
Removed old interior paneling and other wood elements including 4 non-original garage doors from west wall
Replaced and reinforced the interior framing, rebuilt octagonal ceiling opening as necessary
Removed old electrical equipment and installed electric service and telephone cable
Stripped front door and windows; installed temporary windows as necessary
Cleared shrubs, trees and regraded entire site
Replicated and installed exterior L wood brackets under porte-cochere
Repaired and replaced small fish scale wood shingles on both gable ends
Installed well and septic

2010
Thirteen windows repaired, reglazed and added new reproduction wavy glass as needed
Restored original large door that was missing molding
Custom built wood jambs, thresholds; installed doors and weather stripping
Repaired and replaced siding and trim; paint matching original color

2011
Installed two new six-panel doors on west wall, replicated from original  

2012
Bathroom framing upstairs
Wood cedar fish scale shingles installed north and south sides

2013
No funds expended, saving money to match possible ITEP (State) grant.

2014
Fencing around septic field
Redid brick pavers
Painting trim

2015
Installed closed cell roof insulation 
Painting trim windows

2016
HVAC rough in
Plumbing rough in in basement (relocated from upper level)
Doors hung with new hardware
Electric rough in
Insulated basement walls
Built wood framing for lower level drywall attachment

2019
Water piping rough
Gas piping rough
Sump pump installation
Electrical wiring rough
Drywall and taping
Door and window installation with casing
Painting exterior

2020
Covid

2021
Installed closed cell wall insulation

2023
Gasline connected
Back-up generator installation
Recreated original and installed trim details: ceiling and wall bead board, baseboards, window casings, door casings and wall to ceiling transition.

2024
Attic ductwork installed
Furnace and AC installation
Plumbing trim in furnace room
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