 |
Chapter 11
The Final Years: 1826-1828
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 |  |
Smoking Chimneys
The Rotunda's chimneys were causing problems too, to such an extent that "the Rooms on
the Western side of the Edifice" were rendered useless.[803] Some of the visitors took a look
at the tops of the chimneys while at the university for the board's 1827 fall meeting, but,
according to Brockenbrough, the visitors "came to no decisive determination what should be
done to prevent their smoking."[804] John Hartwell Cocke recalled the visitors' decision
differently, however, saying that the board had decided to "make the Experiment of a Sheet
iron Funnel" after Dr. Emmet mentioned "a late improvement in the Construction of these
Funnels."[805] Brockenbrough still was trying to fix the smoking chimneys a full year later,
when he reminded the Board of Visitors of the problem.[806] The visitors then asked
Professor Bonnycastle to draw up a plan to solve the problem (see appendix S), and Cocke
asked the proctor to consider the viability of Bonnycastle's plan "& make an Estimate of the
cost—with the view to trying it—should the result of your calculation recommend it—If we
can prevent the smoking—I should like to deferr the disfiguring the Building by running up
Chimnie Shafts—and take the risk of guarding against fire, by keeping them clear of
Soot."[807] Meanwhile, Benjamin Blackford of Isabella Furnace furnished "2 Largest Oval
Stoves" and 1 Large Phila. Ditto" to the university.[808]
805. Cocke to Brockenbrough, 10 November 1827, ViU:PP. There are wagoners' receipts of
9 November 1827 in the loose receipts for 1827 in ViU:PP for 82¢ "for the freight of a
bundle of sheet iron" and for $4.68 "for the freight of Lead, Bellows &c from Richd
for the University Va."
807. Cocke to Brockenbrough, 5 October 1828, ViU:PP. Cocke enclosed with his letter
Charles Bonnycastle's Plan for Curing Smoking Chimneys, ca 5 October 1828, ViU:PP.
Smoke and fire matters relative to the Rotunda were still being worked on at the end of
1828, as the excerpts from the following letters show. On 13 December 1828 Cocke wrote to
Brockenbrough: "It has escaped me of late to remind you of the Sheet lead protection
against fire, it was thought would be prudent to have recourse to, in the rooms of the
Rotunda this Winter--if it has not been attended to, be so good as to let it have your prompt
attention" (ViU:PP). On 18 December 1828, the proctor wrote to Cocke: "I procured sheet
lead & put it in place for a protection against fire (before the receipt of your letter) to the
two fire-places in the Library--the lecture rooms are so frequently used I thought it
unnecessary to put lead in them, but ordered & am in daily expectation of receiving rolled
iron to Make fenders for all the fire places of the Rotunda" (ViU:JHC).
|
Chapter 11
The Final Years: 1826-1828
Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 | |