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Date
1-12-1895
Personal Name Recipient
Allison, James W., 1833-1898
Description
Letter from Griffin & Randall to James W. Allison concerning estimates for work in the library.
Transcription
Jan. 12th '95. James W. Allison Esq. Richmond Va. Dear Sir, Your's of the 11th at hand, also the telegram preceding it. We note what you say in regard to the condition of the house and the progress the work is making. We are sorry that there has been no heat in the building and no sash, because we not only lose time; but the wood, brick and plaster work is getting saturated with moisture and is liable to show the result of it when it has become thoroughly dry. Purdy has sent in estimates for the Library work as follows; Mantel and panelling around it (as per previous estimate) $115.00 setting finishing same $37.00; trim for two doors, set & finished $23.00. Balance of work in room, including all panelling, shelving, seats &c. set and finished $375.00. This includes boxes for shutters, but no shutters. Inside [blinds canceled; next word interlined] shutters for room (Morslatts Patent) $84.00. In the Dining Rm. they agree to put in and finish the inside shutters for $155.00. The same patent shutter being used. You will propably find that Stowe & Nuckols figures for shutters are much higher that those given above. Furthermore the certainty of having the work properly fit and match in color and finish is another important item. We have just gone over the Hardware for the house and noted the changes in the plan and finish which will change the character and quantity of the hardware. We should advise your making a number of changes in the materials as called for that will reduce the cost and give a better effect. When we have received Newman's revised estimate, we shall send you samples and write you fully on the subject. We should advise hinging cellar windows at bottom with catch and chain at top, instead [over canceled] hinging at top with hook &c. The Butler's Pantry and Kitchen Dressers we think had better have hanging glazed doors as shown on scale drawing which you have, and not sliding doors as put down on Hardware list. Hoping to have this list of items satisfactorily settled, Your's truly, Griffin & Randall. [ALS, Griffin & Randall to James W. Allison, January 12, 1895, on letterhead: Griffin & Randall Architects [48 Exchange Place canceled; next two words stamped] 52 Broadway New York. Envelope docketed: [image unavailable] G.&R. Jan. 12 1895 Purdy’s estimates for Library work, mantel and paneling around it as per previous estimates 115.00 Setting and finishing same 37.00 [Balance of work in room canceled] Trim for two doors set & finished 23.00 Balance of work in room including all panelling, shelving, & set and finished 375.00 This includes boxes for shutters but no shutters. Inside shutter for room (Morslatts) 84.00 In Drawing Room they agree to put in and finish the inside shutters, same patent, for 155.00 Have revised list of hardware and and advise making many changes to correspond with changes made in plans. Hinge cellar windows from bottom Hinged Doors in Pantry and kitchen dressers instead of sliding.] [edited by AA]
Personal Name Subject
Allison, James W., 1833-1898 -- Correspondence
Corporate Name Subject
Griffin & Randall -- Correspondence; E.H. Purdy M.F.G. Co.; Stowe & Nuckols
Topical Subject
Architecture, Domestic -- Virginia -- Richmond; Architects and builders; Decoration and ornament, Architectural -- Virginia -- Richmond; Architecture -- Details; Building -- Estimates -- Virginia -- Richmond; Blinds; Hardware; Mantels; Doors; Paneling
Geographic Subject
Richmond (Va.) -- Historic houses, etc.; Richmond (Va.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
City/Location
Richmond (Va)
Genre
letters (correspondence)
Local Genre
text; archives
Type
Still Image; Text
Digital Format
application/pdf
Language
eng
Rights Statement URL
Rights
This material is in the public domain in the United States and thus is free of any copyright restriction. Acknowledgement of Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries as a source is requested.
Collection
Building VCU’s President's House
Source
Original letter: Letter from Griffin & Randall to James W. Allison, 1895 January 12, James W. Allison papers, M 1, Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Commonwealth University.
File Name
pre074.pdf