Beaumont, TX; March 2, 2023 – As work moved into the fifth week of the McFaddin-Ward House electrical upgrade, light fixture removal began on the first floor and electrical work continued on the second.
Floor protection was installed in the Entrance Hall prior to bringing in a newly constructed, large support cradle to suspend the first floor’s heavier and more delicate light fixtures. Over the week, Oak Grove Restoration Company completed removal of the iconic grape light fixtures and ceiling fan in the Breakfast Room, the Dining Room’s crystal chandelier, the Music Room’s ceiling fan, and several of the more easily accessible wall sconces and fixtures throughout the first floor. When removing one of the lamps adorning the base of the staircase, Oak Grove discovered the Newell posts included a removable turned cap held together by pegs and screws hidden by skillful carpentry and the embedding of the wiring within the column.
When Oak Grove began tackling the Entrance Hall’s massive chandelier, closer inspection showed the centerpiece is comprised of 90 unique crystal pieces of varying sizes and designs, each weighing approximately 1/4 – 1/2 lb. To ensure each piece is returned to its proper position upon completion of the project, Oak Grove created a detailed documenting system to account for each style and its location. Upon removal, pieces were individually traced to ensure accurate dimensions are recorded and assigned a unique number before being wrapped in acid-free paper and boxed for safekeeping.
Electrical work on the second floor has proven to be more difficult than the third with the lack of attic access but is progressing steadily. Electricians from Newtron Electrical Services spent the week finding creative ways to run new wiring, beginning at the north end of the house on the east side and working their way south from the North Bedroom, through the adjoining bathroom, and into the Primary Bedroom. The final receptacle in the North Bedroom proved tricky to access and required removal of some trim at the base of the wall to successfully run wire. By the end of the week, all three light fixtures in the adjoining bathroom were complete and wiring progressed into the Primary Bedroom.
