09/20/2025
September 19, 2025
The report below is for George and Susan Chabal, 860 Eastbrook Harlansburg Road, New Castle PA 16101.
It is a summary of items and issues discussed during a visit to the home on 9-18-2025 by Lawrence County Partners for Preservation member Edward Petrus. Both Mr. and Mrs. Chabal were present during the visit, and consented to the taking of any photographs which might be useful in this report. This is not intended to be a “home inspection” or “evaluation” for any reason other than to help the Chabal's toward their goal in improving, restoring, and
preserving their historic home.
NOTE: Any companies or individuals named herein are given as possible resources known to LCPP. Mentioning them is not meant to be an endorsement of any kind, nor are they the only
options available.
The Chabal's have done extensive research on the history of the house, possibly dating its original construction to 1804. No full history need be repeated herein, except to note that this was part of the Hottenbaugh or Hettenbaugh farm, Mr. George Hettenbaugh being the first settler in Scott Township. Hettenbaugh Run is named for his family, and runs through this property. An old
deed mentions the northeast corner of the property to be “the walnut tree” which still stands. Other corner pins have not been precisely located, but property lines seem apparent from the
topography and from fencing which separates it from the adjacent pasture.
The visit began with a walk around the exterior of the house, and to the yard area surrounding it. In that yard area there are remnants of what is believed to be an old chicken coop, and parts of a spring development which no doubt served the original home. Mr. Chabal has begun to use a metal detector on the area, but thus far has uncovered inconsequential metal items which have been discarded (cables, pipe, brake drums, etc.).
There is a pile of nicely cut foundation stones, saved by the Chabal's after having necessary foundation repairs done to the house to minimize settling/sinking issues. Those repairs were
done professionally using modern anchoring methods and appear to have stabilized the house. The cut stones will likely be repurposed for some decorative use in the future. I mentioned one
of the methods used long ago to accurately place heavy stones was to set them on ice, slowly positioning them as the ice beneath melted away.
Part of the original stone foundation remains, but the added-on section of the house has an updated foundation, is composed of cement block, and has functional drainage both for surface
and subsurface water. I suggested the installation of a flap-type animal guard (example:
https://drainageproducts.us/animal-guard-4-zinccoated/?setCurrencyId=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21117996602&gclid=Cj0KCQjw267GBhCSARIsAOjVJ4HfIU79BwSe_KqxlMeoBzimreXaGexGIDEbhS6HB9h1e6PwyxXIrgaAoX4EALw_wcB , or at least a bolt placed horizontally across the drain outlets, to prevent entry by rodents while allowing free water flow. Sections of the stonework have been re-mortared but not neatly, and other areas are in need of mortar repair. (The Chabal's recently attended a workshop by Law. Co. Partners for Preservation on mortar repairs, and are aware that type O mortar should be used when repairing those old
stones.) A reference for making type O mortar is here: https://www.lcppreserve.org/post/ideasfrom-ed-mortar-combat-volume-7-issue-9
At least one window (basement entry area) still has the “wavy glass” indicating that it’s very old. Several windows in the home have had their muntins cut away, enabling a larger single glass pane to be used rather than smaller, individual panes. The Chabal's are in the process of installing decorative muntins, which will bring back the charm of the old windows while allowing the use of the single glass pane.
The water well is cleverly disguised beneath a fake rock. The porch is currently a concrete slab, but the long-range plan is to cover it with waterproof flooring, giving it the appearance of a wooden porch. We discussed the possibility of generating “slope” so that water runs away from the house. However, the doorsills are only slightly above the slab, making that difficult to accomplish. While not specifically discussed while on site, my recommendation is that any flooring be installed perpendicular to the house as would have been done years ago (not parallel to the house like many modern porches are built). This article shows the method I used to generate porch drainage on a porch I restored: https://www.lcppreserve.org/post/ideas-from-edporches-and-pitches
The original slate roof had been replaced with shingles, but the Chabal's replaced the shingles with a metal roof that replicates the appearance of slate. That installation necessitated the placement of plywood sheets over the roof boards, as gaps between boards prevents successful nailing. As the roof was installed, new rain management (gutters/downspouts) was also
completed.
Significant time was spent in the basement area. There are modern “touches” such as a recent installation of a hybrid hot water heater and modern furnace. There are also many incredible historic features, including extensive framing with hand-hewn beams. Floor joists above the beams are rough-cut, thick, and often doubled when structurally the need was seen (for example, at the several fireplace locations which can be seen from below). However, there are several places where in the installation of ducting for the forced-air heating/cooling system, structural supports were cut. Some of the framing was done using a mortise-and-tenon style . I explained how “pinning” using pegs was not simply installing a peg in a through-hole. Rather, the center section was slightly offset from the outer holes so that the driven pegs would “pull” the connection tight. Interestingly, the observed pegs in this home, including those installed during the construction of many doors, are square rather than round! This further attests to the age of the construction.
In some basement areas, the “floor” remains as “dirt” while other areas have been roughly concreted.
The house has a newer 200A electrical panel, upgraded with breakers which are both groundfault and arc-fault. This was done to protect the circuits, many of which are original 2-wire (no
ground). No knob-and-tube was apparently ever installed in this house, but some of the older wiring is the cloth-covered 2-conductor type, while the newer is “Romex”. Mr. Chabal has
demonstrated his knowledge of electricity by completing the wiring and installing circuits to the newer garage at the west edge of the property. Mr. Chabal owns a “circuit detective” but has not yet fully utilized it. See this article on the benefits of doing so:
https://www.lcppreserve.org/post/ideas-from-ed-a-short-circuit-lesson
The plumbing seen in the basement is a mixture of copper and PEX, with the latter installed using a combination of “push fittings” and crimp fittings. The drains are glued PVC. There is a plumbing vent installed through the house wall, extending up to the underside of an eave.
There is evidence of a past termite infestation which has been successfully eliminated. There are several “unsolved mysteries” in the basement, like a wall with a single missing stone, a wall with
a metal rod of unknown purpose protruding from it, and the doorway to the outside with a wooden piece mortared into it. That last mystery may be somehow related to the nearby large
overhead pulleys/shaft. That appears to have been a method of driving some unknown equipment, probably from a belt spun by an external force (tractor?)
The Chabal's plan at some point to change the home’s exterior appearance with a different siding, and are to be commended for their concern that any external changes should be done in a manner that preserves/returns the historical nature of the house.
The main entry door from the front porch has side panels of glass as well as panels within the door itself. The door is most likely not original to the house and may be upgraded to a solid door to make the “look” more correct. (This will also improve security, since at present, breaking a small glass panel would allow a reach into the house to unlock the door. Note: The home has a security system including magnetic triggers at doors and windows and cameras strategically located.) It was discussed that local Amish workshops could likely build a door to fit, since the size is non-standard. I described my experience with building a door, and Mr. Chabal has the needed tools and expertise to accomplish it should he choose to tackle it himself. This is my build-a-door story, although I used a glass section which would be eliminated in the Chabal build. The scenario is similar because the door is an odd size and I had to cut it “crooked” to fit the doorway: https://www.lcppreserve.org/post/ideas-from-ed-more-door-part-1-of-2-volume-8-issue-5 (Part 1)
https://www.lcppreserve.org/post/ideas-from-ed-more-door-part-2-of-2-volume-8-issue-6 (Part 2)
Many of the doors have new hardware installed, but care has been taken that it be replica hardware, mimicking what was likely installed. Some of the doors display the extent of the house settling, as the space atop each one varies from a tight fit at one end to a wide gap at the other. I suggested that a tapered wedge be added to the door tops to disguise that issue. See this article for a similar problem, showcasing the disguise at the bottom of a window:
https://www.lcppreserve.org/post/ideas-from-ed-the-quick-cover-up Although not all doors (or baseboards, for that matter) are original, those which are show the “peg” for the connection as
mentioned above, as well as an interesting architectural detail in the way the framing was assembled.
Replica push-button electrical switches are being used when replacing the typical toggle.
Several windows have broken sash weights, but unique side level-locks have been installed. These are successful even though modern spring-type edge tensioners have failed, likely due to
the weight of the larger, heavier glass panes and frames.
The kitchen has been modernized, as has been a bathroom and laundry area, all on the first floor. Each has been done in a very workmanlike manner, with appropriate care for detail. For
example, the 2-piece baseboard (plus quarter-round at the floor) was slightly but not noticeably narrowed to avoid interference with the installation of wall outlets. In more original sections of the house, the installation of drywall over the plaster-on-lath walls has resulted in the appearance of the top baseboard molding being “inset” into the wall. With any future work, Mr. Chabal said the baseboards will be over the wall surface as is more normal.
The recent concentration of work has been in the main hallway and the steps to the 2nd floor. The Newell post was wobbly, the steps had cracked treads, the railing was unstable, and the whole stair unit fragile. Mr. Chabal has reinforced the Newell post with structural screws, installed a handrail brace, and installed a well-engineered and unique system of cables and turnbuckles below the stairway, essentially anchoring everything very firmly. This will all be
painted with colors as used elsewhere in the house, mainly due to the difficulty in addressing the many stairway spindles in any kind of paint stripping or covering option.
There are several areas in need of plaster/drywall repair, manifesting themselves as cracks, especially in the master bedroom ceiling. I offered the opinion that those were not so extensive
that major replacement was needed – only a quality repair using mesh tape, strategically placed screws for anchoring, and joint compound. At least one ceiling has been lowered from a
probable original height of 10’ to the current 8’.
Due to the awkward stairwell plaster repair and painting needed, I was asked to supply the names of professionals who might be able to be hired. Per the note at the top of this report, I am providing contacts as a service, not as a direct recommendation of any one person or company.
These are potential connections:
Mike Leslie, 2003 Eastbrook Rd, New Castle PA 16101 724-974-9506
Nicholson Painting, 907 E Elizabeth St Ext., New Castle PA 16105 724-730-3192
The Chabal's are exploring whether or not one of the original fireplace locations can be opened up again. At this time, it is unknown if the chimney has be disabled, for example, by filling with
concrete. A false fireplace has been located at that spot currently. We discussed a method known as a “French cleat” as an easy way to install a mantle, should that become a reality. This article describes how that is done: https://www.lcppreserve.org/post/ideas-from-ed-the-hangingof-the-mantle-volume-6-issue-1
We discussed possible sources of historic materials, especially following the closing of the DON Reclaim store in New Castle. One possible and nearby store is Construction Junction in Pittsburgh: https://cjreuse.org/?srsltid=AfmBOooCIyNAw3spAL2MN3VVX9Px74wV__oYE4qU7ffuGGKzTAOcvkw
When I was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, I had access to several years of aerial imagery, including some very old photos. I tried accessing some of the internet sites where those images are stored, without much luck. Several sites note that images as far back as 1939 for Lawrence County are available on PennPilot through here:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=10af5f75f9f94f01866359ba398cb6a9
However, only the new imagery appears to be available. The Chabal's have a very nice framed aerial photo (probably from the 1960s) as supplied by State Aerial in Maumee, Ohio. I was
disappointed to be unable to find a way to access the very old photos which I know exist. These sites have more modern photography:
https://vintageaerial.com/photos/pennsylvania/lawrence (years 1955, 1962, 1970, 1977, 1994,
2004, 2010, 2015, and 2022)
https://www.historicaerials.com/viewer (years 1955, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1993, 2004, 2006, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022)
We did not discuss any maps of Donation Lands from the Revolutionary War, but attached to this report is a map showing those boundaries in Scott Township, and a narrative describing just
what Donation Lands were/are. I’m also attaching an 1872 Atlas of Scott Township, showing the George Hettenbaugh property.
In summary, Lawrence County Partners for Preservation will make itself available should the Chabal's have any questions as they go forward with their restoration. However, we commend the Chabal's in that what has already been done and what is planned as future work is an excellent effort to preserve the history of a very important part of our county’s history.
Submitted and written by Edward X. Petrus
