bauer farmstead hsr.pdf

Historic Preservation Seminar Spring 2010

The Bauer Farmstead Guadalupe River State Park

Historic Structure Report

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

501 WEST DURANGO BOULEVARD

SAN ANTONIO, TX 78207

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Acknowledgements

3. Historical Background and Significance

4. Physical Description

5. Chronology of Development and Use

6. Condition Assessment

7. Review of Codes and Laws

8. Resource Values and Preservation Objectives

9. Physical Work and Preservation Treatment Recommendations

10. Design Ideas For New Use

11. Bibliography

Appendices

A: Martha Doty Freeman, History of Guadalupe River State Park, 1997

B: Lynn Osborne Historical Report, 1975

C: Dennis Cordes Office Memorandum, October 18,1983

D: Planning Session Findings

E: Deed Records

F: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Drawings

Introduction 1.1

Introduction

The following Historic Structure Report for the Bauer Farmstead documents the

site’s history and its current state. The Bauer Farmstead is important and holds

significant value because of its rich history. Construction on the Bauer Farmstead

began in the 1850s. German immigrants constructed the Bauer house using an

imported tradition of a log room with an adjacent fachwerk room. Because

both of these rooms are still standing, the importance of the Bauer House

revolves around its historical beginnings. The Bauer Farmstead has survived

various owners, moderate remodeling, and vacancy. Therefore, the Bauer

Farmstead has become a symbol of not only its time, but a symbol of survival.

The Bauer Farmstead represents architectural and historical values that date

back to German immigration into Texas. The Bauer Farmstead also represents

multiple cultural values.

With the help of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the current owner of

the Bauer House, the University of Texas at San Antonio has developed ways in

which the Bauer House can be rehabilitated for other uses.

The purpose of this Historic Structure Report (HSR) is to:

1. Discover and document the house’s history and current condition.

2. Define and evaluate the house’s significance.

3. Identify the values and future rehabilitation options for the Bauer

Farmstead.

When conducting an HSR, it is important to have an interest in careful

documentation and the appropriate treatment of significant historic structures.

Completing a HSR before any treatment is begun is imperative. When done

correctly, a HSR can help ensure the history, significance, and condition of a

property are thoroughly understood and taken fully into consideration during

treatment selection and determination of work recommendations. Additionally,

the HSR can be an important resource for future research.i It is important to note

that this particular HSR deals with more than the actual Bauer structure; we have

thought about and included recommendations on the entire Bauer Farmstead.

This particular HSR is to be used as the basis for future work, education, and

preservation integrity of the Bauer Farmstead. By preparing this HSR as both a

paper document and website, we hope to present the information below in a

useful manner. Hopefully, this will help future researchers and historic

preservationists working on the Bauer Farmstead and similar sites.

The goal of this HSR was to initiate an interest in preserving a historic house, to

offer potential compatible uses and to examine the possibilities of those uses.

This HSR is a foundation of research that hopefully others will build upon and

perhaps learn from. We also hope the work done on the Bauer House will

Introduction 1.2

encourage other people to become more involved in historic preservation

efforts at this site within the Guadalupe River State Park.

i Deborah Slaton, “The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports,”

Preservation Brief 43. http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief43.htm

Acknowledgements 2.1

Acknowledgements

This report was done not only as a purposeful research on the Bauer Farmstead but also

as a learning experience for graduate students in historic preservation and architecture

at UTSA.

This HSR was made possible by the following:

University of Texas at San Antonio Spring 2010 Graduate Seminar in Historic Preservation:

Amy Estes

Rossana Luke

Courtney Widacki

Derrik Godwin

Casey Johnson

Adriana Munoz

Professor William Dupont

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, specifically Denis Gerow, Cynthia

Brandimarte, Scott Taylor and Chris Dooley who provided assistance in our efforts in

documenting the Bauer Farmstead and proposing rehabilitation.

The Friends of the Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek State Natural Area,

specifically Tom Anderson and Bryden Moon who provided historical photographs of

the Bauer residence retrieved from the Holfheinz family and provided ideas during the

facilitated planning session.

Martha Doty Freeman, who introduced us to her research, and made available all her

information on the Bauer Farmstead.

Denis Cordes, who had previously studied the property and whose research, report,

drawings and findings, were essential to our project.

Historical Background and Significance 3.1

Historical Background and Significance

Designated a State Archeological Landmark on June 28, 1983, by the Texas Historical

Commission, the Bauer Farmstead is of regional significance for its associations with

nineteenth century German immigration to Texas and methods of traditional European

building techniques, specifically the farmstead's inclusion of fachwerk construction.

Martha Doty Freeman has extensively documented the historical background of the

Guadalupe River Start Park in her report, A History of Guadalupe River State Park and

Honey Creek Natural Area. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department published this

report in 1997. Freeman's publication includes information about the Philipp Bauer

Farmstead, which is located within the Guadalupe River State Park. Selected passages

of Freeman's History are included as an appendix to this report. Therefore, this section

does not undertake to repeat Freeman's research, however it contains a summary

based on her work and other sources.

In 1854, Philipp Bauer emigrated from Prussia to Texas. He was encouraged to move to

America by a fellow Prussian named Marie Peters; Marie had moved to Texas with her

family two years earlier. In their correspondence, she told Bauer there was plenty of

work for skilled carpenters in Texas. In 1855, the year after Bauer arrived, he and Marie

were married.1

Figure 1: Marie & Philipp Bauer (From Rivers,

Ranches, Railroads and Recreation: A

History of Kendall County Texas)


Philipp & Marie Bauer were two of thousands of German immigrants that came to

America during the middle part of the 1800s. There was an influx of immigration to the

United States during the 1840-60s with a peak during the 1850s.2 During the 1840s, the

social, economic, and technological conditions in Germany, combined with the

availability of lands in the frontier Texas, created an idea climate for population

expansion in Texas (Figure 2).

Figure 2: United States Distribution of Population & Railways in 1850 (The University of Texas at Austin. From the Cambridge Modern History

Atlas, 1912.) Red dot added to indicate Bauer Farmstead location.


Germans arrived in Texas as early as the 1830s to settle in Austin County and by the year

1850, they numbered five percent of the total population, which is a conservative

count. The Handbook of Texas history states:

The majority of immigrants were farmers with a modest experience in trades. [The Germans] were ambitious farmers and artisans who believed their futures were cramped by the social and economic system at home. They were not poverty- stricken and oppressed. Indeed, they were able to afford the substantial cash investment required in overseas migration.3

The Republic of Texas made colonization contracts with various individuals to establish

colonies in the republic and receive payment in land. Bauer arrived in Texas in the year

of 1854, and by this time, the Homestead Act of 1854 reduced homestead grants to 160

acres from 320 acres and required a residence of three years. The policy of offering

homestead grants was extended in 1866 and 1870 and under the Constitution of 1876.

The amount of land disposed of under the pre-emption and homestead laws of Texas

was recorded at 4,847,136 acres.

Bauer made a preemptive land claim for 160 acres in 1856, located in present day

Kendall County. The Bauers began to live on the tract of land in August of 1856. During

the time between 1856 and 1878, Philipp Bauer may have built three structures,

including the present historical structure. According to an oral interview with Philipp

Bauer's grandson Arnold, there were two were log structures that have not survived,

and the third was the Bauer Farmstead.4

The location of the Bauer Farmstead is approximately 25 miles NW of the Balcones

Escarpment in the southeastern portion of the Edwards Plateau. The location is in the

Balcones Fault zone, bordered by rolling Blackland Prairies to the east and the rugged

limestone Hill Country to the west. The zone where the Bauer Farmstead is located is a

geologic break that has a significant effect on the soils, flora, fauna, water, and


settlement (Figure 3). Freeman notes that “early nineteenth century settlers favored the

limestone because it was relatively soft and easily shaped when first cut, hardening

upon exposure to air.”

Figure 3: Geologic and

Hydrologic Provinces

Affecting the Edwards

Aquifer, Central Texas,

July 1986.

(State of Texas Maps)

Red dot added to

indicate Bauer

Farmstead location.

The climate in this area is warm and arid. The weather in the region is characterized by

precipitation extremes. The Bauer Farmstead is located in Region 7b (Figure 4). This

region of Texas contained large and small ranches that supported goats, sheep, and

cattle, as well as small crops. The common cattle found in this locale were Hereford

cattle, because they are excellent foragers. The grazing conditions were favorable,

unless there was a drought.

Figure 4: Agricultural Regions of Texas,

1960. (Farming in Texas Bulletin) Red dot

added to indicate Bauer Farmstead

location.


By mid nineteenth century, the ties between central Texas communities were

developed further, when New Braunfels and Fredericksburg were linked by way of road

and trails. Two rail lines which traversed Comal County and skirted the Balcones

Escarpment, helped add boundary and definition to the context area. Texas markets

began to be more accessible because of these rail lines, which helped ranchers

prosper (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Houston and Texas Central Railway, 1871. (Rand M. Naly & Co, Chicago)

Red dot added to indicate Bauer Farmstead location.

As cattle numbers began to change and fluctuate, barbed wire began to be

developed. The first wire with points was invented 1867, while the barbed wire was

invented in 1874.5 Both of these were in production during the time cattle trade was at

its peak in the 1880s. The barbed wire found on the Bauer property indicated that there

was use of this material, but it is unclear as to what period of time this was used and if it


affected his cattle market. According to Freeman's History, Bauer began with 10 cows

in 1857 and by 1862 the number of cattle had risen to 38.

The outbreak of the Civil War probably slowed the Bauer's progress. Kendall County

suffered considerable economic hardship during the Civil War and throughout the

Reconstruction period. The war slowed growth at a significant rate; between 1864 and

1866, Kendall County as a whole experienced a 52 % loss in property tax receipts. By

1880, the county began to show improvements and population rose from 1536 in the

1870s to 2763 in the 1880s and the number of farms rose from 197 to 419. The amount of

improved land rose from 3617 acres in the 1870s to 22452 in the 1880s. Census and tax

records show the Bauer family following this pattern of increasing their land and

livestock holdings after Reconstruction.

As stated previously, Bauer made a preemptive land claim for 160 acres in 1856. Philipp

and Marie began to live on the tract of land in August of 1856. Phillip and Marie Bauer

had five children. Their eldest child, Ernst, inherited the property after Phillip and Marie

died. Phillip died in 1902 and Marie died in 1905. Ernst continued to farm and ranch

until his premature death in 1920; his widow Rosa and their children continued to live

there until 1932.

In 1932, property ownership was transferred from Rosa Bauer to J. P. and Sue Fuesler.

The Fueslers apparently did not move to the house, instead he was designated on the

tax records as a non-resident owner. J.P. Fuesler was a full time resident of Houston,

where he was an officer for Anderson, Clayton and Co., a cotton merchant company.

The Fueslers did not hold onto the Bauer land for very long.

In 1934, property ownership was transferred to Max Hofheinz. Max Hofheinz appears to

have continued the pattern of non-residential ownership. He lived full time in Boerne,

Texas. The Hofheinz family held onto the track of land for thirty-seven years, until heirs

transferred property ownership to J. David Bamberger in 1971.


J. David Bamburger offered his track of land to the Texas Park and Wildlife Department

in May of 1974. At the July 1974 meeting of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission,

the committee decided to move forward with the creation of a regional park situated

on the Guadalupe River and purchased the property.

As early as 1973, planners with the Texas Park and Wildlife Department wanted to be

able to offer outdoor recreational facilities to the quickly developing southwest Texas

residents. The Department teamed up with Texas Tech University to gather information

on water-based recreational resources in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. The

results argued for a large state park to be located by the Guadalupe River, west of

Interstate 35.

The Bauer Farmstead is one of three remaining German farms located within the

present day Guadalupe River State Park. In a 1975 report, historian Lynn Osborne noted

that, "Perhaps the best example of the acculturation of the German immigrants can be

seen in the architecture, where the evidence of the German influence remains today."6

It was very common for German immigrants to initially build log cabins and then once

established, to replace these cabins with more involved German-style dwellings of

stone and fachwerk.

According to the Texas State Historical Association, Texas architecture can be

organized into six periods: Indian or pre-colonial (to 1682), Spanish colonial-Mexican

(1682–1835), Republic-antebellum (1835–61), Victorian (1861–1900), Early twentieth

century (1900–1941), and Modern (1941–90). The Bauer House falls under four periods –

from Republic-antebellum (1835–61) through Modern (1941-61).7 One of the notable

aspects of the Bauer Farmstead is the architectural evidence of the four periods. As

Osborne stated, "…the Bauer house displays the progression of construction methods

and additions to the structure over its years of occupancy."8 The Bauer House type was

likely initially built as a basic double-pen house (Figure 6) with or without a fireplace.

Observation of physical evidence has not yet revealed a fireplace.


Figure 6: Major Types of double-

pen houses in Texas. (From Terry

Jordan's Texas Log Buildings: A Folk

Architecture)

The size and type of homes built were largely dependant on the available materials

and the knowledge and skills of the builder/s. Juniper Trees, often called Cedar, were

abundant in the area of the Bauer Farmstead. Cedar was the primary material

available in Kendall County in the 19th century (Figure 7). Cedar was a preferable

wood, in terms of its natural resistance to moisture and insects. Average square foot per

log pen was largely influenced by size of tree, as shown. 9 With this in mind, Lynn

Osborne's 1975 report suggests that the Bauer Farmstead was larger than normal

because of the unusually long juniper/cedar logs that Mr. Bauer used (Figure 8).

Figure 7: Type of wood used in log construction

in Texas. (From Terry Jordan's Texas Log Buildings:

A Folk Architecture) Red dot added to indicate

Bauer Farmstead location.


Figure 8: Isolines for average square footage per log pen in Texas. (From Terry Jordan's Texas Log Buildings: A Folk Architecture) Red dot added to indicate Bauer Farmstead location.

According to the Texas State Historical Association, during the Republic-antebellum (1835–61) period: In regions where trees were available, log cabins were common to Anglo- American settlements as well as those of some European immigrants. Both single-crib and double-crib houses were common. Ordinarily, log cabins had only a single story, but occasionally attics were included. In any instance, porches ordinarily extended along the south side of dwellings; porch roofs shaded the walls and provided a protected space. A fireplace was usually placed at a gable end of dwellings. Regardless of type, cabins were assembled with horizontal logs, sometimes hewn or partially hewn. Logs were notched together at corners utilizing several types of joints. Spaces between them were filled with wooden chinks, rocks, or moss and mud. Roofs were finished with boards, shakes, or shingles. Though no type of log construction can be specifically attributed to any particular ethnic group, Fachwerk structures were peculiar to German settlements. Fachwerk consisted of hewn frameworks joined with mortise and tenon joints, secured with treenails (wooden pegs). Panels formed by the framework were infilled with either brick or stone nogging, but some openings were framed for doors and windows.10


The cedar was utilized in the Bauer Farmstead to create the framework or fachwerk in

part of the house. There is also evidence of nogging, chinking, and types of log

notching as described in the Texas Historic Association excerpt above (Figures 9,10 &

11).

Figure 9: Log wall with unusually wide chinks, filled

with hewn, mortared stones. (From Terry Jordan's

Texas Log Buildings: A Folk Architecture)

Figure 10: Mud bricks or "nogging" infill located on floor at the Bauer Farmstead, February 13, 2010.


Figure 11: Most common types of log corner notching in Texas. (From Terry Jordan's Texas Log Buildings: A Folk Architecture)

There are numerous examples of fachwerk construction in the Texas Hill country due to

the large numbers of German immigrants, including many who were skilled in trades,

including construction.11 At least twenty of these buildings are protected in some way

by local conservation associations. The Bauer Farmstead, however, is one of only two

properties owned by the Texas Parks and Wildlife that contain this type of construction.

Unlike other existing properties containing fachwerk that have been disassembled and

moved, or have experienced development around them, the land that was farmed

and ranched for decades by the Bauer Family are relatively undisturbed. This elevates

the significance of the Bauer Farmstead, as few buildings from this period remain in their

context, with the full cultural landscape intact and a protected viewshed.


1 Freeman, Martha Doty. A History of Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek Natural Area. Austin: Texas Parks and Wildlife, 1997. 2 The U.S. Census Records 3 Jordan, Terry J. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/GG/png2.html (accessed 13 February 2010.) 4Osborne, Lynn. "Historical Report- Guadalupe River." (1975) 5 McCallum, Frances T. TSHA. Available from http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/BB/aob1.html (accessed 13 February 2010.) 6 Osborne, Lynn. "Historical Report- Guadalupe River." (1975) 7 Robinson, Willard B. Available from http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/AA/cmask.html. Internet;(accessed 14 February 2010.) 8 Osborne, Lynn. "Historical Report- Guadalupe River." (1975) 9 Jordan, Terry. Texas Log Buildings: A Folk Architecture. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1978. 10 Robinson, Willard B. Available from http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/AA/cmask.html. Internet;(accessed 14 February 2010.) 11 Von-Maszewski, W.M. Handbook and Registry of German-Texan Heritage. Austin: German Texas Heritage Society, 1978.

Physical Description 4.1

Physical Description Summary The Bauer Residence is a single story, rectilinear residence with an attic. The plan

includes four rooms and a closet. The crawl space and the attic/loft were not

accessed. The house has a porch on the east and south façade. The main entrances

are located on the south façade. The primary construction type is log and fackwerk

typical of mid-nineteenth century German vernacular architecture of the region.

Exterior

The construction materials for the exterior of the building include wood siding, plaster,

limestone, sheet metal, wood trim, wood frame windows and wood doors. There are

different types of wood siding used throughout the exterior of the house, including:

shiplap, clapboard and a double horizontal teardrop type1.

This analysis was done visually and physically from ground level and with handheld

tools. All field investigations were surface observation from the ground without aid of

ladders or lifts. None of the various non-destructive evaluation methods, such as

infrared photography or sonar were utilized. Tools used in the investigation were limited

to binoculars, tape measures, screwdriver (slot head), flashlights, and digital cameras.

The roof is a divided into four sections (see drawings). The primary section of the roof

that covers the majority of the residence is a gable roof with east-west ridge. The other

three roofs are single pitched that were constructed off of the east and west facades.

The primary section of the roof is composed of a wood deck substrate with wood

shingles covered with corrugated metal panels. The roof on the east façade is

composed of corrugated metal panels secured to exposed wood rafters. The roofs on

the west façade are composed of a wood deck substrate with corrugated metal

roofing.

1 Standard Patterns (Portland, OR, 2001), 10-12.


Interior

The interior construction materials include plaster, gypsum wall board, beaded board,

wood paneling, wood trim, wood flooring, wood frame windows and wood doors.

Note: All dimensions recorded are true dimensions unless otherwise noted as nominal

dimension lumber.

Site Description

Summary

The site of the Bauer Residence is located on the Guadalupe State Park grounds. The

site is heavily vegetated with a large open pasture located to the south of the

residence. The Guadalupe River is located south of the residence adjacent to the open

pasture that has been terraced with dirt berms. The immediate landscape around the

residence has been moderately cleared and has remains of multiple fence lines. The

site has a steady mild slope that continues until the Guadalupe River. The Bauer

Residence is located south of the crest of a hill that is composed of large rocks and dirt.


Overall Site Aerial

1

2

3

4

Notes

1. Dirt entry road

2. Bauer Residence

3. Open pasture

4. Guadalupe River


Bauer Residence Site

7

6

5

9

8

10 1

11

12 2

13

3

4

8

Notes

1. Open concrete water retainer

2. Field rubble wall and drop off

3. Drainage ditch

4. Entry road

5. Dirt berm and barbed wire

fencing

6. Exposed metal and PVC pipe

7. Wood and corrugated metal

storage structure

8. Wind Mill

9. Above ground closed

concrete water retainer

10. Below ground open concrete

water retainer

11. Wood fence constructed of

small timber and metal wire

12. Metal panel and metal post

fence

13. Rock retaining wall


General Site Notes

• The site is littered with archaeological debris including items such as:

o Old rusted cans

o Metal work

o Farm tools

o Old tires

o 19th and 20th century building materials

Field Notes and Survey

February 13th, 2010 at 11:00am


Exterior Description Overview

There are ten wood frame windows of different sizes. All windows are double-hung

except for two. There is a sliding window and a casement window. All windows except

one are secured with a 2”x6” nominal lumber, a piece of plywood and a carriage bolt.

There are five wooden exterior doors of different types and sizes. Three of the doors

have an exterior screen door and two of them have an interior screen door.

Types of wood siding and ceiling boards1

Method used to secure windows


Exterior Description

South Façade

The South façade is composed of three parts: the west section, the central

section and the porch on the east side.

The west section at room 106 has a 5” shiplap wood siding with a white paint

coating that follows the shape

of pattern 109. There is a 29”

four-panel wood door painted

white with a white ceramic

doorknob. The door has a

screen door with wood frame

on spring-loaded hinges. The

section has a sheet metal skirt

embossed with an ashlar

pattern. Paint discoloration shows evidence of former construction, now removed.


The central section has a plaster finish with a peach colored coating. There is a

5” wood baseboard painted dark green. This section has a limestone foundation.

There are three windows. The westernmost window is a 44”x27” six over six

casement wood frame window and it has 1”x4” wood trim. The middle window is

a 34”x52”3/4 six over six double-hung wood frame window with 1”x3” wood trim.

The easternmost window is 34”1/2x53”1/2 six over six double-hung wood frame

window with 1”x3” wood trim.

There are two doors on this section. The door to the west is 34” wide four-panel

wood door with a round metal doorknob. The door to the east is also 34” four-

panel door but it has a white ceramic doorknob. Both doors are painted white,

have 1”x3” wood trim and have a six panel screen door with a wood frame on

spring-loaded hinges.

West Façade


There are three facades facing west: the west wall of room 101, the west wall of

room 106 and the south porch. Both walls have the same 5” shiplap wood siding

painted white that follows the shape of pattern 109.

The west wall of room 101 has a

limestone foundation. There is a

27”x23” sliding six light wood

frame window with 1”x6” wood

trim. There is a metal flashing

strip on top of the window. There

is a 6” wood corner board.

The west wall of room 106 has a

sheet metal skirt embossed with an ashlar pattern. There is a 24”1/4x55”1/2 four

over four double-hung wood frame window with 1”x4” wood trim. There are 6”

wood corner boards on both sides of this section.

North Façade

West façade of room 101


There are three facades facing north: the east porch, the central section and

the north wall of room 106.

The east porch has a 3” saw tooth wood siding and a sheet metal skirt embossed

with an ashlar pattern, the same as the sheet metal surrounding room 106.

The central section has two types of wood siding, a 6” butt joint wood siding w/o

overlap of typical clapboard painted white with pattern 109. This is the only

section on the house where the siding has a butt joint. The wood siding extends

all the way to the current grade.

There are two windows on this section. The one to the east is a 24”1/2x28” two

over two wood frame window with 1”x3”1/2 wood trim. This window has been

removed and it is sitting in room 103. It has a missing glass pane. The one to the

west is a 25”x28”1/2 two over two wood frame window with 1”x4” wood trim. This

window has been removed and it is sitting in room 103.

There are two wood batten doors on this section. The one to the east is 29” wide

and the one to the west is 25”3/4 wide. Both doors have 1”x3” trim, have a green

coating and an interior wood frame screen door.

The central section has a gutter

attached by a wire nailed to the

roof. This section has 3”1/2 wood

corner boards.

The north façade of room 106

has a 5” shiplap wood siding

with a white paint coating

that follows the shape of

pattern 109. It has two 6” wood corner boards.

North façade of room 106.


There is one 25”x55”1/2 four over four double-hung wood frame window with

1”x6” wood trim. This window is open and unsecured. There is a strip of metal

flashing on top of the window.

East façade

The east façade consists of two parts: the south porch and the main house

section.

The south porch section has a

beaded board ceiling with a

light green coating. Where the

south porch meets the east

porch, there is a missing strip of

the beaded board that shows

the shiplap wood siding installed

underneath.


Surrounding the porch there is a sheet metal skirt embossed with an ashlar

pattern as seen around room 106.

The house section has two types of siding. There is a 5”1/2 double teardrop wood

siding with a white coating that follows the shape of pattern 117 up to the line

where the porch roof meets the wall. From where the porch roof meets the wall

up to the roof, there is a shiplap wood siding with a white coating that follows

pattern 109. There are vertical wood planks beneath the double teardrop siding

on the east wall of room 104. There is one 6” wood corner board on the north

end of the wall.

Rooms 103 and 104 have a

limestone foundation. From the

south end of the wall to where

the porch deck meets the wall,

there is a 5” wood baseboard

painted dark green.

There are two windows on this

section. The one to the south is

a 37”1/2x54” six over six

double-hung wood frame window with 1”x4” wood trim. The one to the north is a

27”x46” six over six double-hung wood frame window with 1”x3”1/2 wood trim.

There is a strip of metal flashing on top of the window on the east wall of room

103.

There is a gable window opening exposed and unsecured. Laying on the ground

below there is a 27”1/4x44”1/2 batten wood shutter that might have been

covering the opening.

Change in siding


Floor Plan Redrawn in CAD from 1982 TPWD drawing by Robert

Marx


Interior Description Overview

The interior construction materials include plaster, gypsum board, beaded

board, wood paneling, wood trim, wood floor, rolled flooring, wood frame

windows and wood doors.

Interior Description

Room 101

Layout

On the south wall, there is a wood batten door that leads to room 105. On

the west wall, there is a two over two sliding window with window

treatments. On the north wall there is a batten door with a wood frame


screen door that leads to the outside. On the east, there is a built-in

cabinet and a hallway that leads to room 103.

Walls

On the south wall, the sheathing has been removed and there are

exposed mud bricks. In the southwest corner of the room, there is a

cabinet with wood shelving supporting the brick chimney with a round

hole into the chimney flue. The east, west and the north walls are

sheathed in gypsum wallboard coated with a pink textured paint. The

south, north and west walls have a 3 feet high wainscot with 5” wide

boards. On the east wall, there is a built-in wood cabinet painted white

with shelves.

Ceiling

The ceiling is covered with beaded board that runs east west painted

white. There is a small wood strip at the juncture of the wall and ceiling.

Floor

The floor has a sheet of flooring material set over a wood floor. The rolled

sheet product might be linoleum. It has a different pattern than the

flooring in room 106. There is a 5” baseboard painted white. The floor is

covered with debris and excrement. There is a window screen on the

floor.


Room 102

Layout

On the hallway between room 101 and 103, there is a wood batten door

that leads to room 102. On the north wall of the hallway, there is a two

over two wood frame window that has been removed and it’s resting on

the floor.

Walls

Southern walls within the closet exhibit exposed nogging from the log

construction. Walls are covered with wood planks with different widths.

There is some shelving on the east wall of the room.


Ceiling

The ceiling is covered with two different materials, beaded board that

runs east west painted blue and the same type of wood boards that

cover the ceiling in room 106 also painted blue.

Floor

The floor is covered with debris and animal excrement.

Room 103


Layout On the south wall, there is a wood shutter door that leads to room 104. On

the west wall, there is a hallway that connects room 103 with 101. On the

north wall there is a batten door with a wood frame screen door that

leads to the outside and a two over two wood frame window with a

missing glass pane. The window has been removed and is resting on the

floor. On the east wall, there is a six over six double-hung wood frame

window.

Walls

All walls are sheathed in gypsum wallboard coated with a pink textured

paint that is slightly lighter than the one in room 101. There are two holes

on the wall on the southeast corner of the room, likely made by previous

investigators.

Ceiling

The ceiling is covered with face nailed beaded board that runs east west

painted white as seen in room 101. There is a small wood strip at the

juncture of the wall and ceiling.


Floor

The floor has 23” tapering (at the widest point) puncheon boards running

east west. There is a 5” baseboard around the room. The floor is covered

with debris, animal excrement and a broken piece of glass. On the floor

there is a window and a window screen.

Room 104


Layout

On the south wall, there is a six over six double hung wood frame window

and a four panel wood door that leads to the south porch. On the west

wall, there is a wood batten door that leads to room 105. On the north

wall, there is a shutter wood door that leads to room 103. On the east wall,

there is a six over six double hung wood frame window.

Walls

All walls are covered with plaster. The plaster in this room has a rougher

finish than the plaster in room 105. There are diagonal and vertical cracks

on the plaster around doors and windows. Windows and doors have a 3”

wood trim that is flushed with the wall.

Ceiling

The ceiling has an exposed wood frame that runs north south and is

painted brown. The joists are true 5”x5” and appear to be hand sawn.

Floor

The floorboards run east west and vary in widths. The floor is face nailed

with rectangular nails that run north south. The floor is painted gray but the

paint goes around a rug placed on the floor. Around the room, there is a

baseboard with eased edges.


Room 105

Layout

On the south wall, there is a six over six, double-hung window to the

southwest and a four panel exterior wood door to the southeast that

leads to the south porch. On the west wall, a five horizontal panel wood

door leads to room 101. On the north wall, a wood batten door painted

white with a standard hinge wall mounted leads to room 102. On the east

wall, a 37” wood batten door painted white with a standard hinge jam

mounted leads to room 105. The window on this room has been removed

from the wall and is resting on the floor against the west wall.


Walls

All walls are covered with ½” thick plaster. There are vertical and

horizontal cracks on the walls. There are miscellaneous nails driven into the

walls. There is wood trim around the doors of various widths and a wood

baseboard painted white.

Ceiling

The ceiling has an exposed framing with 2”x5”1/2 joists. The ceiling is

painted blue.

Floor

This room’s flooring consists of 5” wood boards running full length north to

south attached with face nails. The wood has patterns of discoloration

possibly from a rug setting on top or else a coating applied outboard of

the rug. There might have been a repair on three boards on the north end

of the room close to the threshold to room 102. There is a 3” step into room

101.


Room 106 Kitchen

Layout

On the south wall, a four panel exterior wood door leads to the south

porch. On the west wall there is a four over four double hung window.

Against the west wall, there is a counter with cabinets, a bench and a

small storage area. On the north wall there is a four over four double-hung

window and a folding table. On the east wall, a 29” wide five horizontal

panel wood door leads to room 106.


Walls

The east wall is covered with yellow wallpaper. All other walls have a

vertical 3”1/2 wood plank finished with a yellow paint coating. The walls

have a wood baseboard painted white.

Ceiling

The ceiling is covered with the same wood paneling as the walls and runs

north to south. The ceiling slopes and is painted blue. There is a small

wood strip at the juncture of the wall and ceiling.

Floor

The floor has a sheet of flooring material set over a wood floor. The rolled

sheet product might be linoleum and has a tile pattern.

Built-ins and storage.

Against the west wall there is a counter on the southwest corner, a small

storage closet on the northwest corner and a bench in between the

cabinet and the closet.

The counter has two cabinets above and two cabinets below. The

counter is 47”x39” and 38” high. It is covered with a grey sheet material

and perhaps a plastic laminate and has a 1” metal trim attached with

face screws. The cabinets are painted white and have metal pulls.

The bench is 68” long, it is painted white and has storage

underneath.


The storage closet is 48” wide and is painted yellow. It has wood shelving

on the south side and a closet on the north side with a wood batten door

painted white. Above the shelving, there is a brick chimney with a round

hole into the chimney flue.

A wood frame with a red coating attaches the folding table to the wall.

The table surface is covered with the same grey material as the counter

and has the same 1” metal trim.

Wall and ceiling details Interior door leading to room 105

Folding Table


Structure Floor and Exterior Decking / Wall Ceiling and Roof Framing The structure assessment is divided into multiple sections:

Decking

• Foundation • Floor Joist and Sill (Interior and Porch)

Interior framing (categorized by room #)

• Walls Roof Framing

• Ceiling • Framing • Sheathing

The 3D model is used as reference only and does not represent the current condition of the Bauer Residence. All drawings we reproduced for clarification by the provided documents from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Dennis Cordes).


Framing Plan Redrawn in CAD from 1982 TPWD drawing by

Robert Marx


South Elevation Decking Square Footage

• House: Apx. 840 sq. ft. • Covered Porch: Apx. 425 sq. ft.

Foundation

• 4-5 courses of limestone and mortar foundation around the

perimeter of the exterior walls of rooms # 101-105 (O.C.) and the southern edge of “deck b.” (See reference in Figure 1.1)

• 15 cedar post located under the deck framing of room # 105-106, that range from 9-12” in diameter

• Cedar blocks under room # 104, not directly observed during site inspection.

• Limestone blocks located below door # 13 &10.

(

Limestone blocks located below door # 13 &10 on east deck.

Reference: limestone and mortar foundation


Sills and Floor Joists

Interior

• (4) Cedar 6” X 6” nominal sill around perimeter of limestone and mortar foundation

• Cedar 6” X 6” nominal floor joist o (10) floor joists running N-S spaced 2’-8” O.C. room # 101-103 o (7) floor joists running E-W spaced 2’-6” O.C. room # 104 o (4) floor joists running E-W various spacing room # 105

• (4) 1-1/2” X 5-1/2” floor joists running N-S spaced 2’-6” O.C. room #

106

Looking down on post @ southern porch

Looking below southern porch


Porch Deck A (east facing room # 104)

• (4) 1-1/2” X 5-1/2” floor joists running N-S spaced 2’-6” O.C. • (4) 1-1/2” X 5-1/2” floor joists running E-W spaced 2’-6” O.C.

Deck B (south facing room # 104/105) • (2) Cedar 6” X 6” nominal floor joists running N-S various spacing • (2) Cedar 6” X 6” nominal floor joists running E-W spaced 2’-6” O.C. • Joist connect to cedar 6” X 6” sill located above limestone and

mortar foundation

Deck C (South facing room # 106) • 2 X 4 construction running E-W spaced 2’6” O.C.

Reference: Interior sill and floor joists

Southern post below deck

East porch joist and post

Connection detail at SE corner of east deck


Decking and Floors

Interior

• 1-1/2” X 5-1/4” floor decking running E-W room # 101 • 1-1/2” X 3-1/4” floor decking running E-W room # 102 • Cypress slabs room # 103 • 1-1/2” X 5-1/4” floor decking running E-W room # 104 • 1-1/2” X 5-1/4” floor decking running N-S room # 105 • 1-1/2” X 3-1/4” floor decking running E-W room # 106

Deck A (east facing room # 104) • 1-1/2” X 3-1/4” floor decking running E-W

Deck B (south facing room # 104/105) • Random width cypress decking running N-S

Deck C (south facing room # 106)

• 1-1/2” X 5-1/4” floor decking running N-S

Reference: Porch sill and floor joist

Porch sill and floor joist

East porch decking


Interior Framing Walls Room # 101-103 (North room)

• The wall structure consist of 4” X 4” nominal posts 24” O.C., with a true 6”X6” sill with mortise and tenon joinery.

• There is no insulation or moisture barrier visible on either corner of the north wall, black felt noggin construction paper is found behind plank sheathing boards in center section between exterior doors.


Room # 104 (Log room)

• All of the walls are created from hand hewn logs that vary from 8”-12” thick on both sides throughout the room.

• The walls are covered with a coating of plaster.

“Log Room” # 104

NW connection detail

Photo in between north wall


Room # 105 (Entry)

• The north, south, and west walls are traditional Texas “ fachwerk” created from wood farming filled in with adobe brick and covered with a plaster coating

• A metal lath and plaster supported on wood furring strips now covers interior wall surfaces (north and south)

Exposed Fachwerk

Brick scale reference


Room # 106 (Kitchen)

• The walls are constructed with a 2” X 4” stud wall 24” O.C. • There is no insulation or moisture barrier visible on any walls of room. • A brick flue and chimney is located 6’-6” above finish floor on the west

side of the room.

Reference: kitchen room


Roof Framing Ceilings

• The ceilings create a loft space in the attic. • Roof joists are exposed to the interior space and span N-S to log

wall that is fastened to a plate.

“Loft Space” in attic


Roof Framing

• As observed with binoculars looking thru the east gable window opening, the roof rafters overlap each other on above the log / fachwerk room to accommodate the structure found above the north room and porches (as found on Denis Cordes drawings)

Roof framing


Roof Sheathing

• The roof has corrugated sheet metal, possibly tin as exposed sheathing, covering existing wood shingles.

• A rain gutter is found attached on the north façade roof and sheathing is attached to it

Corrugated tin roof sheathing


Roof The roof consists of four sections including:

1. Main Gable 2. East Porch Pent Roof 3. Shed Roof to West 4. Small Porch Roof at Room 101

The roofing materials consist of wood shingles cover with tin corrugated metal panels. The corrugated metal panels are fastened to furring strips nailed on top of the wood shingle roof. The wood shingle roof is fastened to wood planks set on top of a timber rafter frame. 2 1 2 3 5 1 4 4 Notes

1. Corrugated metal panel roof on top of wood shingles secured on a wood substrate

2. Brick Chimney 3. Corrugated metal panel roof on a wood substrate 4. Corrugated metal panel roof on top of wood frame joist 5. Corrugated metal panel cap


Field Notes and Survey February 13th, 2010 at 11:00am.

Chronology of Development and Use 5.1

Chronology of Development and Use

The Bauer Farmstead chronology of development and use was informed by the

research and review of historical documents and by site visits completed in February

and March of 2010. The crawl space and attic/loft were not accessible for either site

visit. As previously noted, the history of the Bauer Farmstead begins in 1856, when Philipp

Bauer filed a preemption claim for 160 acres. The Homestead Act of 1854 reduced

homestead grants to 160 acres and required a residence of three years. The policy of

homestead grants was continued under acts of 1866 and 1870.1 As indicated in Martha

Doty Freeman's report, Philipp and Marie Bauer moved to Survey 172 (Figure 1) in 1856.

It is difficult to establish where Philipp Bauer and his family first resided on the property,

since the scope of this report does not allow for archeological investigations.

Ms. Freeman notes that the value of the 160 acres doubled by the mid 1860s and the

number of livestock also increased, possibly suggesting that the first period of

construction of the Bauer Farmstead began in the 1860s. However, other reports

suggest that before building the extant Bauer Farmstead in 1878, Bauer had

constructed two log cabins on the property.2 Construction dates of 1856 – 59 are

possible, but not definitive, dates for construction primarily because the Bauer Family

had to be living in some sort of structure on site. Philipp Bauer was described as having

carpentry skills and the existing structure is primarily hand-built of materials readily

available on site or nearby. Alternatively, the house could have been built over multiple

years, perhaps started in late 1850’s and finished later, as time and money was

available. Finally, it remains a possibility the construction of the Bauer Farmstead

construction did not begin until the 1870's, although use of fachwerk was much less

common after the Civil War.3 Without using dendrochronology (scientific dating

method based on tree rings) and/or locating further records and living descendants,

we cannot date the exact year that construction began. Instead, we will refer to the

period of 1856–1902 as the first period of construction, 1903–1932 as the second period

of construction, 1932–1974 as the third period of construction, and 1974 to present day

as the current period.


Figure 1. 1856 Survey

Chronological Overview

1856–1902 Philipp and Marie Bauer and son Ernst (and for at least part of this time

period it was likely also occupied by their other children Bertha, Otto, Louisa and

Emma.) The Bauer Family used the house as their residence and used their surrounding

acreage for agriculture and livestock. The first period of construction includes the east

log room, the west fachwerk room, the south porch and the narrow north room. These

rooms have the same perimeter foundation. The roofing material was likely cypress or

cedar shingles. The loft, which was located above the east log and west fachwerk

rooms, appears to have been accessed from the south porch.

1903–1932 Second Bauer Generation occupation. Inherited by eldest son Ernst and

Sketch A, 1856 – 1902 Period. consruction at north side is mortise & tenon without nogging.


family. Wife Rosa and children sell in 1932. Family continued to use the house as

residence. Land was used for agriculture and livestock. Based on Lynn Osborne’s 1975

interview of Arnold Bauer, the second period of construction includes the kitchen

(Figure 2), and the east porch additions (Figure 3) and the enclosure of the west end of

the south porch. Surviving physical evidence indicates the ceiling of this porch

enclosure blocked access to the loft. Osborn's 1975 report states that remodeling was

completed on the north side of the home some time after 1914, but before Ernst Bauer's

death in 1920. The below pictures (Figures 1 – 4), which probably date between 1929 –

1935, show a metal roof, likely covering the shingle material from the first period of

construction, still present today. These photographs are undated, however the type of

car in the photo, probably a 1929 Model A Ford, indicates that they were taken after

1929. Note that Figure 2 photo is earlier than Figure 5, based on tree growth. All five of

these photos were apparently Hofheinz family processions. Brydon Moon, member of

the State Park’s Friends Group, provided them following the 26 March 2010 planning

session. The same photos are also in TPWD archives, labeled “1921,” according to

TPWD architect Dennis Gerow.

Figure 2. Bauer House (viewing north side of house), ca. 1934


Figure 3. Bauer House (viewing east side of house), ca. 1934

Figure 4. Bauer House (viewing south side of house), ca. 1934


Figure 5. Bauer House (viewing north side), ca. 1950?

Compare tree growth with Fig. 2, especially new tree east of house.

Sketch B, 1903 – 1932 Period


1932–1974 This forty-two year period encompasses three property transfers and

changes to the house likely occurred during this era, including routine maintenance,

between when the second Bauer generation departed and the Texas Parks & Wildlife

took possession of the property. The Hofheinz family was the primary owners during this

forty-year period. At some point during these years a window was added to the north

wall (visible in Figure 5, but not present in Figure 2), the southwest enclosure to the

southern porch (as shown in Figure 4), was removed (see Sketch C and Figure 6). The

enclosure was gone by 1974 when the Texas Parks and Wildlife took ownership.

Sketch C, prior to 1974.

- Removal of South Enclosure after 1930’s and prior to 1974

- Window added at north wall ca. 1940’s.

- Front steps shown are not there today and not shown in 1982 TPWD drawings


Figure 6. Southwest corner enclosure removed. Image from 3-22-10.

1974–present Site has been vacant since the Texas Parks & Wildlife acquired the

property. Maintenance records were not available to us, and conversations with the

Texas Parks & Wildlife suggest many records of this type were not archived for this

property, especially between 1974-the late 1980s. Observations made during the 2010

site visits suggest that windows were secured, although some coverings have fallen off

(Figure 7). House is fenced off with locks on gates and not currently accessible to the

public (Figure 8).

Figure 7. Kitchen (showing boarded and secured

window treatment.) March 2010.


Figure 8. Bauer House March 2010

1 Texas State Historical Association,"Land Grants", http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/LL/mpl1.html (accessed April 19, 2010). 2 Lynn Osborne Oral Interview with Arnold Bauer, 1975. 3 Texas State Historical Association,"German Vernacular Architecture", http://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/GG/cbg1.html (accessed April 26,2010).

Condition Assessment 6.1

Condition Assessment Overall Overview A general condition assessment of the Bauer residence was undertaken on February

13th, 2010. Observations included the structure and vital building components. The data

was collected using field notes and photographic documentation of conditions

This condition assessment is divided into three sections: structure, exterior and interior.

Analysis was done from ground level and with handheld tools. All field investigations

were surface observation from the ground without aid of ladders or lifts. There was no

material testing such as paint and mortar analysis during our investigation. None of the

various non-destructive evaluation methods, such as infrared photography or sonar

were utilized. Tools used in the investigation were limited to binoculars, tape measures,

screwdriver (slot head), flashlights, and digital cameras.

Condition Assessment Data and Analysis

Structural Elements

Piers

• The piers and foundation underneath were not directly observed, but

appear to be engaged and carrying a structural load.

• Mortar loss, as readily observed at south wall, is suspected of failure.

Stone

• The limestone wall supporting the south porch has partially collapsed

leaving a section of the sill plate unsupported.

• The wall has mortar loss and deterioration due to weathering, and possibly

shifting substrate that has caused the structural failure of the wall.

• The roof may have settled or spread slightly due to (or been a cause of)

this foundation wall collapse.


Timber

• The timber columns appear

to be in good condition and

capable of supporting the

structure adequately,

although not engaging

along southern edge where

limestone foundation wall

has partially collapsed.

Framing

• The overall framing of log and fachwerk appears to be in fair condition.

Most of the damage and deterioration is found at the sill plates.

Sills

• The south façade porch sill plate has severe damage and is broken near

the center. It appears to have no structural integrity and is rotten due to

water exposure and fungal attack.

• The east façade porch sill plate has observable deterioration due to

fungal attack caused by excessive exposure to bulk moisture.

• The north wall sill plate has mold caused by excessive moister due to poor

site water runoff, gutter failure, it is exposed to the elements and it is

seated on the ground. The wood shows evidence of rot where visible.

Foundation wall failure


Floor joists

• Interior and exterior floor joists appear to be in good condition and sound

although the joists were not directly observed.

• Exterior floor joists supporting the porches have weathered due to

exposure. The framing joists of the east porch are in very poor condition.

Decking

Interior Decking

• Interior floors and planks

appear to be in good

condition. Most decking

deterioration can be

found on the exterior.

South porch sill plate North wall sill plate

Southeast porch decking


Exterior decking

• Most of the remaining

exterior wood decking has

damage from settlement,

organic growth and

weathering. It has caused

some of the wood to split,

break, unfasten and shift

from the framing.

• Organic agents have

consumed the outer ends.

Exterior Wall

The log structure, wood fachwerk and roof

framing all appears to retain structural

integrity, except as noted.

Fachwerk

• With the exception of a small section

on the south façade of the wall that

has collapsed (the cause unknown),

the fachwerk walls seem to be in

good condition

• There is some deterioration in fackwerk

framing at the north wall.

East porch decking

Fachwerk wall


Log

• The log construction seems to be in good condition. No visible

deterioration at any of the areas left exposed by previous investigations.

Timber

• Interior timber wall

construction is protected

and seems to be in good

condition. Three of the

five exterior columns on

the south porch are in

good condition and

show slight weathering and deterioration especially at the bases.

• The center column and right center column are damaged at the base

due to weathering and erosion.

• The columns have very few soft spots with evidence of prior repair with an

infill pliable material.

Roof

The overall structure on the main

roof seems to be on good

condition. The main roof is

supportive and shows no sign of

immediate failure. There is a slight

bow visible at mid span of the roof

rafters, which appear to be

undersized and spaced wide by

modern standards.

Column damage

Roof joists and decking


There may be a connection between this and partial collapse of south

foundation wall.

Main Roof joists

The roof joists appear to be in good condition and properly fastened to the top

plate.

Roof deck boards

• The roof decks appear to be secure and in good condition. These boards

appear to be extraordinarily wide and which, with bark still visible on outer

edges.

Chimney

• The brick and mortar on the chimney appears to be in good condition.

• The chimney at the west “kitchen” addition leans a bit and shows

evidence of some mortar loss.

Deck A (east facing porch)

• Roof joists on the east porch show signs of weathering due to exposure


Exterior

Metal skirt

The metal skirt is in fair to poor

condition, it is partially rusted due

to oxidation and loose in some

areas due to vegetation growth

and structural movement.

Exterior clapboards

Overall, the exterior clapboards are in poor condition.

• On the south façade, there is damage on the bottom three boards and

the corner board that could be caused from high moisture content that

allowed fungus or/ and insect attack. There are water stains on the top

three boards. The high moisture content in the wood at the roof is due to

roof and site drainage issues. The wood siding is exposed due to loss of

protective paint coverings

Rusted metal skirt

Water stains Wood siding on south façade


• On the east façade, the two top boards are bowing. There are water

stains near the top of the wall from roof leakage. The wood is unprotected

because the paint has worn off. One board is falling off because of the

failure of the fasteners. The north side windowsill has mold growth on siding

due to elevated moisture content in wood.

• On the north façade, the corner board and the bottom three boards are

in poor condition due to excessive moisture. The siding on both lower

corners of the wall has unfastened due to the poor condition of the wood.

The wood is unprotected because the paint has worn off. Both windowsills

have high moisture content because of a lack of gutter. The west side

window has been removed and the opening secured with plywood.

•

•

Water stains on east façade

Detached board Boards bowing

Water damage on the north siding Siding damage on north wall


• On the west façade, the corner board and the bottom three boards have

water damage. The wood is unprotected because the paint has worn off.

The south window sill is in poor condition due to high moisture content.

There is vegetation growth inside the wall coming out through the window

opening. The whole wall appears to have elevated moisture content. The

windowsills have lost all integrity due to fungal attack. There is a high

likelihood of extensive wood damage at this area.

Plaster

• On the south façade, the plaster has cracks from corners of openings,

which is a characteristic of structural movement. These cracks are not

severe, but the cause is unknown.

• There appears to be some delaminating of the outer plaster coat. One

area of fachwerk mud brick has collapsed and has taken the plaster coat

with it.

Damage on west wall siding Vegetation growth on west wall


Porch ceiling

• The beaded board on the south porch ceiling has paint discoloration on

the east side.

• The damage on the ceiling

boards could be attributed

to roof surface failures that

have allowed boards to get

excessively wet.

• High winds may also be a

factor.

• The east porch ceiling is in

extremely poor condition.

Most of the boards have detached due to the exposure to the elements,

lack of roofing material and weather conditions.

East porch ceiling

)

South porch ceiling

)

South porch ceiling

)


Roof

The roofing materials appear to be in fair to poor condition. The wood shingle

roof have been covered with corrugated metal panels, the shingles are

generally intact.

Wood shingle

• The shingles are splitting,

cracked and damaged

from weathering. Expansion

and contraction is a leading

factor on the damage of

wood shingles.

• No mold or fungal growth

evident on wood shingles.

Corrugated metal

• The corrugated metal panels are bent out of shape, perhaps due to high

winds and are becoming unfastened and rusting from exposure, age and

weather.

• Whole sections appear to have become detached and been blown off

the roof by high winds, now lying on the ground near the house.

Soffit

Overall, all the soffits appear to be in

poor condition. On the north facade

the soffit has water damage due to

the lack of a gutter.

Roof damage

West facade soffit


• On the west façade the soffit is falling off and has suffered severe

damage.

Gutter

The gutter on the north façade is in

extremely poor condition. It has rust

that has eaten through the metal

and has become unfastened in

portions causing failure to work

properly. No gutters exist elsewhere

on the building.

Interior

The overall interior is in good to fair

condition. The worst conditions are

from organic debris and animal

feces throughout the rooms, minor

material deterioration and

damage to textiles from exposure

to climatic conditions, insects and

animals. All interior surfaces are

generally filthy, especially the

floors.

Gutter on north façade

Flooring and rug


Flooring

• The linoleum is brittle and is in poor condition due to weathering and

exposure.

• The rugs are deteriorated from exposure to climatic conditions, insects

and animals.

• These items are not salvageable for future use.

Interior Wall Surfaces

• Plaster is in good condition with some minor cracks around doors and

windows, characteristics of from structural movement.

• Gypsum wallboard with paper surfaces has been exposed to water and it

has possible mold growth.

• Wood wallboard, trim and wainscot all are in good condition with

moderate paint chipping and peeling in room 106. (Also damage from

partial disassembly in north room 101)

Ceiling

Ceilings are in good condition with

some minor paint chipping

throughout. There is moderate paint

chipping and peeling in room 106.

Ceiling in room 101 at chimney

displays damaged from fungal

attack, likely due to leaks where

chimney penetrates roof, allowing

wood moisture content to remain elevated for prolonged periods.

Paint damage in room 106


Cabinetry

Countertops are in poor condition,

the metal strip veneer is peeling

and rusting, and the surfaces are

uneven. There is some shelving

missing. The hardware is in good

condition and is still functional.

Windows and doors

Windows

• All window frames, excluding

the kitchen, appear to be in

good condition with some

minor paint chipping and

peeling.

• Functionality of the windows

could not be determined

without removal of

plywood protection. .

• Multiple windows have been removed and still remain inside the house.

Some windows have broken glass panes.

Cabinetry

Boarded window and remaining window


Doors

• Doors are functional and in good condition with the exception of the

screen door on the southwest porch.

• Hardware is intact and functioning and appears to be salvageable.

Interior door

s

Review of Codes and Laws 7.1

Review of Codes and Laws

Code reviews are required for work that involves changes in elements related to

structural revisions, change of use of buildings, and life safety. Before proceeding with

conservation measures and a possible change of use, the Bauer Farmstead will have to

be reviewed under the most recent International Building Code (IBC) and the

Antiquities Code of Texas.1 The IBC sections that are crucial to the Bauer Farmstead

project are Section 1005, Historic Buildings and Section 1105, Historic Building Sites.

The Bauer Farmstead was designated a State Archeological Landmark2 in 1983,

however it is not currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. State

Archeological Landmark designation stipulates that the property cannot be removed,

altered, damaged, salvaged or excavated without a permit from the Texas Historical

Commission. This designation encourages preservation and ensures that resources that

cannot be preserved are at least properly documented. Work completed at the Bauer

Farmstead must comply with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment

of Historical Properties (rev.1995), per chapter 26 of the Texas Historical Commission

rules. The work recommended in this HSR is defined by The Standards as “preservation”

for basic stabilization with no use, and falls under the definition of “rehabilitation” for the

proposed new uses.3 Finally, as a facility that will be open to the public, the building is

also subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Contrary to a widely held belief, historic buildings and sites are not exempt from

compliance. The spirit of the accessibility laws can virtually always be met, if carefully

planned, without destroying the historic characteristics of a property. The Texas

Historical Commission (THC) can assist property owners and architects in finding

solutions.4

The U.S. Department of Justice enforces ADA requirements at the federal level. In Texas,

the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) enforces ADA as it relates to

building design. Rather than use the federal design guidelines, Texas adopted its own

version, the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS).


Some architectural issues covered by the code include: entrances, door widths,

restroom sizes and fixtures, elevators, service counters, and signs and parking, among

others. TAS requirements apply to newly constructed or substantially renovated

buildings. Publicly owned or leased buildings are covered by the requirements including

education facilities of all levels, both public and private, social service centers and

places of exercise and recreation.

If the construction or alteration projects of the Bauer Farmstead will cost more than

$50,000, the Texas Parks & Wildlife must have architectural plans submitted to TDLR

before construction. Smaller projects are still subject to the law but do not have to

submit plans.

Historic Buildings such as the Bauer Farmstead require less accommodation than new

construction. Historic buildings are expected to comply with the requirements for

altered buildings to the fullest extent possible. If full compliance with the TAS code

would threaten or destroy the historic or architectural significance of the building, then

alternative minimum requirements can be used for that item or feature. A letter from

the THC is required to be submitted with a variance application in this case. Other

variances may be available from TDLR if compliance is economically infeasible,

generally considered more than 20 percent of the project cost. Variances are also

possible if compliance is technically infeasible when, for example, structural members

are in the way, or the space is not large enough to meet the requirements.

The specific conditions of the Bauer Farmstead and the types of log and fachwerk

construction that are present will most likely prevent structural changes to interior

doorways, since the removal of these features would destroy the historical value.

Interior accessibility may be possible however through the exterior doors, and a ramp

may be installed on the northeast corner of the house, which would allow use of the

east and south porches.


1 Texas Historical Commission, "The Antiquities Code of Texas ",

http://www.thc.state.tx.us/rulesregs/RulesRegsPDF/AntiqCode.pdf

2 Texas Historical Commission, "State Archeological Landmarks",://www.thc.state.tx.us/markerdesigs/madsal.shtml

3 National Park Service, " The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties," http://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_4_2.htm.

4 Texas Historical Commission, "Providing Access to Historic Properties", http://www.thc.state.tx.us/historicprop/hpada.shtml.

Resource Values and Preservation Objectives 8.1

Resource Values and Preservation Objectives

The Bauer Farmstead was first occupied during the 1850s during a time when

German immigrants were moving into Boerne and the surrounding areas. The

Bauer Farmstead has historical, architectural, cultural, and educational values

that need to be conserved.

Evaluation of Features

The historical, architectural, cultural, and educational values of the Bauer

Farmstead can be summarized under three categories:

1. The historical role of German immigrants in the state of Texas.

2. The architectural design of the Bauer House, specifically the log cabin

with the adjacent fachwerk room.

3. The role of the house as a unique resource for the Texas Parks and

Wildlife Department because of the declining number of surviving

fachwerk houses in Texas, only two of which are in state ownership.i

The house’s value does not end with its history and present state, but continues in

the possibilities for contemporary use.

Historical Value

The Bauer Farmstead is historically valuable because of its surviving fachwerk

and log construction. Surviving fachwerk houses in Texas are limited and thus are

valuable because of the technique used in building the houses. The Bauer

Farmstead is a surviving artifact from the mid-19th century when the first phase of

construction began on the house. The house has been left untouched by

modern amenities, which is also significant. Historical lessons can also be learned

from the Bauers, in the way of living with minimal impacts on the earth.


The Bauer Farmstead is historically valuable because of its intact landscape,

including the viewshed. The uninterrupted viewshed allows visitors to experience

the landscape much like it would have been in the mid 1800s when Phillipp

Bauer first moved onto the property. This gives visitors a sense of authenticity and

it is important to protect this valuable aspect of the Farmstead.

Architectural Value

The Bauer Farmstead is architecturally valuable because it is s ditbobomh

example of fachwerk design. It is an excellent example of the German

vernacular and is extremely important because it is controlled by the state of

Texas. The individual craftsmanship also adds value to the house because of its

uniqueness. The qualities of the physical remains allows for an untouched ruins

value. The fact that the house lacks modern conveniences, like heating or air

conditioning, adds to it’s value. In it’s current form, the house and grounds are a

surviving relic from an earlier time. The Bauer Farmstead also represents various

layers in history, or a diachronic value. There is a scope of history that begins in

the mid 19th century that continues until the early 20th century. The additions and

modifications that were added to the house in the early 20th century are part of

the diachronic value and thus should be preserved along with the rest of the

house.

Cultural Value

The Bauer Farmstead is culturally valuable partly because of local German

heritage in Texas. The authenticity of the Bauer House adds to its cultural value

as well because the house has never had major renovations. The Bauer

Farmstead also offers wonderful cultural learning experiences for all ages. The

cultural landscape of the 19th century use is intact and easily discerned.

Educational Value


Educational values of the Bauer Farmstead revolve around the future restoration

and rehabilitation of the house. While rehabilitating the house, educational

programs can allow students to learn various tectonic lessons. There is also a

general appreciation of remembering and preserving German immigrate

knowledge through heritage conservation. Through conservation, people will be

able to visit the Bauer House and learn about German heritage. There is also an

evidentiary value to the Bauer Farmstead that includes evidence of an early

German construction type and immigrant life.

Future Values

Through rehabilitation and restoration, the Bauer Farmstead will be able to serve

the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as one of the recommended options: a

multi-purpose meeting facility, a retreat of some kind, staff residence, or as an

innovative case study. A multi-purpose meeting facility would allow access to

the Bauer Farmstead to various groups. The more people who are able to

experience the Bauer Farmstead means the more people are exposed to the

unique values discussed above. As a retreat, the Bauer Farmstead could fill the

role of weekend lodging, or something more long term. The Bauer Farmstead as

a staff residence would allow a Texas Parks and Wildlife employee to experience

life with a minimal footprint on the earth. Lastly, an innovative case study would

blend restoration with educational experience through students engaged in

service learning preservation projects. Another possible innovative case study

could revolve around sustainability and how the Bauer Farmstead could support

a sustainable life.

Environmental Values

The Bauer Farmstead represents multiple environmental values that need to be

protected. The remoteness of the Bauer Farmstead allows for visitors to get away

from the busy 21st century and experience a different lifestyle. When visitors

come to the Bauer Farmstead, they will interact with the environment much like


the Bauers did in the mid 19th century. Visitors will be able to experience a night

sky that may be unavailable in urban areas. There is also a potential for

reestablishing the native landscape.

Conclusion

The Bauer Farmstead is significant because of the values associated with it. By

discussing the historical, architectural, cultural, and educational values, one is

able to understand the importance of maintaining and improving the current

conditions of the Bauer Farmstead.

Preservation Objectives

After completing an evaluation of the historical, architectural, and related

values associated with the Bauer Farmstead, we believe it has the potential to

be a comprehensive educational tool for teaching efficiency, sustainability,

conservation, and traditional craftsmanship. The project of conserving the Bauer

Farmstead could benefit the community and students by allowing people to

work on the building through training programs lead by skilled professionals.

The long-term treatment approach recommended at the Bauer Farmstead will

be to conserve and stabilize the building while also making necessary changes

for functionality and to meet the requirements of possible new uses. This is

rehabilitation by definition, except the intention here is to be sure all changes

display great respect for the resource values described above. Consequently,

upgrades and improvements to Bauer house, such as electrical wiring and

HVAC, are not recommended. Instead, this HSR recommends a very light touch

with minimal restoration, just enough to bring the building to a state of good

repair and safety for users. Decisions are to be guided by the surviving physical

conditions and informed by the historical photos from the mid-20th century. The

resulting physical appearance thus will be the last known period of good repair,

approximately 10 – 20 years before TPWD took ownership in 1974.


The local community, students, and volunteers might be engaged to do many of

the necessary preservation treatments and repairs to the Bauer house.

Educational programs that offer hands on experience of craftsmanship might be

a possible venue.

Anticipated future uses will need sewage and potable water for Park staff and

visitors/ users. However, these improvements should not be inserted into the

house. A nearby structure will best accommodate needs for new use. At the

planning session on 26 March, TPWD expressed interest in innovative ideas that

might allow the Bauer house to be more sustainable, energy efficient and

perhaps even “off the grid,” meaning self sufficient with regard to electricity and

water use. Site additions for such things as toilets, PV panels, battery storage,

cooking area and water catchments will need to be designed and placed in a

way that will not diminish or compromise the resource values.

This addition to the Farmstead ought to be separate so the existing structure can

maintain the historic appearance and integrity.

The value of the surviving cultural landscape is very high, so roads, historic

vegetation, land forms and features should match the circa 1960 period of

physical appearance for the house. Keeping the landscape, views, and

structures to their historic appearance will allow the public, staff, and volunteers

to enjoy all the resource values expressed above.

The Bauer Farmstead has great potential to be a wonderful and innovative

experience for multiple audiences. The building and grounds have sufficient

surviving integrity for a rehabilitation treatment to support residential or office/

meeting usage with appropriate safety, while retaining the historical feel of the

place.

i Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/.

Physical Work and Preservation Treatment Recommendations 9.1

Physical Work and Preservation Treatment Recommendations

Preservation Treatment Recommendations Overview

The work and treatment section is meant to provide solutions to the condition

assessment of the Bauer Residence. This section highlights the treatments necessary to

repair the damaged areas, along with helping to extend the life of the house through

proper maintenance. All investigations were surface observations and no laboratory

analysis of materials was conducted.

In order to, appropriately recommend preservation treatments, two categories were

established as basic treatment options for the Bauer Residence. Option (A) has the

intentions of stabilizing and conserving the residence in order to prevent further

deterioration. Option (B), intends to provide the necessary recommendations to bring

the residence to a condition for basic use. Recommendations in option (B) are

consistent with the programs of use discussed elsewhere in this report.

As a general guideline, before any disassembly of the building elements is

implemented, each individual section to be modified should be carefully documented,

numbered and photographed. The intent behind the procedure is to insure reassembly

that is as close as possible to the existing mid-20th century configuration.

Asbestos testing on rolled flooring and lead paint testing on interior surfaces is

recommended. Hazardous materials require special treatment under professional

guidance with proper cleaning up and waste disposal.

Generally noting, all exposed exterior wood materials should be properly prepared

before any paint is applied. All exposed exterior wood should be painted. All wood

damaged by insects or fungus/mold should be replaced according to the

recommendation option prepared for the specific area, before any preparation and

paint is applied. If no recommendation is specified, wood should be replaced to match

existing species, profile and dimensions. Absolutely no power washing processes should


be used to clean or prep any materials on the residence, as this will drive water into the

building materials and damage the earthen bricks, chinking and lime based mortars

and stucco mixes.

Treatment Recommendations:

Site

Road

Option A: Maintain existing dirt road to keep it from

washing out.

Option B: Repair existing dirt access road to be

functional.

Debris and Artifacts

Option A and B: Remove all debris from site that is a

safety hazard, primarily tripping. Preserve artifacts with

the assistance of a professional archeologist. An

archeological survey of the site should be conducted

before any work begins.

Drainage

Option A and B: Repair and then maintain existing dirt

berms to perform properly and detour water run-off

away from the house. Seek the assistance of a

professional civil engineer.


Fence

Option A: Stabilize and secure existing wood fence

around residence to not be a safety hazard.

Option B: Properly repair and restore existing wood

fence around residence to working order. The fence

should be restored to its last period of good condition

with in-kind wood to match historic reference

photographs. Remove fence added under TPWD circa 1995.

Vegetation

Option A: Trim and maintain over grown vegetation

that is impeding on the house including all vegetation

that is near the house. Kill all vegetation that is causing

harm to the structure; specifically including the tree

that is penetrating through the window frame and trim

on the west façade and additional tree that is located

nearest to the west façade.

Option B: Same recommendation stated in (A), and replant vegetation that is

historically appropriate to the site. (See historic photos for reference on mid 19th

century appearance).


House

Foundation and Structure

o Stone Foundation Wall

Option A and B: Rebuild stone foundation wall to historical appearance

with proper historical mortar mix. Finished wall needs to have structural

functionality. A mortar analysis is

recommended by a material

conservation lab before actions are

taken. Full reassembly appears readily

achievable, but utilize stones on site as

necessary to provide any infill needed to

complete the stone foundation wall.

o Timber Sill Plates

Option A and B: Replace and rebuild

deteriorated timber sill plates to match

existing with in-kind wood on the south

and east porches and north façade wall

using historical methods and joinery.

Species identification is needed to identify the timber species and type for

appropriate replacement of any wood. Exposed wood should be properly

prepared and painted. Using traditional methods and joinery will give

educational opportunities to a construction field school. (See section 8,

Values and Objectives).

o Framing

Option A: Inspect and repair damage.


Option B: Same as option A, add insulation that will not cause damage to

historic materials or diminish value.

o Stairs

Option A: Stabilize stairs located on the

southwest of the house that connect to

the south porch. Wood should be

properly prepared and painted.

Option B: Repair stairs and handrails

located on the southwest of the house

that connect to the south porch using historical methods and joinery.

Install historically appropriate handrails with in-kind wood per historic

photograph on all porches using historical methods and joinery for

educational purposes. Wood should be properly prepared and painted.

o Columns

Option A and B: Re-secure timber

columns located on the south and east

porches to historical appearance per

historical photograph and physical

evidence. Timber columns should be


o Decking

Option A: Disassemble, salvage and

stabilize structurally sound and

undamaged deck boards to deck


framing located on the south and east porches. While decking is

removed, properly inspect the framing on the east porch and make

repairs if necessary. Replace and rebuild the unstable and damaged

portions of the porch decking.

Option B: Same recommendations as stated in (A); however, historically

appropriate methods, joinery, and in-kind wood should be used.

Exterior Walls

o Metal Skirt

Option A: Re-secure historic pressed

metal skirt on all facades for safety. Close

voids with vermin screen where necessary

to allow ventilation while protecting the

crawlspace.

Option B: Address rust condition and

prevent further deterioration. Complete metal skirt where voids are found

with in-kind product if available.

o Wood Siding

Option A and B: Disassemble, salvage and replace bottom three wood

boards at the base of the north, west and east facades to match existing

with in-kind wood. Re-secure wood siding

boards on the north and east façades

that have detached. Do not reuse wood

damaged by fungus or molds. Replace

all wood damaged by fungus/mold or


insects to match existing with in-kind wood. All wood siding should be


o Fachwerk

Option A: Cover exposed and damaged

fachwerk on the south façade with

marine grade plywood to keep from

exposure and protect from weather.

Salvage debris that has archeological

value.

Option B: Refill and repair fachwerk with historically appropriate mud

bricks. Make new mud brick as needed following historically appropriate

methods and joinery for educational objectives. Install historically

appropriate plaster on the south façade per the historical photographs

and physical evidence to match existing, adjacent plaster.

Windows and Doors

o Windows

Option A: Remove existing protective

plywood covering windows and install

new marine grade plywood reusing

existing hardware and 2x4’s if possible.

Add insect proof vents to plywood for

proper ventilation to mitigate interior

mold growth. Reinstall and secure shutter on the attic opening. If the

shutter has no structural integrity, secure opening as described above,

except surface screwed from the exterior. Keep the old shutter as an

artifact tagged with an identification label and store it within the house.


Option B: Remove boarding on all

windows. Disassembly and inspect all

window parts. Repair and replace any

damaged parts with in-kind materials

and historically appropriate methods

and joinery. Reinstall windows that have

been previously removed and replace all missing and broken glass panes.

o Exterior Trim

Option A and B: Replace deteriorated

wood trim and window sills around and

within all window openings to mitigate

the spread of fungus and mold growth.

o Doors

Option A: Remove damaged screen door

on the south façade, attach an

identification label and store within the

house. Secure all exterior doors to keep

them shut. Prepare and paint all exterior

doors and inspect hardware. Damaged

hardware should be replaced to match existing.

Option B: Restore damaged screen door on the south façade. Prepare

and paint all interior doors and inspect hardware. Damaged hardware

should be replaced to match existing, if available.


Roof

Option A: Repair west and north façade soffits and replace all damaged soffit

boards with in-kind wood. Install new gutters on north and west facades.

Replace damaged corrugated metal roof panels and install new matching

corrugated metal roof panels where panels are

missing. Re-secure roof panels that are in good

condition. Recover east porch roof with new

matching corrugated metal roof panels. Re-

secure ceiling bead boards located on the east

porch. A sample of the wood shingles should be

labeled and kept in the house for future

reference.

Option B: In order to maintain the historic

integrity of the structure, the remaining shingles

should be retained, if possible. New corrugated

metal panels should be installed on the roof.

The attic floor should be insulated with an appropriate type of insulation that

does not damage or diminish the historical significance of the house.

Interior

Option A: Clean, disinfect, and sanitize all

interior surfaces. Utilize borate cleaning

products; gentlest means possible. Remove

deteriorated textiles. Evacuate all animals.

Preserve all artifacts.

Option B: Same as option A. Sheet flooring should be tested for asbestos and

properly removed and discarded. Walls in room 101 should be reconstructed to

match existing. Cracks and holes on plaster walls should be filled with historically

appropriate plaster to match existing. Plaster walls should be painted. All holes in


walls should be covered to match existing materials. All interior wallboard should

be removed, inspected for mold and replaced with new paperless wallboard to

match existing dimension. Clean all surfaces

behind wallboard with borate detergents to kill

mold. All wainscoting should be reattached. All

interior wood surfaces should be properly

prepared and painted. Cabinet surfacing in

room 106 should be replaced to match existing

with in-kind material if available.

Design Ideas for New Use 10.1

Design Ideas for New Use

Design Ideas Summary

In order to rehabilitate the Bauer’s Farmstead, general construction phases were

developed. The education-based repairs and Improvements are designed to

span over several years of development. Future students and professional

instructors should have with a timeline based agenda that will provide specific

guidance for the repairs. Rehabilitation is recommended to provide the

residence with the necessary construction to bring it to a condition that will be

suitable for basic use, including office, meeting, and an education area. Use as

a residence is also considered as a possibility.

Phase One

The objective during phase one will be to prepare, stabilize and make necessary

repairs to the site for future construction. Phase one is separated into four

consecutive projects. The recommended work will require the expertise of

various professions, such as archeologists and civil engineers.

1. An archeological survey and excavation of the site is necessary before

any new construction takes place. Loose artifacts should be

documented, preserved and stored appropriately with the assistance of a

professional archaeologist.

2. In order to begin new construction, a marshaling yard and temporary

parking area should be prepared on the proposed site.

3. Repair the existing dirt berms and dirt road to facilitate good drainage,

especially to direct water away from the house. All vegetation damaging

the structure should be properly removed and all other vegetation should

be trimmed.

4. The existing wood fence around the house should be restored to working

order. This repair and restoration may require specialized craftsmanship.


Phase Two

The objective under phase two will be to prepare, stabilize and make necessary

repairs for the rehabilitation of the main structure. Phase two will be separated

into five consecutive projects. All of these phases can be assisted or completed

by master craftsmen overseeing volunteers and students, possibly in a tuition fee

structured program.

1. All exterior problems listed in section 9, treatment recommendations,

should be addressed. The recommended professional for each project is

determined in the treatment recommendations section. All professionals

and craftsman can be assisted by a higher educational program under

the architecture and/or construction disciplines.

2. All securing boards and bolts on doors and windows should be removed.

All windows and doors should be inspected and repaired if necessary.

Specialists in restoration carpentry will be needed.

3. Install new corrugated metal panels in applicable areas on roof.

4. All interior surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected. Mold may need to

be removed by a professional mold removal specialist. All rolled flooring

materials, surfacing and glues should be tested for asbestos and properly

removed. Paint should be tested for lead.

Phase Three

The objective under phase three will be to accommodate necessary functions

into a new sustainable energy efficient structure. For a public use, a new building

will include a restroom and storage. For a residential use, a new building will

include a bathroom, kitchen and storage. Solar hot water and photovoltaic

electric generation is included In the new construction.

See images below:


1. Proposed Site Plan

Plan North 0 15 30 60

Key Notes A - Existing Bauer Residence B - Existing structure to be reconstructed and restored for storage. C - Proposed location of construction marshaling yard D - Existing access road E - Existing wind mill F - Existing water retention tank G - Southern edge of house H - Western edge of house I - Existing trees J - Proposed area for new construction. Field verify location within radius. K - Minimal distance possible, with respect for house and cultural landscape L - Existing fence M - Proposed accessible route from existing access road to residence


2. Proposed new construction utility structure for residential use.

Plan North 0 3 6 12

Key Notes A - Existing Bauer Residence B - New Construction and site improvements C - Bathroom D - Mechanical and utility storage E - Kitchen


3. Proposed new construction utility structure for office, meeting, and

educational use.

Plan North 0 3 6 12

Key Notes A - Existing Bauer Residence B - New Construction and site improvements C - Bathroom D - Mechanical and utility storage

Phase Four

The objective under phase four will be to implement more sustainable products

and concepts into the whole project in order to demonstrate an environmentally

conscious lifestyle and to conserve the historical significance of the residence

and the quality of remoteness. For new technologies related to solar power,

insulation and weatherization, consider seeking donations from local suppliers

who wish to demonstrate their products.


1. A water catchment system can be implemented on site by collecting

rainwater runoff from the existing roof structure. System will route the water

from the roof into the existing smaller cistern located on site. The cistern will

need repairs and proper cleaning for grey water storage. The water that is

collected can then be used for landscape or other grey (non-potable)

applications.

Specific installation techniques (highlighting the connection between the

house and the cistern) can provide a learning experience about water

catchment and its important impact to our environment.

2. The windmill will need general repair from a qualified technician. Repair

work should include maintenance to the bearings and gear box,

reconnecting the pump system attached to the well to the windmill, and

prep / paint to protect the windmill from natural elements. Specific

installation techniques (highlighting the connection between the solar

water heater and the facility with inlet and outlet temperature gauges)

can provide a learning experience about water catchment and it’s

important impact to our environment.

3. Install a solar water heater unit that can be used to heat the water. The

unit will need to be provided with a low voltage pump. The installation

can be performed by skilled volunteer labor. Consider use of DC current.

Students from a high school or university level can volunteer by providing

assistance of fabricating the heater under guidance of experienced

craftsmen.

4. The photo voltaic system will need to meet the required energy usage

needed on site. A storage unit will be required for night energy activities.

This can be an opportunity for volunteers to install the system to a structure

that will provide an educational experience. Students can learn how the

system works and how it can be adapted to any structure that requires

electricity. The array will need to be wired and tuned by a photovoltaic

specialist, who will need to also provide service on the battery storage

system and monitoring system.


Sample Design Layout of Bauer House

1. Floor Plan of Bauer Residence - Office, Meeting and Educational Use

A B

E D C


Key Notes A - Storage B - Storage C – Meeting/Multi-Function Space D – Reception Office E – Office Storage


2. Floor Plan of Bauer Residence - Residential Use

A B

E D C


Key Notes A - Study B – Storage, Clothes C – Bedroom D – Sitting/Crafts E – Eating/Dry Storage

Bibliography Carmack, George. "Guadalupe River State Park," San Antonio Express News, August 13, 1977. Cordes, Dennis. Office Memorandum, October 18, 1983. Freeman, Martha Doty. A History of Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek Natural Area. Austin: Texas Parks and Wildlife, 1997. Jordan, Terry J. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/GG/png2.html (accessed 13 February 2010.) Jordan, Terry. Texas Log Buildings: A Folk Architecture. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1978. McCallum, Frances T. “TSHA,” Available from http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/BB/aob1.html (accessed 13 February 2010.) National Park Service, " The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties," http://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_4_2.htm (accessed 14 April 2010.) Osborne, Lynn. "Historical Report- Guadalupe River," 1975. Robinson, Willard B. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/AA/cmask.html. Internet;(accessed 14 February 2010.) Slaton, Deborah. Preservation Brief 43, “The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports.” Washington, DC: National Park Service, 2005. Texas Historical Commission, "The Antiquities Code of Texas," http://www.thc.state.tx.us/rulesregs/RulesRegsPDF/AntiqCode.pdf (accessed 13 April 2010.) Texas Historical Commission, "State Archeological Landmarks," http://www.thc.state.tx.us/markerdesigs/madsal.shtml (accessed 13 April 2010.) Texas Historical Commission, "Providing Access to Historic Properties", http://www.thc.state.tx.us/historicprop/hpada.shtml (accessed 13 April 2010). Texas State Historical Association, “German Vernacular Architecture,” http://tshaonline/handbook/online/articles/GG/cbg1.html (accessed April 26,

2010). Texas State Historical Association, “Land Grants,” http://tshaonline/handbook/ online/articles/LL/mpl1.html (accessed April 26, 2010). Von-Maszewski, W.M. Handbook and Registry of German-Texan Heritage. Austin: German Texas Heritage Society, 1978.

Appendix A Martha Doty Freeman, History of Guadalupe River State Park, 1997

Appendix B:

Lynn Osborne Historical Report, 1975

Appendix C:

Dennis Cordes Office Memorandum, October 18,1983

'~~

r'

\

COORDINATION - ROUTING

JFFICE MEMORANDUM ORG, NAME INITIAL DATE

Muckelroy

t TO.Lea Huth Lea Huth

~OM: Dennis Cordes, ArchitectHistoric Sites and Restoration

JEeT: Bauer House nrl'rl\/Cn11 L_VL.I V L.L.I

RE: Guadalupe River S.P. n0T 0 n 10QlREMARKS;

-uv t.,JV

lATE: October 18, 1983GU"OALUPf nlVER ~T AH ,oMr,

Ul:nGt1[1rrl. rx i% ..~'i

'"

RETURN TO;

Enclosed is a copy of:

1. The Historical Report from the master plan.

2. Notes on Architectural Investigation of April-May 1982 for eachof the thr~e house structures.

3. Measured drawings of the Bauer house.

t e; We have a small amount of research material, two 1920' s photos andof people that were contacted for ,information, here in our files.welcome to come up and go through them any time.

a listYou are

The house is not locked up now, so to avoid vandalism please mount a surface]mounted hasp and padlock on one exterior door and a barrel bolt or hasp on ~the interior side of the remaining doors. Please do not nail them shut asthis severely damages both doors and trim.

The house is planned to be adapted as another park residence so protectionand preservation of the house is very important. Architectural plans havebeen prepared to about 70% of completion but have been "put on the shelf"because of other funding priorities. Hopefully that won't be too long, butit could be a year or more. In the interim please check the building peri-odically for roof leaks and vandalism.

~I hope this information will be helpful to you, so you know what backgro~ndthe Bauer house has. It is one of only two buildings in Department posses-sion tllat has fachwerk construction, the other is at Monument Hi11-KreischeBrewery S.H.P. I don't think it would be a good idea to direct park visitorsto this building since we are trying to protect it, but if they have seen itand ask about it, you should be able to tell them a little more now.

If you need any more information, please don't hesitate to call.

~ 4(, Sincerely,

~~

Dennis Cordes

:J JG (Rev, 5(77) 6000

',&.

r~'.

Bauer House4t The Bauer House is the oldest of the three residences in the Guadalupe

River State Park. The largest portion of this house was constructedin 1878. Like the Richter House across the river it has evolved overtime, though not nearly as much as one might expect from looking atthe construction techniques alone. The Bauer House is architecturallysignificant for its use of four distinct building technologies. Contraryto initial impressions three construction techniques were used simulta-neously in the original structure. All indications are that the logroom, the adjacent fachwerk room, the long narrow north room and thesouth porch were constructed at one time.The first evidence to support this conclusion is the continuous limestoneand mortar footing which follows the perimeter of these rooms. (It isperhaps only coincidental that this footing is very nearly square, showingan inclination for simple geometries.) An investigation of the floorframing system shows that the mortised joints in the supporting beamsdo not correspond to intersections of the rooms above (see MeasuredDrawings). The framing of this central portion of the house is an inte-grated system. Even the front porch was framed before the walls wereraised.

t.

There is also a logic to the building section. The original structureis essentially sy~netrical around its east-west axis. The roof is framedin two sections. A first set of rafters springs from a plate two feetabove the floor of the loft. A second set of rafters springs from theplates at the front porch and north· room. These bear down on the firstset of rafters approximately four 'feet above the spring point of thesefirst rafters. This creates a gap of six to ten inches between the topof the log and fachwerk walls and the roof above (see Measured Drawings).The gap thus created was presumably to provide ventiliation to the loftarea. This function was precluded when the ceilings of the south porchand the north room were sheathed with beaded board siding. That theset~o areas existed without these dropped ceilings for a while is clear.The troweled plaster finish on the exteriors of the log and fachwerkwalls continues two feet above the board ceilings to the plates above.Despite the near symmetry of this section, the north room apparentlynever existed as a porch mirroring the one to the south. The north-south orientation of the floor joists in this room implies that theflooring has always run parallel to the rear walls of the house. Thisbeing the case, it is unlikely that this area was ever exposed to theweather. In fact, it appears that all four of the windows in the northroom--only two of which match--were added at a later date. The onlynatural light to this room was originally provided by the two exteriordoors positioned axially with the other doors in the log and fachwerkrooms to allow direct through ventilation.

s ,There are, at this time, still some unanswered questions about the northroom. Although it appears to be one of the original rooms of the house,its floor slope is not consistent with the rest of the house. The thres-holds of doors twelve and fifteen have been removed to reveal the originalfloor joists several inches below the present floor (see Photographs

---

and Measured Drawings). It appears that the footing for the north wallis about four inches above the level of the rest of the house causingthe floor in the north room to slope down into the other rooms. Itis unlikely that subsidence could account for this much variation inlevel. Later remodeling of this room included the removal of the originalfloor decking, the installation of new level floor joists and new floordecking. 'This created the four inch step which one climbs when enteringthe room. It is- unclear at this time whether the cypress floor at theeast end of this room dates to this remodeling or if perh~ps it is areused portion of the original flooring.All walls in the north room are sheathed with one half inch gypsum board.This conceals a one by twelve inch pine sheathing on the north, eastand west walls. On the south wall gypsum board is mounted on five inchwide shiplap furring strips. The walls of the fachwerk ~oom have beenresurfaced with a cement plaster, metal lath and wood furring strips.The cement plaster, gypsum board and wood furring strips account foran increased wall thickness. Compensation for this change in thicknessappears in all the door and window jambs in these rooms.According to historical accounts (see Research by Lynn Osborne); thekitchen and the east porch additions were built between 1911 and 1914.Several exterior'sheathings were used before and after this time reflectingboth functional and stylistic considerations. The north and south wallsof the log and fachwerk rooms, which are protected from the weather bythe porch and north room, have a plaster finish. What appears to bethe oldest existing wood siding is on the north side of the house.This one by five and one half inch siding is now installed with simplebutt joints. But paint markings and previous nail patterns indicatethat this siding was previously used with lap joints. It appears thatthis siding was removed to install a building paper moisture barrierand then replaced to the same area from which had been removed.The east and west ends of the house are clad in a five inch shiplapsiding (Pattern 113). It is uncetain at this time whether or not thisis an ~riginal siding. It was however installed before 1914 for itextends continously behind the kitchen addition. The siding behindthe addition is now concealed behind one half inch gypsum board. Thekitchen addition also uses this same siding pattern.The siding on the east side of the house was replaced, presumably forstylistic reasons, when the east porch was built. The east porch roofis support~d by a more delicate column than the south porch and isdecorated with brackets. The pattern 117 shiplap siding chosen tocompliment this Victorian porch extends only to the height where theporch roof meets the east wall. Above this height the pattern 113shiplap siding is still intact.

A sheet metal skirt is used around the base of the kitchen and the east porch,This is the same seven inch ashlar pattern used on the other two housesin the park.Generally this house is in excellent condition with very little evidenceof settling or water and insect damage. The only failure in the plaster

occurs at the joint in the south wall between the log and farchwerkconstruction. This wall is leaning slightly outwards, but some of thisdeformation appears to be built into the structure.

I . ~.

Appendix D:

Planning Session Findings

Planning Session Findings D.1

Planning Session Findings

March 26, 2010, 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

On March 26, 2010, members of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,

members of the Friends of Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek State

Natural Area, and the Spring 2010 UTSA Historic Preservation Seminar class led by

Professor William A. Dupont met to discuss the importance of the Bauer

Farmstead and its future in the hands of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

During this facilitated planning session, the physical description of the house was

discussed, along with historical significance, the chronology of the house, and

current conditions. Also discussed was the property significance and importance

and values that the Bauer House represents for the Texas Parks and Wildlife

Department and for Texans. Lastly, there was discussion of future uses and how

those uses could be realized. The goal of this meeting was to figure out why the

Bauer House is an important resource and to try to find ways in which to

rehabilitate the house in some fashion. This meeting was focused around

“brainstorming;” brainstorming for ways in which the Bauer Farmstead could

become useful once again, while protecting what was considered significant

and important about the Farmstead.

I. In Attendance

William A. Dupont, Professor, UTSA College of Architecture

UTSA Historic Preservation Seminar Class:

Amy Estes

Derrik Godwin

Casey Johnson

Rosanna Luke

Adriana Munoz

Courtney Widacki

Cynthia Barandimarte, PhD, Director, Historic Sites and Structures, TPWD

Scott Taylor, Park Superintendent, TPWD


Dennis Gerow, Architect, TPWD

Chris Dooley, Park Ranger, TPWD

Tom Anderson, President of local Friends group

Bryden Moon, Amateur Historian, and member of Friends group

II. Historical Significance and Physical Description presentations

A. Amy Estes presented a brief powerpoint on the historical significance

of the Bauer House

B. Derrik Godwin presented a brief powerpoint over the current physical

description

III. Preliminary Findings of Condition and Chronology

A. Professor Dupont presented the preliminary findings of the condition

and chronology of the Bauer House

Figure One: Group discussion during the planning session

From left to right: Derrk Godwin, Tom Anderson, Chris Dooley, Dennis Gerow,

Cynthia Brandimarte, Scott Taylor, Bryden Moon, Casey Johnson, Courtney

Widacki, Amy Estes, Rosanna Luke


IV. Discussion of Property Significance and Importance

A. Values

The values listed below were discussed during the meeting. The Bauer

Farmstead holds certain values for the park staff, Texas Parks and Wildlife

Department, and for Texans. The objective of this section is to identify the

core values that are associated with the Bauer Farmstead and come up

with ways to protect these values, and, at the same time, find a new use

for the Bauer Farmstead.

a. Holistic

i. In the context of increasing encroachment and

fragmentation, the Bauer House will stay intact because

it is the property of Texas

b. Will become an increasingly unique and non-renewable

resource

c. Educational

i. There are educational aspects that are appropriate for

all ages

1. Explore and study Texas History

ii. Future field school site

iii. The house itself is an artifact, therefore needs to be

accessible to the public

d. Fine example of German Vernacular

i. German residential example

ii. In state’s control

e. Feeling of remoteness

f. In real context, as an un-restored house

g. Authentic

h. Archaeological value in context

i. Individual craftsmanship, construction details important

j. Ruins value—untouched time capsule

k. Appreciation of heritage conservation (as a process or field)


l. Protection of rural historic landscape in Texas

m. Intact resource for current and future residents

n. Diachronic view of history

o. Relative quality value

i. In comparison to other houses of same era

p. Economic value

i. Currently a negative value

ii. Possible positive value in the future

q. Tourist value

i. Regular park tour vs. heritage tour

ii. Discovery value

iii. Local heritage (regional, stop along regional tour)

r. Environmental

i. Restoration of grounds

ii. Limited by endangered animals that live near/on

grounds

iii. Lessons can be learned by how Bauers lived (green

living)

iv. Sustainability/survival

v. Water cachment

vi. Case study value, innovative

vii. Aesthetic and romantic value


Figure Two: Professor Dupont writing down discussion topics.

V. Legal, Political, and Financial Context

Before doing anything to the Bauer House, we must know what sort of laws and

codes need to be followed. Understanding the political and financial context of

the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is also important. By doing so, we will be

able to suggest the most appropriate and fruitful future uses for the Bauer

Farmstead.

A. Must work within objects and goals of the TPWD

a. Funding tied to plans, must be relevant to TPWD mission

b. TPWD Land and Water Plan: geared towards conservation and

environmentalism

B. Codes

a. ADA

b. Texas Antiquities Code

c. UBC and 2006 IBC

C. Part of TPWD stabilization program

D. Private Donations through organizations like the Friends group

E. Volunteer and internship programs possible

F. Marketing awareness

VI. Existing Physical Capacity and Capacity of Resource

By discussing current conditions and the capacity of the Bauer Farmstead, better

future uses will be discussed.

A. Good bones

B. No technology (e.g. heat, A. C.)

C. Currently there is a limited capacity

D. There is a strong cultural landscape

VII. Possible Future Uses

A. Status quo

a. Stabilization


b. Minimal conservation

B. Lease to concessionaire

a. example: weekend retreat for park users

C. Conversion for residential use for park staff

D. Retail shop to serve visitors

E. Museum

F. Day use

a. Multipurpose building

b. Interpretive center

c. Remote orientation

G. Living history interpretation

H. Innovative case study—“off the grid”*

I. Artist/Writer retreat

*The most plausible, achievable and desirable future use is the innovative case

study. Discussion of allowing a person to live at the Bauer Farmstead while

helping with the maintenance and general upkeep was met with enthusiasm.

This person would also be able to act as a living history guide during their stay at

the Bauer Farmstead. The case study would be considered “off the grid”

because the Bauer House would still not have utilities, such as heating and air

conditioning.


Figure Three: Discussion of the layout of the Bauer House led by Professor Dupont.

VIII. Next Steps

A. More chronology—Amy Estes

a. Dendrochronology—Derrik Godwin

B. Oral interviews—Courtney Widacki

C. Tax records—Amy Estes

D. Historic photos—From Bryden Moon

E. Phone numbers of living descents—From Bryden Moon

F. Investigation into sustainability initiatives—Casey Johnson

G. More information on protection of rural landscapes—Unassigned

H. Issue findings of this planning session—Rosanna Luke


Figure Four: Professor Dupont leading the discussion.

Appendix E:

Deed Records

�

Appendix F:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Drawings, 1982

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