Hello and question on old garage

[ebg338]

Hi everyone, been a lurker for a while and have thoroughly enjoyed the forum. Great source of info.

Finally starting on my garage project. It’s 35 deep and 30 wide with 16 ft ceiling at the peak and was built in the early 1900s. A real beauty, don’t see them built like this anymore. I’ve done a good deal of roof work/repair and am now getting to the inside.

my question is does anyone know the purpose of the square hole and 2 wooden 2 by 4s in the floor. They’re original to the construction. The square hole is empty and goes down about a foot and is lined by a board on each side. Very curious about it so wondering if any of the experienced folks on this forum may have a thought about it’s purpose. Including some pics of the floor as well as the garage itself. Love the big cedar trusses. Any feedback/thoughts would be greatly appreciated and thanks for a great forum.
Bill

 

[firebirdparts]

I love the structure and those old trusses.

If I was going to do something like that hole, I would either make it for service reasons, like maybe a water line came up there, or access to a valve below grade, or else I would do it so that I could drop a post in there for some temporary purpose, such as to mount a tool of some sort, or to pull on something.

 

[ebg338]

Thanks much for the response - post for a tool or something is what I was thinking too. Hadn't thought about a water line. Both sides of the garage are pitched to drains that connect to the sewer (not sure if it's connected to the the sewage or rain-water sewer). The drains are definitely original as well. Interesting thought that it could have been for a water supply. A little additional info, my understanding is the garage was built around 1910-1915 and was used for buggy repair.

 

[larry_g]

My first thought was that was for a jib crane post. Is there a support of some kind above it? used for unloading stuff from the outside delivery wagon to the inside. That is not an old tobacco barn is it?

 

[toolmiser]

Consider this a bump. Neat garage, I also like the round trusses. Have you ran a camera into the hole?

 

[SweetD]

Cool garage! Can we see a few more pics of the outside to get an idea of scope? Thanks for posting, will follow if you are so inclined to keep us updated...

Also, what's your general location?

 

[rburke65]

Ni e looking space there! No help on your question….

 

[ebg338]

Thanks for the responses. Not a tobacco barn as far as I know. Carriage/wagon repair and then moving company is my understanding. Nothing above it and the hole goes down about 18 inches and ends. When I cleaned it out I pulled a very old engine valve out of it. Seems it was used as a garbage can for a bit. I think some sort of a jib crane is probably the likely use. Don’t have a purpose for it now so thinking about filling it in with concrete. Location is northern IL. I’ll see about posting some exterior pics. Appreciate the input.