Model A Ford garage

[bolensboneyard]

Rick. I started this project about this time last year. When it gets into summer the heat is miserable and the water is sucked out of the brick faster than you can mud them up. Makes for a poor joint so it was work as soon as the weather gets warm enough or do a poor job. I spent most of my time on my knees during the colder season. Real rough on a 75 year old codger. The gates are circa 1768 and all built without welding. I had to replicate the hinges as they were part missing. I collected old brick from old buildings and cleaned them by hand with a brick hammer. This took a few years in the preparation to get enough of them to complete the job. The design was my own, a compilation of several of the larger plantations in the area from the same period. Oaks in the front are surrounded by Azalais of different colors and of the same period 18th century. It got quite a stir. I met no less than 30 people whom I did not know previously that stopped to complement my work, and to ask if I hired out. I told them I appreciate the offer but just keep busy so I do not rust or have someone throw dirt on me. Great to hear from some of my old friends. Bobby

 

[RickP]

Bobby, that project sounds like a marathon -- I'd forgotten about how you started with cleaning the 600 bricks, but I just went back and read your old posts. Wow, that was a ton of work and it must feel really good to get it finished.

I especially like the way you incorporated those old iron gates into the wall/fence like they'd been there forever. Also, the low brick wall under the white fence is a great detail -- that looks a whole lot better than just a fence, and I'm sure it improves maintenance/longevity by quite a bit.

You have certainly laid your share of bricks around your property! Your brick workshop and this wall are huge accomplishments. Brick work is something I'd like to try someday. I've grouted tile and poured concrete, but never worked with mortar, so I just need to find the right project and tackle it.

Our weather is pretty similar to yours, but not quite as hot in the summer. I feel the same way as you about tackling big outdoor projects in the fall -- that's when I make the most progress on building sheds and clearing woods. Keep up the good work on all your projects!