Masonry Construction and Restoration Workshop Wrap-up

Preservation Trades Education for the Pacific Northwest A two day workshop sponsored by the Ritzville Center for Historic Preservation Trades (Center) and Pioneer Masonry Restoration Company entitled Masonry Construction and Restoration was held on May 14-15, 2010, and attended by ten students.  The students included several building owners, an architect, a mason, and some very interested do-it-yourselfers.  Bob Mitchell of Pioneer Masonry lead the workshop.  Mr. Mitchell has worked for Pioneer Masonry since 1974 and is a nationally certified instructor for the International Masonry Institute.  By combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience, Mitchell presented a comprehensive study of the conservation and restoration of historic masonry.   Day One included the necessary background information to understand masonry construction and restoration as well as a discussion of mortar, tools and other materials.  Also included in Day One was a presentation by Paul Tessier of Masonry Products Sales of Everett, Washington.  He provided the latest information on masonry chemicals and retrofit masonry anchors. On Day Two Mr. Mitchell gave a walking tour of the Ritzville Downtown Historic District.  He pointed out the various techniques of masonry as well as the do’s and don’ts of restoration.  Following the walking tour, the students learned to mix and color mortar in preparation for their hands-on exercise.  The group was divided in half, alternating between repointing a section of a wall and repairing a large hole in a wall.  The workshop was well received.  It was the third in a series of workshops designed for workers already in the building trades who want to supplement their knowledge and skills to work on historic preservation projects, students enrolled in a building trades program who want to expand their education to work on historic preservation projects, maintenance employees who have responsibilities to maintain and repair older buildings, historic building/home owners who want to learn how to preserve and maintain their buildings and homes and/or members of historic preservation or landmarks commissions who perform design reviews.

Ritzville Center for Historic Preservation Trades

Ann Olson

P. O. Box 293

Ritzville, WA 99169

509-659-4242

E-mail: tloapo@centurytel.net