We are pleased to share that a series of much-needed repairs and improvements were recently completed at The Company of Fifers & Drummers' Museum and Headquarters.
These efforts were made possible through the skilled work of Beard Building Company, led by Aaron Beard. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Aaron for his excellent leadership and meticulous attention to detail throughout this project.
The work addressed a variety of structural and functional needs, ensuring the longevity and safety of our historic building. Below is a summary of the improvements made:
- Enhanced the back kitchen door area: Added a 20-inch extension to the top of the concrete knee wall. This involved cutting a keyway, reinforcing with ½-inch rebar, pouring concrete, and removing the forms.
- Installed four new window wells: Added window wells on the north-facing windows to improve drainage and protection.
- Built a small stone wall: Constructed a wall at the end of the concrete knee wall to maintain proper grading and drainage.
- Graded and seeded the grounds: Delivered and spread 16 yards of screened fill and approximately 20 yards of topsoil, grading the area with a tractor and hand-raking. Thin areas near the road were top-dressed with soil and seeded. Applied grass seed and straw to all new topsoil.
- Repaired a downspout and cleaned gutters: Re-attached a downspout near the driveway parking area. Cleaned out north-facing upper gutters and installed gutter guards to prevent debris buildup.
- Replaced a damaged outdoor outlet: Installed a weatherproof outlet and re-attached the floodlight above the museum door leading to the parking lot.
- Addressed water damage: Removed and replaced trim above the side entrance roof, installed a new drip edge, and painted the trim to match the building.
- Repaired foundation sections: Poured a concrete base, installed new ¾-inch exterior plywood, scribed trim to the stonework, added batons, and painted the areas to match the building.
- Filled old chimney flue and pipe holes: Used stone and mortar to seal these areas and maintain structural integrity.
- Repaired and reinforced deck stairs: Removed, leveled, and secured posts with concrete anchors. Reconstructed the stairs and set them in crushed stone for long-term stability.
A Look at the Repairs
Below, you’ll find photos showcasing the incredible work completed by Beard Building Company. These images highlight the improvements made to the building, from structural repairs to landscaping enhancements. We hope they give you a sense of the care and craftsmanship that went into preserving our headquarters.
We are immensely grateful for the professionalism and care that Beard Building Company brought to this project. The improvements will serve The Company of Fifers & Drummers and the Fife and Drum community for years to come.
We also want to thank our members and supporters whose contributions help us maintain and preserve this historic space. Together, we continue to honor the legacy of fifing and drumming while ensuring our headquarters remains a welcoming place for all.