Building the Walls
Building the Walls
Flat-sided sandstone pieces were selected for the walls and is the origin of the term “stone slab construction” because the ideal stones used for walls would have the appearance of flat slabs.
First, the base of the wall was laid to form the perimeter of the building. The walls were typically at least 2 feet thick; this thickness was necessary to provide enough stability to keep the wall from falling over.
The Hutmachers used a mortar consisting of clay, water and manure. Manure acted as binder to keep the mortar together as it dried. Family members say the clay, water and manure was put into a shallow pit and a horse was walked through the pit to mix the materials.
As walls were built, stones were fitted together as tightly as possible. The strength of the wall depended on how well they fit. Mud mortar filled gaps between stones. The main function of the mortar was to prevent air infiltration and to help keep the stones in place.
Wood beams were used as headers to support the stone above the doors and windows.
New rooms were added by building a new wall against the exterior wall on one end of the building using the same construction technique.
Building the Walls
