Oxford Tree-Ring Laboratory - Maryland


Maryland

Simpkin Coatback

Simpkin Coatback, La Plata, Maryland (38.480133, -76.875029)


Felling Date: Primary House Main BlockWinter 1801/2, Winter 1802/3

Felling Date: Secondary House Shed AdditionSpring 1820, Summer 1820


Site Master 1702-1802 (Tulip Poplar) WCMDx1 (t = 6.94 WCMDx1; 6.89 RCBC3; 6.75 CRMDx1). Site Master 1752-1819 (White Oak) SCMDx2 (t = 6.40 MDZ8; 6.15 CCVAx1; 6.15 BLV). Individual Timber 1726-1802 (White Oak) scmd1 (t = 7.99 RCBC3; 7.66 rickcbar; 7.59 ARC). Individual Timber 1770-1820 (White Oak) scmd15 (t = 7.86 WYMDx1; 6.90 DCAREA2; 6.70 WYDNJx1).


Simpkin Coatback is a larger one-room 11⁄2 story structure (hereafter referred to as the primary phase) was constructed measuring approximately 13’10 wide x 20’3” in length which was attached to the northwest elevation. Soon after this, a one-story addition was constructed to the rear (9’9” deep). The main block structure includes guttering of the corner posts (Cut in an L shape to allow for a smooth wall surface at the corners). Both the main block and shed addition features diagonal downbracing of the frame and evidence of exposed and painted interior framing. Original exterior beaded siding is intact between the main block and the shed addition including boards up to 18” in width. Diagonal downbracing is very common. Guttering, original exterior siding and painted framing elements are rare surviving18th century construction features. (Esther Doyle Read)

Dendrochronological analysis has shown that the main block was constructed from timbers felled in the winter of 1801/2 and winter of 1802/3. The shed addition was constructed from timbers felled in the spring of 1820 and summer of 1820.

Worthington and Seiter 2020 The Tree-Ring Dating of Simpkin Coatback, La Plata, Maryland Tree-Ring Laboratory 2020/01.



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Contact Information

Oxford Tree-Ring Laboratory

Proprietors
Michael Worthington
Jane Seiter, Ph.D

25 E. Montgomery St.
Baltimore, MD 21230

410-929-1520

michael@dendrochronology.com