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Craftsmen Create Old Cap Charm |
RECOLLECTIONS OF CALVIN A.
KNIGHT When the University of Iowa advertised for bids on the 1974 renovation of the Old Capitol, the Viggo M. Jensen Company was immediately interested for we had available the skilled craftsmen necessary for this specialty work. Upon receiving the contract award we had to find a millwork supplier who could furnish the large amount of quality oak, walnut, and clear pine, all custom cut from kiln dried stock. This millwork was manufactured by the Alfred Bloom Company of Omaha, NE and they did a marvelous job. The installation by a crew of finish carpenters with twenty to thirty years experience in fine millwork, all carefully supervised by our General Carpenter Superintendent, Harold Brender. Some of the walnut railings were hand carved on the job. In removing the plaster from the walls we discovered a number of fireplaces that had been covered in previous remodeling work. Apparently each room had its own fireplace for wood burning. Now almost thirty years after this project's completion there is another procurement problem that comes to mind: Finding a supplier for the finish hardware: None of the current hardware manufacturers could or would furnish the hand made period hardware. Our research led to a firm in New England only to find that the owner had recently retired and had closed the business. After many phone calls and much coaxing, he was persuaded to return to work to furnish one last job of hand made period hardware which was just perfect for the Old Capitol. The craftsmen on this project were all proud of their workmanship resulting in a high quality finish product for future generations to enjoy. VIGGO M. JENSEN CO. |