University completes preservation of historic Bingham House

Ohio University recently completed a small but necessary project to protect and extend the longevity of the historic Bingham House. This effort was the last of several recent, key undertakings aimed at protecting this community icon.

“The Bingham House has a rich history, not just at Oho University but within the City of Athens,” said Steve Wood, chief facilities officer. “The University is committed to the maintenance and preservation of the house for future generations to enjoy and admire.”

The Bingham House project is a mixture of repair and preservation efforts to the structure managed by Ohio University Facilities Maintenance. Initial steps were taken in the spring of 2018, when the entire cabin roof was replaced due to numerous water intrusions. All old roofing material was removed down to the rafters, and new sheathing, ice and water guard coverings, and composite cedar shakes were installed. The chimney was re-tuck pointed and re-flashed. For additional protection of the house, new copper gutters and down spouts were added to divert water away from the building’s foundation.

In the spring of 2020, a project was initiated to make repairs to the house’s exterior that focused on issues with the deteriorating chinking and water-damaged timbers. The contractor selected has over 30 years of experience in professionally building and restoring log homes. The entire exterior was cleaned and the logs brought back to their natural state. One timber that showed signs of serious water damage was re-faced to prevent further deterioration of the entire log.

The chinking installed when the building was moved to its current site in 1987 was removed, as was a mortar mixture that had been used to make repairs to water-damaged areas of the timbers in the past. Once cleaned, the logs were sealed and new chinking was put into place.

New window trim was installed and the siding on the gables was cleaned and painted. New doors will be installed in both the front and rear of the building. Two coats of protective coating will be added once the entire exterior is complete to protect and preserve the exposed wood.

“The focus of these efforts was to maintain the original material wherever possible and not make a change that couldn’t be undone,” said Jeff McGlamery, associate director of maintenance and operations. “I am confident that this project successfully fulfilled this objective.”

Published

August 18, 2020

Author

From Staff Reports

History of the Bingham House

Located at the intersection of South Green Drive and Richland Avenue in Athens, Ohio, the house was originally constructed around 1803 and first located on South College Street. Bingham House is believed to have been built by and the home of Silas Bingham, a Revolutionary War hero, successful businessman, and the first sheriff of Athens County.

The house, with its hand-hewn yellow poplar logs, has served as a tavern, inn, and Athens County’s first courthouse, according to the book Athens by Richard Straw.

The log structure was the residence of Robert G. Wilson, the third president of Ohio University. John Newton Templeton, who became the University’s first black graduate in 1828, also lived there with President Wilson and his family.

In 1853, the house was moved to 118 E. State Street. In 1987, it was moved again to its present site after the community, campus, and Athens County Historical Society and Museum raised the funds for it to be dismantled and relocated.