The Sisters officially began the deconstruction of the Marian wing this month. This wing served many purposes over the past 100 years. It was originally constructed to house a girls’ academy where the Sisters taught. Later, it became the infirmary for sick and elderly Sisters. Most recently it served as guest space for our senior Sisters as they relocated from Our Lady of Rickenback as a result of a fire on Easter Sunday. Today it stands as underutilized space that must be heated and maintained. 

These past couple of days, we have had what we call “Community Days” which allows Sisters to have a more relaxed schedule. An irresistable opportunity presented itself when Sr. Sean, our prioress, invited anyone who wished to come help with the deconstruction.

Pulling nails from boards

Pulling nails from boards

 

Equipped with  hammer, screwdrivers, and nail-pullers, we set to work.

The wooden door frames, as well as the doors, are a beautiful maple wood. Some of the trim boards, as in this photo, were found to have “Benedictine Convent” stamped on the back. This dates back to the years immediately following World War I, when this section was completed.

Nails are saved for scrap iron salvage. It’s amazing how heavy a 5-gallon bucket of nails can get!

Shelving, as seen below, had old contact paper on it. This paper is being removed in order to re-use the wood.

 

Removing old contact paper

Removing contact paper and some wiring

 

Also, the white painted tubing shown in the cardboard box is electrical conduits which had served as down-rods for ceiling fans. We’re pulling the wire out of this and taking off the junction boxes. The wire is #12 copper and is also saved for copper salvage. The ceiling fans are mostly about 10 to 15 years old but still work. Items such as these will be set aside for a future sale. 

 

Stay tuned for what comes next!

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