The Carson Mansion

In 1950, when the group of forward-thinking community leaders purchased the Carson Mansion from the heir of the Carson family, the building was still in excellent condition. The home, built in 1885, was designed by the Newsome Brothers and built by lumber baron William Carson. The formation of the Ingomar Club has ensured that this stunning home continue to receive the loving care that it so richly deserves. Please be sure to check their web site to see pictures of not only the exterior but also the incredible interior. (www.ingomar.org)

(At right): The Carson Mansion is one of the most photographed homes in America

An Authentic Reproduction

In 2007 a decision was made to expand the doors of the former carriage house to allow for the accommodation of wheelchairs. The carriage house currently houses the pool house and is used regularly. Blue Ox was asked to manufacture mouldings to match the original full two inch by eight inch beaded exterior casing. Fortunately used timbers were found from an old sawmill that had been demolished. These tight grain old growth timbers were the best of the best. After careful de-nailing the timbers were cut to size on our 52 inch circle sawmill. Next, knives were hand-ground to match the pattern on the original casing and the boards were run through our 1940 Yates-American spindle shaper. It took four passes to put the elaborate pattern on these oversize boards.

(At left): Custom door casings in place on the Carson Mansion, before painting.

A Pleasant Task

In the pictures you can see a piece of the moulding on the shaper, and what the doors looked like after the casings were installed, but before they were painted.

It was a real honor for Blue Ox to contribute millwork for this revered and much loved example of Victorian architecture.

(At right): The custom door casings sit atop our 1940 Yates-American Spindle Shaper