Ohio Glass Museum

Historic structures represent an enduring moment in time, a glimpse into the past as well as a celebration of their our present - a shared history as a community and country. Historic preservation gives strength to these structures, assisting them as they pass through generations.

And one such historic gem in need of repair happened to be a humble stucco wall.

Restoring stucco may sound commonplace, even boring, but this particular wall features one of the most prominent figures in American history: son of Lancaster, Ohio, General William Techumseh Sherman.

General Sherman is best known for leading his troops through various southern cities during the American Civil War. He was one of eleven children, born to parents Charles and Mary Sherman, and spent his childhood at their home - now aptly named Sherman Museum, also located in Lancaster.

Local pride for General Sherman shines throughout Lancaster, on street signs, statues, schools, and... a mural on an old stucco wall. And while no single wall - let alone a stucco wall - may seem significant, it is important that we save these souvenirs, not merely to remind us of past adventures and heroes, but to remind us of what opportunities and challenges lay ahead.

To restore this iconic landmark, The Durable Restoration Company completed a stucco restoration. The original metal coping caps on the building - above the stucco walls - were not directing water runoff away and, in some areas, was directing water behind the wall, causing damage. The failed stucco was restored back to sound stucco and damaged clay bricks were removed and replaced with closely-matched salvaged replacements. Completing the repair, new downspouts were installed to direct water past the outer wall.