Restoration Case Study: The Virginia Law Library

Words: Bob Brown
The Virginia Law Library in Lewisburg, West Virginia, is a historic two-story brick building with a rich legacy spanning 190 years, dating back to the Civil War era. Constructed in 1834, it was designed to host the annual July-September sessions of the Virginia Supreme Court, providing a more accessible venue for residents west of the Allegheny Mountains compared to the court’s primary location in Richmond.

During the Civil War, the library building played a significant role. In 1861, Union forces led by Brig. Gen. William Averell were ordered to seize the library’s books and transport them to the federal stronghold in Beverly. However, in 1862, a Confederate force under Col. George Patton successfully defended the library during the Battle of Dry Creek, also known as the Battle of the Law Books. Subsequently, the library served as a field hospital for Confederate soldiers wounded in the Battle of Lewisburg in May 1862. Some of these recovering soldiers left graffiti on the walls, including drawings and the name of a soldier.

Following West Virginia's statehood in 1863, the Virginia Supreme Court continued to meet in Lewisburg until its final session there in August 1864. After the war, the law books from the Lewisburg library were transferred to the new West Virginia Court Library in Wheeling, forming the core of its collection. Over the years, the historic library building has had various uses, serving as a Masonic meeting site, a classroom for Greenbrier College for Women, and a public library, before becoming part of the New River Community and Technical College.

Today, the Greenbrier Historical Society is leading a three-year restoration project to return the 190-year-old law library to its original condition.

Buckeye Construction and Restoration (BCR) was selected by the Greenbrier Historical Society to execute the restoration of the Virginia Law Library. The scope of work included the following tasks:


  • Wooden Shutter Replacement: The deteriorated wooden shutters were removed and replaced with newly crafted shutters, painted to match the original design. These new shutters will be installed in the final stages of the project.

  • Paint Removal: Multiple layers of paint were stripped away to expose the original masonry surface. This process employed safe and effective products and techniques, expertly handled by BCR's trained restoration technicians.

  • Mortar Removal: The existing lime mortar on every elevation of the law library was removed to the specified depth. This required the use of various tools, including hammers, chisels, diamond blades, and small power tools. Dust collectors and proper PPE were utilized to ensure safety. The precise nature of this work necessitated skilled technicians to avoid damaging the surrounding masonry.

Mortar Removal Process

  • Repointing: After the mortar removal, the masonry was washed and cleared of dust and debris. The repointing process then commenced, using a lime putty mortar that matched the historic lime-sand mortar originally used in 1834. This specialized process required technicians trained in the intricate steps of repointing, an art form in the masonry industry. According to Bob Brown, BCR president, "I feel BCR has some of the best and most skilled repointing craftsmen in the restoration industry."


    Repointing Process
Upon completion of the repointing, the law library will undergo a final wash, and the new shutters will be installed. Once completed, the restored Virginia Law Library will display the pivotal role it served in the history of the region. Ensuring the use of correct materials and processes is critical to the success of any project. Casey Stephens, Project Manager for BCR, conducted thorough research and due diligence to guarantee that the appropriate and compatible materials were utilized. His efforts were essential in restoring the historic value of the Virginia Law Library, as intended by the Greenbrier Historical Society.


Before and After Restoration

Buckeye Construction and Restoration would like to thank the Greenbrier Historical Society for selecting BCR and our team of skilled craftsmen to restore this amazing piece of history.

Buckeye Construction and Restoration would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the manufacturers whose invaluable contributions made this remarkable project possible:
  • Prosoco: We rely daily on Prosoco's outstanding range of products and their exceptional technical support within the restoration industry.
  • Lancaster Lime Works
  • Sherwin-Williams
  • Ekena Millwork
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