This Old House — Season 9

Jan 1987

The ninth season of This Old House gets underway as our host tours the Weatherbee Farm, a 1785 farmhouse, with homeowners Bill and Cynthia and architectural historian Sara Chase from the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.

Jan 1987

Our master carpenter assesses the condition of Weatherbee Farm and architect Mary Otis Stevens discusses plans for restoration of this 1785 landmark structure. Our heating and plumbing expert pays a visit to the new project, and discusses heating and cooling systems with the homeowners.

Jan 1987

Our master carpenter continues to assess the condition of Weatherbee Farm. Architect Mary Otis Stevens shows homeowner Cynthia the model she has created of the farm. Our host and homeowner Bill help out as the dismantling of the ell begins.

Feb 1987

Our host and master carpenter discuss the progress of the Weatherbee Farm restoration. Lead removal expert John Vega inspects the house, Richard Trethewey discusses the heating plans for the new kitchen wing and shows the homeowners the radiant heat system in his own house. The foundation for the new win is poured, the homeowners steam off wall paper from the plaster walls, and electrician Buddy Bisnaw stops by to discuss rewiring the house with our host.

Feb 1987

Our master carpenter supervises the raising of the wall that finishes enclosing the partially framed new kithcen addition. Our host checks in with the homeowners and gives an update on the restorations progress.

Feb 1987

Our host and master carpenter install true divided light French doors in Weatherbee Farm's new kitchen addition. Homeowners Bill and Cynthia start roofing the addition with Western red cedar shingles. An asbestos removal expert shows us how this hazardous material is removed from the basement pipes.

Mar 1987

Our host gives an update on the progress of the Weatherbee Farm restoration. Windows are installed in the new wing, and our host takes viewers to Bayport, Minnesota, to visit a state-of-the-art window factory that covers 50 acres.

Mar 1987

Our host and master painter Sam Perry of the Edward K. Perry Paint Company discuss the preparation of Weatherbee Farm for exterior painting. Insulation specialist Larry Gordon determines the insulation needs of the house and master carpenter installs fir decking on the front porch. In the cellar, the old furnace and pipes - now free of their asbestos insulation - are removed.

Mar 1987

Our master carpenter crafts decorative arches for the exterior of the new kitchen addition and installs them over the French doors. Our host supervises as decorative balusters are lathed, and insulation is blown into the existing structure. In Weatherbee Farm's front parlor, the ceiling is replaced.

Apr 1987

Work starts on the deck railings, and our master carpenter shows our host how to turn decorative bausters on a lathe. Painting foreman Chester Glowacz gives step-by-step instruction on painting window sash, while inside, the new addition insulated.

Apr 1987

Exterior work on Weatherbee Farm continues as paint and restoration specialist Sam Perry supervises preparation of the house for painting, starting with priming. A special European techinque is used to line the aged chimney to make it safe for modern heating systems. Our host sees how new wooden gutters are installed on the front porch. Then he and landscape architect Tom Wirth discuss plans for the grounds.

Apr 1987

Our host and master painter Sam Perry discuss the progress of Weratherbee Farm's exterior paint work. The new addition is blueboarded, and plaster Calvin Mills demonstrates his art. Security systems specialist Edmund F. Baker shows us the hard-wired security system recommended for the house. Our master carpenter instructs homeowner Bill in replacing window sash cords.

May 1987

Our master carpenter installs barnboard from the old well at one end of the new kitchen addition. Tom McGrath stops by to discuss restoring the new wellhead for a decorative feature. A new driveway is excavated and paved with backrun.

May 1987

Our host visits a New Hampshire mill, where reproduction shutters are crafted using 19th century equipment. At Weatherbee Farm, the front porch has a new rubber membrane roof, and master carpenter hangs shutters.

May 1987

The outside of Weatherbee Farm is the focus, as a stone wall is built in the garden area, work starts on a brick wall. Inside, the guys uncover some of the hardwood floor in search of a fireplace hearth.

Jun 1987

At Weatherbee Farm, landscaping proceeds as shrubs and flowers are planted, and the renovated wellhead is installed. In the dining room, master carpenter uncovers some of the hardwood floor in search of a fireplace hearth.

Jun 1987

Southern yellow, pine flooring is laid over the new radiant heat system in the Weatherbee Farm's kitchen addition. At our master carpenter's workshop, the guys shows how the vanity for the new master bathroom was built. Our host looks at the title to be installed in the shower stall of the new master bath and tires out a new system for removing paint.

Jun 1987

Cast acrylic countertops and sink and hancrafted, custom-made cabinets are installed in Weatherbee Farm's new kitchen addition, and our host visits the workshop where the countertops were fabricated. Our master carpenter demonstrates a new saw. Outside, new picket-style fencing is installed in the garden and surface gravel is spread on the driveway.

Jul 1987

A specialist from the E.K. Perry Paint Company demonstrates the art of sponge painting in Weatherbee Farm's living room. Artisan Jeannie Serpa shows us the art of painting in the faux marble techinque. Wallpaper is hung in the nursery and Jeff Hoskings refinishes a floor.

Jul 1987

Our host leads us on a tour of the finished and decorated Weatherbee Farm with interior designer Jean LeMon. Upstairs, designer Joe Ruggiero shows us simple decorated techniques used in the master bedroom and bath.

Jul 1987

Our host takes viewers to Santa Barbara, California, to meet homeowners Susan and David and tour their 1923 Craftsman bungalow. Architect Brian Cearnal and the contractor are introduced to our host and our master carpenter.

Aug 1987

Our host reviews the plans for remodeling Susan and David's bungalow. Demolition of the partially finished attic begins. Our host visits the Gamble House in Pasadena, a 1908 Craftsman landmark designed by Charles and Henry Greene.

Aug 1987

Richard Trethewey introduces Santa Barbara heating and plumbing contractor George Brazil. Framing of the bungalow's new hip-roof dormer begins under the crew's supervision. Our master carpenter begins milling the pergola and a new stairway is being built.

Aug 1987

Work on the California bungalow continues with the homeowners pitching in. The crew starts shingling the new roof, and our master carpenter starts to assemble the pergola. Electrician Rudy Escalera stops by and landscape architect Grant Castleberg shows his rough design plans. Later, our host takes a tour of the Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

Sept 1987

Our host gives a progress report on the Craftsman bungalow project and finishing touches are put on the house as tiling is completed and a new door is hung.

Sept 1987

Work on Susan and David's Craftsman bungalow is completed, and our host gives viewers through the newly enlarged house, as the ninth season of This Old House draws to close.