San Francisco, October 17, 1865.
Hon. Charles James,
Collector of the Port of San Francisco.
Sir:–
In conformity with your instructions the undersigned beg leave to report
that upon a careful and thorough inspection of every portion of the Custom
House building immediately after the shock of the earthquake of Sunday
October 8, find that the entire structure from the floor upon which the
Post Office is located, has sustained a considerable degree of damage.
The greater portion of the injury done, consists of cracks, and fractures,
running through the brickwork of the exterior,–as well as through
the walls of the safes;–and other portions of the interior walls
adjoining the stairways and at the landings thereof. The cracks in the
interior run the entire height of the walls of those portions of the building
we have designated,–and the separations vary from the most minute
fracture to the width of half an inch, and as a natural consequence, the
plastering is shattered and broken to a very great extent, from the Post
Office floor which is the first above the basement as we proceed upward
through the building.
A considerable portion of the plaster ornaments and mouldings in the
Custom House room, and others places have fallen, and other portions including
plain work, mouldings, lentils and modillions,–the weight of which
renders them liable to fall at any time upon the slightest jar or concussion
of this building,–are so shattered and broken as to make them
insecure and unsafe.
The late earthquake has demonstrated the fact that the style of plaster
finish of the Custom House room (although beautiful in itself as originally
executed) is entirely unsuitable for the future in this City,–consequently
we deem it our duty to furnish the estimate marked "A" for an
entirely different style of finish; we further herewith submit the estimate
marked "B" for the actual repairs and finish of this portion
according to its original style,–in other words as it was before
the occurrence of the earthquake. As a natural consequence the repairs
of these injuries will involve the necessity of coloring or whitening the
entire interior of the building.
The repairs of the exterior walls, –as well as the existing
condition of the mastic finish of the same further establish the necessity
of painting those portions,–even for preservation which reasoning
also required the painting of the roof. A considerable portion of the brickwork
will require to be removed and rebuilt with iron anchors,–and the item
of masons work will extend to painting and repairs in connection with the
outside steps and granite work,–for all of which the following
estimates have been made, of the actual damage sustained in the premises,
and the consequent expense involved in the necessary repairs and finish
of the same. In addition to the damages we have particularized and specially
set forth in this connection, there are many minor injuries, requiring
repairs,–such as the tin work of the roof and the pipes and plumbing
apparatus,–and many of the doors and windows require attention.
There area also many minor matters connected with the whole subject,–the
setting forth of which in detail, would involve a prolixity, and expenditure
of words which we do not deem necessary to include within the limits of
this statement.
The San Francisco Custom House is a massive, and substantial brick
building,–with a store basement and solid foundation resting upon
piles,–of various lengths from twenty five to sixty feet. It has
always been regarded by competent judges as one of the most superior and
substantially built structures erected on the Pacific coast.
There are marks on the plans and photograph accompanying this which
will to that extent indicate points where the walls of the building have
sustained injury.
Estimate of the cost of the work contemplated. "A"
For masons working including plastering and iron work.
|
$3,800.00
|
For Painting certain portions of the interior
|
500.00
|
For Painting exterior including the roof.
|
3,300.00
|
For repairs of plumbing and tin work.
|
600.00
|
For Painting the Custom House room imitation of fresco.
|
[and,]
|
For dispensing with plaster ornaments therein.
|
1,500.00
|
For incidental expenses.
|
485.00
|
Total...
|
$10,185.00
|
Estimate of the cost of the work contemplated. "B"
For masons work including plastering and iron work.
|
$5,100.00
|
For Painting certain portions of the interior
|
500.00
|
For Painting exterior including the roof.
|
3,300.00
|
For repairs of plumbing and tin work.
|
600.00
|
For incidental expenses.
|
475.00
|
Total...
|
$9,975.00 |
We would desire to say,– in conclusion, that as our estimate
of the extent of these injuries,– and the expense involved in
their repairs are based upon our actual survey and thorough examination
of the same in detail,–the foregoing expenditures cannot be reduced
in any particular, without involving an unfaithful,–insecure,
and consequently unsafe execution of the work.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
William Craine, architect.
George Cofran, builder
Done in duplicate.
Craine, William "Report of damage to Custom House by the earthquake
of Oct. 8, 1865 [dated] Oct. 17, 1865," by William Craine and George
Cofran.
Original manuscript and photocopy are held by the Earthquake Engineering
Research Center Library, U.C. Berkeley.
