CBBS senior project archeologist, David Keller, in conjunction with contractor Joey Benton of Silla Marfa, is hard at work at Castolon Historic District in Big Bend National Park conducting much needed adobe preservation work on two of the park’s most iconic structures: the Alvino and Dorgan houses. The Alvino house was built at the turn of the last century and is the oldest standing adobe structure in the park. The Dorgan house, with its oversized lintels and the backdrop of Santa Elena canyon is one of the park’s most iconic structures, and one of the most photographed.
Under a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, the Center for Big Bend Studies has been conducting adobe preservation work in the park for the last 5 years.
This year’s task is to rebuild the eroded parapet at the Alvino house, conduct a range of structural repairs, and to replaster the entire exterior of the house. The Dorgan house, a partial ruin, is to be stabilized by replacing lost window lintels and adobe brick veneers, and applying a new mud plaster coat.
These repairs are the most substantial work that has taken place to either structure in over 30 years. Visit our Facebook to see more photos!
The work will be taking place every weekday from now until mid November. Come visit and see for yourself! Volunteer opportunities are available for adobe brick making every Monday from 1 – 5PM for those who are interested. The work is hard, and the weather is hot, so dress accordingly with long sleeve shirts, pants, work boots, wide brim hat and work gloves. Expect to carry heavy buckets and to get very muddy. Please contact David Keller at flatbilly2@gmail.com for more information.