It has been more than two years since a 50-foot piece of plaster molding came crashing to the floor of the Annapolis City Council chambers. Now that dusty chunk of the city's past has spurred the first comprehensive look-see at the Annapolis City Hall, where George Washington gambled and danced the night away.
Experts quickly determined that the molding ringing the chamber's 15-foot-high ceiling was a 20th-century adornment of little historical significance. Perhaps it was an attempt at Colonial revival design. It seems to have been one of many poorly documented additions, expansions and alterations over the years that contribute to what one local historian called a "mishmash" of styles.
With a $75,000 federal grant, which the city matched, a team of historical architects and other specialists is about to begin what is expected to be a four-month assessment of the building that would guide any future restoration work without damaging historical details.
Preservationists and city leaders say the cornice accident - which could have been lethal had it occurred during a council session, and not on a summer Sunday afternoon - has provided the impetus to connect the dots of previous improvements or architectural mistakes made on the brick structure that has served the capital city since 1767.
"It's always been such a public building. It was meant to be a gathering place, and so much has taken place there," said Mayor Ellen Moyer. "But it's obviously showing some wear."
As for some of the history of the place: in 1767, two buildings were constructed at 160 Duke of Gloucester St. - one for government business and its twin, known as the Assembly Rooms, Ball Room or Ball House, for entertainment. The Assembly Rooms, always prominent in the social life of the city, also provided space for a number of government offices when the State House was under construction in the 1770s.
Washington was said to be a good dancer who apparently enjoyed card games in quiet corners of the sprawling ballroom, and in one three-day visit to the city in 1771 lost more wagering than the average colonial family made in a year. He wrote it all down, chronicling trips to Annapolis in his ledger.
Just after the Civil War, City Hall was damaged in a fire and rebuilt with a second story, including the council's meeting room. Later renovations were detailed in maps and photographs provided by a fire insurance mapping company.
