I believe Wards was built later.  It's claim to fame is it is the oldest
reinforced concrete house in America.  their are earlier concrete houses
that are just poured concrete.

Advice:  if it's that early it is probably a natural hydraulic cement,
perhaps of the Rosendale type.  It needs to have a good analysis to
determine its composition.  Natural Hydraulic cement is not like Portland in
composition or color.  It's very tricky stuff to match.  Get a good
materials person to help, and perhaps a cement historian.
Michael

PS: the Rosendale Cement Works (Ulster County NY) is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places.  It's now called the Snyder Estate historic
Site.  They might have some old backs of cement still lying around...


----- Original Message -----
From: Trelstad, Derek <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, June 04, 1999 6:59 PM
Subject: Re: Early Concrete House


> I think Ward's Folly in Port Chester, New York was 1853 or 1854. In any
> case, I have always understood that it was the oldest concrete house in
the
> US. What are you planning to do to the house? Make room for a dishwasher
in
> the kitchen?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ken Follett [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, June 04, 1999 6:06 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Early Concrete House
>
>
> Horace Greeley Conc. House
>
> Built by Horace Greeley in 1856 this structure is reputed to be the oldest
> concrete house in America.
>
> Would appreciate information regarding BP experience w/ early concrete
> structures such as their construction & materials composition. Need input
> before I mess up the house without it.
>
> Looking for interesting information on the history of the house regarding
> Horace Greeley. Understand he commuted on weekends by steam train.
>
> Need background input to impress potential customer.
>
> ][<en Follett