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Feb OG 04 10:09a The Westerly Group, Inc. 812-273-8826 p.4 -3- suffici-nt to explain how the wall or the step landings were constructed. Additional research may be needed. Although we have not recently conducted research regarding the specific WPA activities in South Bend, it was generally true that the federal program provided the laborers, expertise and often design, while the local community was expected to provide all or some of the materials. During this time of economic difficulty, they often used what was at hand. Thus, in some places the sea wall construction consisted primarily of chunks of broken concrete, gravel, and the gravel side of the chunks (some of this material could have been imported), along with some natural stones. In some places these were put into a form and the concrete was poured in the form to comprise the wall. On the island, two landings were cut into the wall. Several landings on the river side were made of concrete and limestone. 6 In a 1926-29 aerial oblique photograph the earthen dam at the southeast edge of the island is clearly shown, along with a small bridge. This structure was provided with a small culvert and walls to create a swimming hole for children, which as we noted in our report was beloved by all. 7 Whether through original construction or frequent repairs which were carried out for the sea walls, many portions of the wall were in distress when we examined them a few years ago. Repeated repairs of the sea walls 'within the slough have resulted in the unused stone and concrete being left on the bottom of the river and the slough. However this material might be recovered today to use in the repair of the original walls The mason selected should be able (by example) to demonstrate his ability with stone, concrete and rubble masonry as used in a sea wall. Other capabilities should be his knowledge of how to erect coffer dams and to control flowing water. We assume that historically sensitive specifications would call for all of the above and would be followed with rigid attention We have assumed that the plan for repair of the sea walls also includes some evaluation of horticultural considerations. Almost all of the trees on the island are cottonwoods, a form of Poplar which extends very deep and very thirsty roots into any nearby water course, such as sewers, water lines, culverts and especially into a slough. These trees have done almost irreparable damage to the sea walls. Their roots have caused cleavages and delamination: along all portions of the affected walls. Cresting water, rain, snow, and sleet have formed ice lenses throughout the wall. This has caused sloughing off of more than just mortar. Emergency patching of these faults does not remove the true cause of the failure of the sea walls. Indeed it may, for a while, stem the penetration of river water from deteriorating joint 17. 6 Ibid. P. 40 7 Ibid., P.30 556 W. 1175 N. Rd. *Farmersburg IN 47850♦Tel: (812) 696-2415 Fax: (812) 696-0420• e-mail: westerlygp@aol.com