Visitors arriving at Körner’s Folly may have noticed that work is underway around the historic pergola that once served as a children’s playhouse as well as stable entrance. Although the pergola has long been one of the property’s quieter architectural features, it remains an important part of the landscape Jule Körner created, and preserving it requires the same careful attention we give to the house itself.
The project is being led by preservationist David Gall, with additional expertise provided by an architect, structural engineer, and archaeologist. Together, the team is studying the pergola not as an isolated structure, but as part of a larger historic landscape shaped by its materials, construction, foundations, surrounding soil, and patterns of use.
The first phase of work has focused on structural stabilization. Like many historic outdoor structures, the pergola has endured decades of exposure to rain, sun, shifting soil, and changing vegetation. Before its decorative details can be addressed, the structure must first be made stable and secure. Preservationist and contractor Dan Ledbetter has been working carefully with the project team to support the pergola while evaluating how its surviving historic materials can be retained. His approach involves using temporary and reversible bracing to add more support for the vertical columns while plans for restoration take shape…