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With the supports in place, the builders laid a six-inch-wide plank
lengthwise over diem, starting along one side. Atop die plank, diey
laid three rows of bricks. Working from the opposite side, Cheever
and Lanier repeated the process: a plank was laid over the arch
boards and covered with bricks. Subsequent boards were dien
positioned and bricked over, working from both sides toward the top
of the arch. Finally, along the centerline of the kiln, a row of wedge
bricks was laid to support and key the weight of the entire arch when die
infrastructure (the arch boards and supports) was removed: "We
always tried to key that kiln so tight till that arch would raise up off of
those boards." The task accomplished, die builders finally grabbed
hold of the plank ends on which the bricks formerly rested and pulled
them out. They then removed the arch boards and supports.
Final tasks included building the floor, front end, and chimney.
The entire job of rebuilding took the Meaderses four full days —two
days to complete the sidewalk and arch and two days to fashion die
front end, floor, and chimney. Later, father and son added die
characteristic lean-to (or shed) over the top to protect the structure
from the elements.
Figure 48. Forms for kiln arch construction. (Photo by Ralph Rinzler, 1978.)