This Old House (1979)

Episode Overview

The episode begins at the Punchbowl, an extinct volcano crater that houses the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, where American soldiers from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam are laid to rest. Construction for a new addition is underway, with stud walls rising and prefabricated trusses being delivered. To combat local termites, all the wood is pressure-treated. Homeowner Christiane Bintliff opts for a wood shingle roof, reminiscent of the original structure, prompting our host to discuss the $21,000 labor cost with roofer Jim Wilkinson. We then visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor to explore the events that led the U.S. into World War II. Back at the site, engineer John Allison and project supervisor Rob Varner review strategies to secure the roof to the sidewalls, ensuring stability against strong winds. Inside, our master carpenter reveals the unique construction methods of the original building before crafting a new single-wall structure.