The $150,000 restoration of Carter House in St. David's will soon be complete thanks to the St. David's Island Historical Society.

One of the oldest houses in Bermuda, Carter House is also where the Howardi Lily was developed, and the building was used to house the bulbs between plantings in Bermuda's heyday of lily bulb production.

Carter House Restoration Project chairman Joyce Hall gave a project update in the Society's newsletter which was launched last month.

Contractor William (Tom) Smith was chosen by the committee to do the work which began on November 15.

Cedar for the project was difficult to find, noted Mrs. Hall, and committee member Jordy Walker provided the wood for three posts in the kitchen.

Included in the price tag were $3,000 reproductions of antique lighting fixtures from Ball and Ball of Exton, Pennsylvania, which Mrs. Hall said would be a "great improvement'' over the house's previous lighting.

The roof, described as being "in a deplorable state'', was waterproofed and the two water tanks have been cleaned out, repaired and cement washed.

Care is being given to an old fireplace in the kitchen which is thought to have been in use since the house was built. It is also thought to be unique to the Island.

Much work remains to be done on the surrounding area before the house can be opened to the public.

The hope of the fund-raising committee, headed by Rick Spurling, is to establish an annual fund and raise capital to support the ongoing operation of Carter House as a museum exhibiting St. David's history and culture.

The Society has called on old families to display their artifacts in the house, in order to help show and preserve the Island's unique culture.

Major financial contributions to the restoration project have been made by Bank of Bermuda Centennial Trust, XL Foundation Ltd., the Bermuda Land Development Company and General Atlantic.

Work begins: The $150,000 restoration of historic Carter House in Southside is underway. When it is completed, the house will become the St. David's Island Historical Society Museum.