Dendrochronological verification of the time of construction of the monument of federal significance “Dom Orelovicha” (Eastern Siberia)

Application of natural scientific methods to studying architectural and historical heritage of Siberia makes it possible to solve the problems related to the time of construction and functioning of historical structures. This gives cogent justification for establishing the value of buildings as architectural monuments, and arguments for their role as tourist attractions in view of increasing tourism appeal of Siberian cities and towns. This study verifies historical information about the time of construction ofthe federal monument "Dom Orelovicha” in Chita based on comparison of data from official documents, historical sources, and local historical publications with results of dendrochronological analysis of wooden floor structures which have survived in intact condition since the house was built. Establishing the time of construction with the help of dendrochronological method not only accurately determines the year of harvesting the wood used for construction, but also identifies the reconstructed and original elements. Two supposed dates for construction of the monument appeared in official documents - 1900 (building certificate and memorial plaque on the facade of the house) and 1910 (works of historians). Our study has proven thatfloor planks and floor covering in the southeastern part of the first floor of the house were made of Scots pine which was harvested no earlier than 1909-1910. This evidence confirms the data of local historians V.G. Lobanov and V.F. Nemerova. Thus, the year of 1910 can be considered a reliable date for construction of the monument of federal significance "Dom Orelovicha.”