The houses built by byrd were constructed of

Colonel William Byrd II was a plantation owner in Colonial Virginia U.S.A., and the founder of Richmond in 1737 who during his later years dedicated his energy to build and improve his plantation at Westover, including replacing some previous wooden structures with brick mansions; and the houses made of wood were constructed of pine logs and cypress shingles.

Explanation:

every four years the american people choose a new president, and 1988 is one of those years."