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Small Cabin Forum / Member's Projects and Photos / Our Hand Hewn "Cabin"....in the making
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Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 12 Dec 2013 17:24
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Thanks all, that means a lot....can't wait till warmer weather so I can continue on with the progress!

Bevis
Member
# Posted: 12 Dec 2013 17:32
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Any markings on the other corners ?

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 12 Dec 2013 18:01
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There is still one corner that is covered with wood, but no markings on the other 2.

silverwaterlady
Member
# Posted: 12 Dec 2013 20:38 - Edited by: silverwaterlady
Reply 


I was talking to my Husband about the log markings on your cabin. We don't think your cabin was moved from someplace else.

When Hubby was a young boy he lived a few winters in a logging camp. This is what he told me:
After the logs were cut into eight foot lengths,the foreman would go around with a hammer with the initials of the company on the end of the hammer and brand the log. Just as cattle owners brand cattle to prove ownership.

That is called scaling timber,this means counting and proving that it is your lumber. There are MI lumber markings on Google Images.

I think your logs were cut between 1840 ( when loggers started marking logs, with a axe using simple brands) and 1870(when loggers started using cross cut saws).

Kudzu
Member
# Posted: 12 Dec 2013 21:39
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That's some good info.

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 12 Dec 2013 21:52
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Quoting: silverwaterlady
I think your logs were cut between 1840 ( when loggers started marking logs, with a axe using simple brands) and 1870(when loggers started using cross cut saws).


Interesting. I'd like to think he was right. And that might explain the "Z" and "X" markings but I'm still at a loss to the notches on the logs from 1 (bottom log) up to the 6 notches on the top and notched in between. It's those marks that I'm told were used to reassemble so they knew where they went. ?? I don't know why but it bugs me to no end not to know where/when it was built. Just when I had it figured out.

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2013 21:45 - Edited by: Smawgunner
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Lots went wrong the past couple of days but lots went right too! On the way down to Athens, I stopped and picked up my buddy who helps me with the work on the cabin. We had a big storm the night before and his road was blocked by a downed tree, so I went the back way and AGAIN,...tree in the road. Got him on the phone and we commenced to clearing the road, getting us down at the cabin pretty late.

What we did get done is trimming out the front door and cutting down the door itself to fit. Burned up my saw in the process. I'm actually surprise it lasted as long as it did. Before the trim went up,..I vacuumed and cleaned out the cracks and holes so I could spray foam. Well,..apparently I didn't do a good enough job because out from the wet gooey spray foam came crawling a brown bat! I had to mercy kill it because it was toast. I felt horrible. So I gave up on the spray foam until spring. Speaking of spring..I was in a T Shirt on Saturday and today in a winter coat! A hosta started to poke out!

After the saw burnt up..we went for a long hike. The more I hike the property..the bigger I find it to be. Had a great time regardless of the downed trees, saw and bat killing. Merry Xmas all!

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Below you can see the markings on the logs. They used notches to indicate the order of logs from the bottom. This is why I'm pretty sure the cabin was moved at some point in its life.
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Coastal
Member
# Posted: 24 Dec 2013 00:33
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What a find! That's too cool. Love the rock outcrops and waterfalls too!

Sarg68
Member
# Posted: 24 Dec 2013 20:21
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Smawgunner,
I know what you mean my friend about good and bad trip to the cabin over the weekend. Check my pictures out. Muskingum water shed was up touching the road in McConnelsville when I drove through it Yesterday after recovering my truck. Hey place is looking really good. Merry Christmas Sarg68

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 24 Dec 2013 20:48
Reply 


Quoting: Sarg68
Smawgunner,
I know what you mean my friend about good and bad trip to the cabin over the weekend. Check my pictures out. Muskingum water shed was up touching the road in McConnelsville when I drove through it Yesterday after recovering my truck. Hey place is looking really good. Merry Christmas Sarg68


Thanks Sarge. I know I DID see you post. Wow. We've probably all have been there at some point before. But all that bad stuff goes away after an hour or so at our cabins doesn't it? Have a safe and memorable Christmas!

Oowasa
Member
# Posted: 26 Dec 2013 23:37
Reply 


Wow...loving this thread! What an amazing find and even more amazing that you are bringing her back to life! Looking forward to seeing where this goes!

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 27 Dec 2013 19:49 - Edited by: Smawgunner
Reply 


We finally have a door!!! I used the ones that were on the cabin originally. This door used to be from the addition, but I wanted the cabin look on the inside so I attached the wide planks to the interior side. Found some old barn hinges laying around and used those as well. It's tight too!...no mouse is going around this sucker.

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tallpaul
Member
# Posted: 27 Dec 2013 21:19
Reply 


I think t looks great as far as the whiner sayin ya ruined it he would not like what I woulda done... I woulda tor it all down and started over :D

Do yourself a favor and loose the elephant trunk pipe- invest in some smooth down spout line!

I like the idea of the kitchen and even a bath in a rear addition- it is not like ya are rolling in space there and it would be easy enough especially if on a slab type addition.

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 27 Dec 2013 21:51
Reply 


Quoting: tallpaul
I think t looks great as far as the whiner sayin ya ruined it he would not like what I woulda done... I woulda tor it all down and started over :D

Do yourself a favor and loose the elephant trunk pipe- invest in some smooth down spout line!

I like the idea of the kitchen and even a bath in a rear addition- it is not like ya are rolling in space there and it would be easy enough especially if on a slab type addition.


Thanks Tallpaul. Yeah..the "elephant" pipe is gonna get buried at some point. Still trying to figure out all of the kitchen/bath plans. I'm on a pretty tight budget so whatever it ends up being will be on the cheap.

hattie
Member
# Posted: 28 Dec 2013 00:07
Reply 


You are doing an amazing job and this is going to be beautiful when you are all finished. I just love reading your updates and seeing the pictures.

tallpaul
Member
# Posted: 28 Dec 2013 15:47
Reply 


sawgunner- I did not mean loose the elephant trunk for looks... spend the extra and get smooth pipe- it works a lot longer with a lot less problems! Diggin is the expensive part in labor/time - paying for better pipe is the cheapest part!

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 28 Dec 2013 17:37
Reply 


Quoting: tallpaul
spend the extra and get smooth pipe

Not a bad idea. The ground is actually really soft there.

Spent today at the cabin with my wife. Was perfect weather!

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Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 5 Jan 2014 18:29
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Hey all! Got lots done over the holidays. Was able to get all the windows in downstairs and one up stairs. The side window had always been boarded up so this is the first time I've seen out it...what a view! Also got the back door in with lock so now I can lock the place up. Had great weather, last night the stars were out and the Bard Owls were going crazy. Today we heard lots of muzzleloaders going off. Didn't see any signs of hunters on the property though.
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neb
Member
# Posted: 5 Jan 2014 19:10
Reply 


I like your location and good job on the house.

turkeyhunter
Member
# Posted: 7 Jan 2014 09:06
Reply 


looking good---love the door!!!

and the pic's were GREAT!!!!

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 10 Jan 2014 20:00
Reply 


Found this in the courthouse. It tells of when they put the public road through our property in 1889. It's signed by the owner of our cabin (the father). The road if you can call it that is still there but is very steep and muddy...hardly anyone uses it.[url= ][/url]

turkeyhunter
Member
# Posted: 10 Jan 2014 21:29
Reply 


neat find....cool history on your place!!!

timcook
Member
# Posted: 18 Jan 2014 22:29
Reply 


Wow! Enjoyed all of the pics and history on your page. Please keep us posted with all future updates. Can't wait to see the finished project. You have motivated us.

hattie
Member
# Posted: 18 Jan 2014 23:25
Reply 


You're putting a lot of love into this place!!! The door is amazing. I am so happy to see you doing research on the place! You never know what you might find. Did I mention I love this thread?!?!?!

Sarg68
Member
# Posted: 19 Jan 2014 06:04
Reply 


Smawgunner,
Noticed you have rust on those antique henges on your door. Go to Lowe's and get some Navy Jelly and put on them to stop the rust. It turns it back into metal and you can paint right over it. Great stuff. It comes in a little pint size bottle. Good luck and its looking great. Sarg68

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 19 Jan 2014 08:03
Reply 


Quoting: Sarg68

Smawgunner,
Noticed you have rust on those antique henges on your door. Go to Lowe's and get some Navy Jelly and put on them to stop the rust. It turns it back into metal and you can paint right over it. Great stuff. It comes in a little pint size bottle. Good luck and its looking great. Sarg68


I have to laugh because those are brand new Lowe's hinges that I put this antiquing solution on that I had laying around to make them look old. I'm not crazy about the look so they're going to be painted black. It's not actual rust so it can be scraped off pretty easily. Never head of the Navy Jelly though...I've got other stuff that I could use for that!

old243
Member
# Posted: 19 Jan 2014 09:51
Reply 


Smawgunner, I was looking at your logs and the markings on them . My barn frame is squared timber frame . when the timber framer , flatted the logs They laid the log flat used an axe to create cross notches, every few inches. Then standing on the top of the log they would use an adze, which has a curved blade several inches wide , to remove the wood between the axe cuts. They would then turn the log 90 degrees and do the other sides . In your case they probably just did 2 sides. I think your marks are the remains of the hewing of the log. If you look in a museum , or google , you will likely see an adze.and the other tools of the trade

It is hard to imagine the labor involved with harvesting the logs, they are likely off your property. Then squaring and hoisting them into place. Likely done with block and tackles, ramps,
pike poles and a lot of lifting and bullwork. I expect horses were used for skidding and hoisting. I have seen pictures of barn raisings in our area Every man in the area would be expected to help. There might be 50 men on hand to help . The ladies would come and help feed the crew. Wen the barn was finished they would have a barn dance , complete with music to christen it. Have fun with your project Old 243

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 19 Jan 2014 17:09
Reply 


Quoting: old243
Smawgunner, I was looking at your logs and the markings on them . My barn frame is squared timber frame . when the timber framer , flatted the logs They laid the log flat used an axe to create cross notches, every few inches. Then standing on the top of the log they would use an adze, which has a curved blade several inches wide , to remove the wood between the axe cuts. They would then turn the log 90 degrees and do the other sides . In your case they probably just did 2 sides. I think your marks are the remains of the hewing of the log. If you look in a museum , or google , you will likely see an adze.and the other tools of the trade

It is hard to imagine the labor involved with harvesting the logs, they are likely off your property. Then squaring and hoisting them into place. Likely done with block and tackles, ramps,
pike poles and a lot of lifting and bullwork. I expect horses were used for skidding and hoisting. I have seen pictures of barn raisings in our area Every man in the area would be expected to help. There might be 50 men on hand to help . The ladies would come and help feed the crew. Wen the barn was finished they would have a barn dance , complete with music to christen it. Have fun with your project Old 243


Great stuff...if you have any pictures try and post them. Wouldn't you love to have been able to go back in time and watch all of that?

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 19 Jan 2014 17:21 - Edited by: Smawgunner
Reply 


Last time I post for a while I'm guessing. Got most of the work done that I can do in the winter. The rest will disturb the bats and I'd rather not kill them if I have to wake them out of hibernation. Got the remaining windows in. Also learned we have flying squirrels in the cabin! Saw one today darting around. What a beautiful day it was too...sunny and about 35 degrees with light snow on the ground.
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jennikh
Member
# Posted: 3 Feb 2014 12:28
Reply 


Thank You for posting all this!! It is so amazing to see what I know to be my Great Great Grandparents place, come back to life, thanks to you and your wife.

My husband and I plan to return down to Athens county in the spring to visit with Ginny Lou. If do not mind, would it be ok if we walked up to house and check it out?

Thanks Again!!
Jenni Hodge (From Ancestry)

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