Log cabin to add to festivities at Perryopolis park
PERRYOPOLIS – The small rough-hewn log cabin built by the Perryopolis Area Heritage Society may not be a castle, but it is historically accurate to its 1700s design. The small square structure was started in April and finished in time for the community picnic.
“All the ladies that came and looked at it said, ‘How romantic,’ while the guys said it would make a great hunting cabin,” said society member John Martinak.
The cabin has a main room and a small loft. Plus, it features all the luxuries: a table with chair and bedding.
Harry Fisher, a member of the society, came up with the idea. He researched log cabins and obtained the pictures and details used to build the cabin, which now stands below the stage in Sampey Park.
The cabin was built for use by the Civil War re-enactors that each October entertain visitors at the Washington Grist Mill Complex during the Pioneer Days celebration. This year, instead of tents, the re-enactors can use the small cabin to plot battle plans and set up house, literally.
Slowly but surely Martinak, Fisher, Russ Fisher and Dan Coldren assembled the materials and created the little house. The group went into the woods next to the park and cut the trees, then notched them to make the walls. Then they collected the loam, red clay, and mixed it with cement to make the chinking for the walls.
Herman Lumber lent a hand and helped the society by donating materials used to make the roof, door and the loft.
Townsend, the company clearing utility lines for Allegheny Power, has also agreed to assist. A towering sycamore tree stands in front of the cabin. Hemmed in by the power lines, the tree presents a danger to the new building.
With construction of the cabin done and only $1,000 spent, the group has turned its sights to a circular walking and cross-country trail. Because of the huge expenses involved with state and federal funding, Martinak said the group is looking to purchase a bulldozer at a special one-time-only price from Herman Lumber.
Once the bulldozer is in hand, the group can begin blazing its own trail, said Martinak.