 |
         |
 |
WHY A LOG CABIN?
(This article was written by Evamaria Krischell and published in the May 24, 1975 issue of the Cowan Bell.) When the first rumors of a Cowan sponsored Bicentennial Celebration floated in the air and the staff of the COWAN BELL was asked to help, it seemed quite clear to us that any large project would be too much for us to handle. Just bringing our publication out bi-weekly is a full time job.
However, when Jenny Lou Brock of the Cowan Beautification Commission approached us with the idea of building a log cabin representing Franklin County’s first court house (see pg. 6) some of the old fever and confidence returned to our small group, and in our minds the impossible was possible. Our husbands saw a new adventure in this project and enthusiastically supported the idea. Juergen Krischel was selected as chairman and Dot Davidson as co-chairman for the construction of the cabin.
Very quickly a mock-up slab construction idea was replaced with the real thing, thanks to Jim Brock who knew of every generous log cabin owner in Franklin County. By the real thing we mean the 150 year old logs used from two different cabins (see p. 10), the clay, lime and straw mixture between the logs and all the other woodwork used in the building.
The Bank of Cowan was generous in giving us the use of their lot, and for the whole month of February and March material was piled onto it. There were many shaking heads and doubtful looks from passersby, and only the constant referral to the book, “Foxfire”, kept our confidence up. It became our companion as the first foundations were laid and the walls began to materialize in April. As one of our most avid workers commented: “I’d sure hate to sit on the back of a covered wagon with seven babies waitin’ to move in that log cabin!”
The children of Cowan were the first to believe in the completion and came daily to help.
Towards the end of April, when the cabin actually acquired an authentic look, the interest and support of all Cowaners grew – more and more people stopped their work to help for a day.
With our energy at low ebb tide and our resources depleted, there seemed no hope of building a chimney. Now, Cowan’s support reached its peak; within a few days of our devastating realization an excellent stone mason, money and material were presented to us. Two weeks later a beautiful chimney and hearth gave the cabin its finishing touch.
We hope you enjoy visiting Major William Russell’s home as much as we enjoyed building it. (E.K.)
|
|