Building a Log Cabin in Winter

A Grandfather's Journey

Building a log cabin has been an unexpected twist for a man who thought his days of major construction projects were long behind him. At 74, he found himself enmeshed in a new and challenging project spurred by his grandson Bob. It all started when Bob approached him with the idea of building a log cabin up on the hill. Initially, the grandfather suggested a smaller frame cabin using the rough-sawn pine and oak they had on the farm, but Bob was determined to build a log cabin reminiscent of his Civil War-era great-grandfather Morgan, who raised his family in a log cabin in the locust grove down in the pasture[1].

Family Bonds Strengthened

The project has not only brought the family closer together but also exercised the grandfather’s teaching skills. As Bob and his friend Dru embarked on this ambitious project, they needed guidance. The grandfather was happy to provide both, especially after a harrowing incident where they tried to cut down a too-large Norway spruce, destroying the chainsaw’s bar and chain, and endangering life and limb. The grandfather highlighted the importance of choosing the right tool for the job and emphasized the need for careful planning and execution[1].

A Labor of Love

Despite the challenges of building a log cabin in winter, the family’s enthusiasm has kept them moving forward. They initially planned to have a simple dirt floor, but the grandfather offered to use imperfect oak planks to build a wooden floor on a framework of oak two-by-six floor joists. The process involved cutting the lumber to size with a power saw at the barn, hauling it up the hill, and nailing it together. The boys learned valuable lessons, including the importance of pre-drilling nail holes to avoid bending nails, and using hand sledges and big wood chisels to clean up the notches[1].

Community Support

As the project progressed, more family members and friends joined in, making it a community effort. The cabin is now four logs high, and their young hearts are filled with pride and excitement. The grandfather expects the going to be slower and harder as the walls get higher but is confident that with continued support from the community, they will reach their goal of building a sturdy log cabin that will stand the test of time.

Looking Forward

The future of their log cabin project is promising, despite the hurdles they have faced. As they move forward, they will need to focus on building the door, window, and roof, tasks that require even more precision and patience. But for now, it’s about enjoying the journey and the time spent together, creating something special that will be cherished for generations to come.

– Tasks Ahead:
– Building the door
– Installing the window
– Finishing the roof

The log cabin project is not just about building a house; it’s about strengthening family bonds, teaching valuable skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. As the grandfather watches his grandsons and their friends work together, he knows that this project has already achieved something special – it has brought them all closer together through their shared love of building and community.

– Community Events in Log Cabin:
– National Night Out: 6:00 PM
– City Council Meeting: 7:00 PM
– Victory Bass Quick Lane Championship Event on Cedar Creek: Dates TBA
– Parks Committee Meeting at Red Barn: 5:30 PM
– City Wide Clean Up: Dates and Times Vary

The town of Log Cabin is vibrant and full of life, with its annual events and ongoing community activities. Whether you’re there for a festive celebration or a quiet clean-up initiative, Log Cabin welcomes everyone with open arms and a warm heart, reflecting the same “resort feel” that has been its signature since 1987. As the seasons change and new projects begin, the spirit of community remains strong, just like the foundation of the log cabin being built on that hill[4].