Log-cabin-history.txt
The History of Log Cabins
Log Cabins are made of logs. Logs are usually placed vertically
or horizontally to build the walls of the cabin. The structural
designs will remind people of the colonial American events.
Traditional log cabins are simple and unfurnished. The logs
that are used are rough. These houses are constructed quickly
and are purposely erected in the colonial territory for shelters.
Logs were considered homes of the pertinent American national
figures. It was believed that the English colonists made the
first log cabin in the mid-19th century. In later centuries,
historians believed that parts of European colonist were
responsible in the horizontal positions of logs in cabin
constructions. However, Finland and Sweden were known to
introduce the horizontally designed log constructions in the
colony of Pennsylvania.
It was believed that in the 17th and 18th century, Europeans,
Germans, and Swiss went to America and introduced log building.
Soon, other countries of the first world adopted the style of
these constructed cabins.
In later years, developers initiated in adding styles and
constructed cabins in different materials. Americans started
building Camps for vacations and retreats in the rural areas of
New York.
The log cabins’ construction materials were modified. Log,
stone, and thin shaved woods were used to produce a more
comfortable shelter during summer. The rustic style conveys a
simple life that is close to nature.
Log constructions were usefully adopted depending on the
natural resources available in a region. There were traditional
and prototype designs. Traditional type only has one room. New
architectural designs were improved to have two rooms. Some
cabins were improved by placing a chimney. Southern people
mostly prefer this type. It serves both as shelter from heat and
air circulation.
In the West where most of its areas are Rocky Mountains, a
different style of cabin was constructed. Before, the entrance
is placed after the door where it builds a hallway inside the
house. The modern cabin’s entrance is placed in the end of the
gable where it is protected by the porch’s roof.
At the mid 19th century, two-story log cabins where again
designed by Americans in the Eastern part of the country. From
the original historical design cabins, rural people adopted the
two-story log cabins.
The rough logs were retained. Floor area of the cabin was
bigger than the original floor. The roofs were removed and added
additional logs to form the second story and build a new roof.
Some families retained the one-story cabin but extended an
additional room for a kitchen.
Modifying the logs’ foundation depends on the materials
available and the climate of the area. Most cabin foundations
are made of flat stones with or without a mixture of cement,
sand and water. Others are made of bricks or rubber stones.
Climate and weather is also considered in modifying the
foundation of the cabin. The early cabins that are intended to
be a temporary shelter where made out of log pilings. A more
permanent cabin on a warm and humid area, stone piers is usually
used. The Southerners are adopting the latter. This is to allow
air to circulate inside the cabin.
Generally, basements are not included in original log cabins.
Later years, the basements were placed.
Chimney constructions were also one of the modifications in the
history of log cabins. Materials are usually stone, brick, or a
combination of the two. Sometimes, clay-line is also used.
Like the foundation of the cabin, climate is also considered in
putting a chimney to newly build or reconstructed log cabins.
For areas with cold climates, chimneys are placed inside the
cabin. In the south, where humid and hot climate is felt,
chimneys are demolished to increase the interior size. However,
others retain this and are relocated outside the cabin.
Centuries old Cabins are unique despite the fact that they were
built in different constructions. Reconstructions and repair of
the logs is important to ensure that they are well preserved.
Maintenance of all its parts is one of the techniques in its
preservation. Reconstructions should be made carefully.
Remodeling of the cabins can result in the loss of its overall
features. Once the logs of the cabin are taken apart for
remodeling, sometimes their materials can rarely be put back.
Once it is destroyed, it loses its uniqueness and value.
By Charles H. Smith
http://www.build-your-log-cabin.com