New member from Western NC

[smstonypoint]

The pictures of the cabin got me to thinking about a book I read some years ago that detailed the construction styles and techniques that were used by the Appalachian settlers and their descendants.

In trying to track down the book, I stumbled upon the site linked below. It has some interesting pictures of cabins, barns, etc.

Log Structures in Southern Appalachia

I was also reminded of the old saying: "When they settled an area, the English first built a church, the Germans a barn, and the Scots-Irish a still."

Steve

PS. I am Scots-Irish.

 

[ArtMech]

Sometimes today's speed makes us wantonly forgetting our golden past. This story and the pics stop us and pokes to think again about where we are from. US is not my country, but that idea concerns me as well :confused2:

 

[shadawick]

Wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

What type of wood was used to build the cabin?

Steve

Hi Steve,
Sorry I didn't get back to your quicker, had a bout of sickness.
The logs are primarily yellow pine, with some of the rafter and ridge out of Poplar (I believe). The sills and sleepers are ancient yellow Locust. Some of the gable end sheathing boards are poplar and chestnut. I just missed being given and old house to tear down for the salvaged wood. The guy who go it stopped by and show me a tremendous load of "wormy chestnut," boards (Some nearly 2' across) and a bunch of hewn beams!!!! It just wasn't meant for me to get that deal though! That's the way I have to look at it to keep from crying! Around here a lot of the old folks also liked to use Hemlock logs for sills, sleepers and anything that needed resistance to water or damp, it was also supposed to be good for termites and other insects not boring into. Again, sorry for the delay!

 

[smstonypoint]

I am sorry to hear about your sickness, but happy to hear that you are on the mend.

Too bad about you missing out on the chestnut boards and beams. I would have cried. It's a beautiful wood. I grew up in the Piedmont, just outside the chestnut range, so there are no buildings constructed in that area to my knowledge.

If you have been away for a while, you missed an interesting thread on using hemlock in construction.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/184760-hemlock-opinions.html

It's worth a read if you get a chance.

Take care.

Steve

 

[shadawick]

Steve, thanks for the link to the thread on using Hemlock lumber, it was a good read! :thumbsup: