The log cabin represent the archetypal pioneer or homesteading structure. For most of us it conjures up romantic images and notions of simpler times.
This style of building predates industrial building practices and fully represents the Do-It-Yourself lifestyle. It is one of the best known natural building styles and is hard to separate log cabins and early European inhabitations in North America.
All photos I took of the Jacob Wolf House in Norfork, Arkansas. We stopped here yesterday after and were amazed at the architecture!
From the website,
Jacob Wolf was a merchant, builder of log structures, carpenter, and blacksmith. He was elected as a representative to the General Assembly of Arkansas Territory in 1826. The two-story dogtrot structure was constructed by Jacob Wolf in 1829 as the first permanent courthouse for Izard County in Arkansas Territory. The Wolf House sits in present-day Norfork (Baxter County) above where the White and Norfork rivers meet. The building served thousands of early settlers finding their way into the central highlands of north Arkansas. People from the surrounding area would set up temporary quarters on the grounds to socialize and participate in their favorite activities while court was in session. Notably, John P. Houston, brother of American legend Sam Houston, served as a county clerk in this courthouse. The site was used as a river port, center of trade, and as a seat of justice.
Log Cabin
Locally sourced and built
The log cabin is the ubiquitous structure built from the land.
Indigenous people have developed numerous structures using round poles longhouse, tipi, hogan and others. Each area developed different methods and used different species. When the European settlers arrived on this continent, they found vast forests and brought with them historical context and steel, elements that shaped the course of their structures.
Logs were abundant and metal implements made harvesting and shaping trees easier.
he early settlers and pioneers quickly erected the needed structure using hand tools and plenty of elbow grease. These building were all erected with yellow pine from the nearby hills. A talented hand hewed (squared off round logs) these logs and skillfully notched them for a tight fit.
Gorgeous and functional architecture
This particular opening is known as a dogtrot or breezeway. It was used to provide shade and catch the breeze coming from the nearby river. The protected space was used for public gatherings.
Chink detail
The spaces between the logs are filled (chinked) to seal the building. In this case t original chink (perhaps a mix of horse hair, clay and manure) was replace by a modern product. You can see the floor joists that span the interior and rest on the logs.
Weathered yellow pine
Expertly hewn notched logs
Our friend enjoying the dogtrot
White oak shingles
The quintessential log cabin porch
Beautifully crafted chimney
Plenty of shady balcony space
This particular site was used as parliament building in the early colonial era. By no means would this grandiose architecture be present on every homestead, but it's a great example of the beautiful fusion of form and function that can be achieved with log cabin crafting. It was built without the help of power tools and is 100% local. It has withstood the test of time and stands strong today.
When we look into the past and see the quality and attention to detail that went into the buildings, we are humbled and inspired to continue learning growing in the realm of building and other Earth based skills.
What type of buildings do you draw inspiration from?
Are there any "traditional" style type homes still existing where you live?
What a beautiful building @mountainjewel and stunning photography. The first won is so wonderful look through the arch to the trees. Excellent post!
thank you! i was impressed that the building had withstood the test of time so well. sturdy materials. certainly a beautiful place <3
Our house is originally a two story log cabin! It was moved to our property in 1864 from another location. I can't imagine the work involved in MOVING a log cabin, especially in the times of having to do it all by horses! The house was added onto in the late 1800s and again the early 1900s. It was sided to look like a salt box style house and from the outside you'd never know the original structure was log. When we bought the house it was in REALLY rough shape, so we had to demo most of the interior. We brought it down to the original logs and it was SO beautiful to see the original hand cut logs. Our fireplace (which we use with a wood stove and a liner up the chimney for safety) is the original field stone fireplace that utilizes field stone from our property from 150+ years ago! We love the history of this place! ;)
WOW, what an amazing opportunity. I certainly wouldn't want to move a house, even if I could take it apart and use horses. yikes.
I bet it was a lot of work getting it into great shape, but must have been remarkable when the logs came into view. I can imagine how nice that would be.
I really appreciated hearing about this, what a fascinating story. Thanks for sharing.
Renovating was a HUGE undertaking. Add homesteading to the mix and we were certainly in over our heads. Lol. Glad it's mostly done with just some finishing work here and there. I don't think I'd want to relive that experience. Ha ha ha ha!
wow!! i can hear that an imagine it was!! woah <3 hahah but now it's done ;) way to go... i can relate. the first two years here have been veeeery difficult -- and i wouldn't want to relive them either haha!!
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Excellent post @mountainjewel! I love learning about the history of other nations... And what a great way to discover more about other cultures and their lifestyles than through its buildings.
Beautiful craftsmanship. I wonder how cold it gets in there in Winter..
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. It is interesting to hear about other building cultures, one aspect of culture I find constantly fascinating.
Certainly well done building. It gets fairly cold, it's considered zone 6. Back then probably even colder than now.
Looks like those 2 chimneys might have come in handy then ;)
I think it is beautiful! Hard to believe it is still in such great shape. Love the architecture! Is this what you will build? Lots of history....love your post.
Ya, the build quality is truly amazing! Just shows us how wood is a sturdy and versatile building material.
Well... we were thinking about a smaller version, maybe like the one with the big porch.
Thanks so much for stopping in ;)!
what a beautiful post. I really enjoyed the tour!
There are many historical homes around here. Woodstock was New Brunswick first town. The houses are beautiful, some even have carriage houses. I am sure cost a fortune to heat, they are so huge! I am glad we chose something practical.
We live in a small log home and I appreciate the practicality of the design. It's not super old (15 years) and was built using local wood. We don't have air conditioning and for the most part the house seems to have a propensity to say cool in the summer and retain heat in the winter. It's really easy to clean and maintain - no drywall to patch and paint ... I really am quite impressed with log structures.
I certainly wouldn't want to heat those houses, at least not without a rocket mass heater. They are quite attractive though, I've seen some of the historic houses in NB. So glad you make a practical choice though.
Happy to hear you're enjoying your cabin, they really are a neat building style. Our home is constructed with round logs that are unpeeled, so we're CONSTANTLY sweeping. I also like the option to screw into the walls anywhere. :)
That sounds really nice .. aside from the sweeping. I love the look and textures of bark. I have a dog that explodes fur everywhere daily so I am constantly sweeping too :)
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Great historic structure that has survived. Thanks for posting.
Waw !
Nice home buddy
wow, what an imressive art of architecture.
Our town was established in 1670. There are still some very old houses on Main St.
This reminded me of wodden houses that were made until reacently, 50, 60 years ago, in the reagon I was born to, in Croatia.