Help Historic Log Cabin

The Historic Log Cabin, circa 1750 has seen the start of this country, 1776, and has survived to be in it's 3rd Century! Thank you for viewing this campaign to further preserve the Historic Log Cabin!

Hello, my name is Judy Weiland Trabbold. I am a widow, single mom, entrepreneur, and Certified Community Health Educator. I lost my husband "Bud" in 1991, 22 years ago to the treatment for leukemia. My 2 children are now 23 and 28 years old. I have raised them alone and have devoted my life to helping people to be healthy.
An integral part of my life's mission was when I mortgaged my home to buy an old log house in my community in 1999. The log cabin was in ruins at time of purchase and the previous owners recommended that I tear it down. Well, I knew I had to save the old log cabin, there was something very special about it.
I worked diligently over the years to complete the restoration and I learned a lot about old log cabins. My kids, who worked along side of me a lot of the time, got to witness what perseverance and hard work can accomplish. Having gone over every inch of these amazing logs from repairing, grinding, wire brushing, preserving, washing, lots of TLC and carefully making my own Chink recipe, It has truly been a labor of love.
After much research and information from local historians, it became evident that this old cabin dates back to circa 1750, and it has been documented as having the largest logs in the county.
In 2002 I opened a Health Food Store at the cabin called The Mountain Herb Shoppe, and there I served the public for almost 10 years offering not only the best supplements and food products but also free consultations and Health Education Workshops.
When the economy plummeted in 2008, I was forced to adapt and change the business.
In 2010 the cabin was open again as Historic Log Cabin Inn circa 1750.
In 2012, continuing with my mission of health for my community, the cabin became certified as a "Community Health Education Center". I began holding weekly wellness support groups at the cabin which I called "Bud's Place" in remembrance of my husband Bud. I wanted to prevent others from having to endure what he went through.
I believe this old cabin was meant for this purpose, as it has a peacefulness and an energy of it's own which is evident the moment you step inside. The cabin was referred to as "The Healing House" by one of the Wellness Group attendees.
Even though I purchased the cabin, it really feels like a "Gift" and I am so thankful to have been able to do the restoration and to share the cabin with the public.

I am reaching out to people with this funding project because this historic cabin is now in need of help, and I've come to realize that the situation is bigger than me. The problem facing the cabin is this:
During the restoration 12 years ago I repaired several existing exterior logs that had become compromised over the decades from water getting behind the original chimney. The chimney was long since removed and only the partially rotted logs remained. Then 3 years ago, upon routine inspection I found that the logs I had repaired 9 years earlier have now deteriorated further. I had to decide what was the best course of action for the cabin. With much research, thought and consideration of the different options of repair and preservation, I decided the best thing to do was to stone-case the log wall three quarters up to top to cover and support the injured logs. This option would ultimately strengthen the structure and protect existing logs from further damage.
So I began gathering and collecting stone over the past 3 years for the project. I also hand dug a 3 foot ditch twenty foot long for the footer and had it poured 3 years ago.
The cabin wall has been covered with a tarp for the past 3 years to help keep out the elements. I have tried to insulate the cavities in the logs as best I could to help them along til the stone casing can begin. Last fall my son and I were able to lay the first course of stone. The stone we used was large barn foundation stone which historically was used in that period. They were extremely heavy.
After 3 years and a large amount of effort, work and worry, I have accepted and embraced the fact that I need help with this huge undertaking of this historical preservation project that would ultimately ensure many, many more decades or centuries of existence for this historic log cabin!

I don't want the cabin to see another winter or even another fall season with driving rains coming thru making things worse. So far the interior logs are still good.

I have consulted with a stone mason who specializes in
Historic Preservation. He is able to start the project in 2 weeks and finish by winter.
The historic preservation work also includes securing the gable roof end of building with new vertical boards and fascia, and chink & dobbing repair w/linseed preservation on logs between stone case and gable. Also light fixture installed and stone walkway repaired at footer. Hence, the entire side of the cabin will be strengthened, restored and preserved. The campaign total includes costs and fees to be able to use this "go fund me" site.

The cabin has been such a wonderful experience for me, allowing me to find meaning and purpose for my life. When people have told me that I have been good for the cabin, I tell them yes, but, the cabin has been just as good for me!

I thank you and I'm very grateful for your interest and support. And I'm sure the Historic Log Cabin is grateful too!!

I will always be happy to share this historic log cabin with the public. People who visit are just in awe of this amazing archaic architectural wonder.
-Perhaps it should be a museum.

Thank you again for your consideration,

Authentically, Judy W. Trabbold