Archive: News

A small group of people from different segments of Lansing met Tuesday to see what can be done to get the North Log Cabin erected at the entrance to Salt Point.  The 1791 cabin came home to Lansing in 2007 after close to 50 years behind the Cayuga Museum in Auburn, and is currently a pile of logs stored near the Town Highway Department.  After Monday's meeting the prospects of getting the cabin restored were still uncertain, but considerably more likely.

"At this point it's going to be a completely volunteer effort," Shattuck said.  "This meeting is to see if any people can step forward.  Here's a pile of logs, here's the historical perspective of it, here's a place to put it.  We don't have any money... put it down there."

Click to view cabin timelineThe cabin was originally built in 1791 on a plot of land near the corner of Searles and Conlon Roads, purchased by Thomas North from the holder who had been awarded the land as payment for soldiering in the Revolutionary War.  (Click thumbnail at right to see historical timeline.) 

It has been disassembled three times.  In 1891 it was moved north to 578 Colon Road by Daniel Tichenor, who had purchased the structure to move to an acre of land he had bought from his neighbor, Samuel Davis.  Eventually it was covered by newer construction until it was discovered by accident in 1958.  It was taken apart again to move to Auburn.

Professor Walter K. Long, then the Director of the Cayuga Museum of History and Art, was challenged with the same problem Shattuck now faces: he wanted to restore the cabin with no money, no materials, and no staff.  He managed to raise money through the local Rotary Club, and to find experts and volunteers, and the cabin stood behind the museum for almost 50 years. 


Shattuck has spent almost two years trying to find a way to save the cabin with little support from the Town.  "If you went to look at the cover (a torn tarpaulin that doesn't protect the logs) that was there and listened to some of the comments at the meetings from our own board you'll see there is still not strong support from the board," Shattuck said.  "Part of it is because at some point there will be a cost.  Especially with our new board there is less of an impetus to spend money on anything.  The second thing is that even thought the Town Board is paid, most everyone is busy, and they don't have an interest in this."

So Shattuck turned to the community to save this piece of Lansing history.  Among those who showed up were Lansing Community Council President Ed LaVigne, Common Field's Chris Muka, and Tompkins County Habitat For Humanity's Ed Siemon.  While various approaches were discussed, LaVigne presented the most aggressive plan.

"I looked at it the other day with a contractor," he said.  "His chief carpenter built his own log cabin.  He's thinking it will be about two day's work.  I'm thinking about three weeks.  One week to bring it out and look at what you've got.  One week to find the materials and get them there, and the third week to assemble it."

LaVigne noted that it will need a new roof, and facsimile packing on the outside, and a slab to put it on.  He said he has an estimate of $10,800 plus materials.  His hope is to do it through the auspices of the Community Council, but said he would spearhead it personally if the council isn't willing.  The Community Council will vote on whether to participate Monday.

"My hope is to get this thing done by Lansing Harbor Festival (August 15th) so we can get hay rides over there," he said.  "We can get photo sessions, people can wear buckskins, and we can have fundraisers there to help pay for this thing."

Getting the cabin put together is seen as a first step, the piece that interests LaVigne.  Once that is done the hope is that others will form a 'Friends of the North Cabin' committee that will continue to support it with funding, period furnishings, docents, and programming.  Shattuck says he hopes there will be signs explaining the history of the Town and the cabin.

LaVigne stressed that there will be plenty of opportunities for volunteers to work on the project, but said that the best way to put the cabin up is to pay a contractor to do it.  Concerns about the logs decaying also make a quick restoration vital.  LaVigne said he is confident the money can be raised, but said he needs

"The more people you get involved from Lansing, the more it becomes their project," Siemon said.  "Kids could be bussed to the cabin from the schools to bring the kids and other people into it."

LaVigne said he would need a couple of weeks to see if he can get people interested in getting the money together, to get the Community Council's vote, to look into grants, and to determine the contractor's schedule, and to find out where to get replacement logs for those that have rotted.  Muka said he would find replacement logs.

Another meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th at the Town Hall to try to make a final go/no go decision.  Everyone is welcome.

----
v5i16