This Old Log Cabin

I find something endearing about an uncomplicated and aged structure like this one. In the same way, I'm drawn to stone buildings of modest character and with an overall appearance that only comes naturally with time. I can't quite put my finger on why I like these old buildings, I just know I do.

About four years ago I was visiting a potential log home client a few miles west of St. Louis, Missouri, off Highway 100. After crossing a low water bridge and driving a short distance off the main road, we turned up a fairly long drive before coming to a stop at a nice older home that had been built onto and renovated a time or two over the years. As we climbed out of the car, I noticed what appeared to be an old barn or shed of some sort in back of the main house. I was immediately drawn to it and quickly decided it was picture worthy. Upon closer examination I saw that part of the structure was made with very old hand hewn timbers: a log building technic typically referred to as Appalachian style that was widely used by our fore fathers as they settled and homesteaded the eastern and middle portion of our country.

I didn't think much more about the old house/barn/shed until I ran across this picture yesterday while deep in the recesses of my iPhoto stash, and decided to share it with you.
If I remember correctly, the original log portion of this cabin was relocated a number of years ago to where it now stands and then added on to by the current home owners. I could be off a little on that detail, but I believe that was the story. One thing is for sure however: this structure has been around a while and appears to be holding up rather nicely. Like a good woman or a fine wine, log homes seem to improve with each passing day. Some day years from now, someone may take a picture of our little Missouri log cabin and wonder about it's origin. Maybe they'll run across an old picture of Max E. Pad and wonder whether or not he was a blue ribbon winner or just a participant. I bet he leaves them guessing.

~Max and his friend Klietus enjoy a fireside beverage