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The Olivers bought land in the Cove in 1826 and this cabin site remained in the family until the Park was established. The house is typical of many found on the eastern frontier in the mid-1850s, and reflects the skills and techniques brought into the mountains by descendants of British and European immigrants.
The round logs were scored first along their length with a felling axe, then hewn with a broad axe. The notched corners need no pegs or nails, as gravity locks them together. Chinks (open spaces between the logs) were filled with mud to seal out wind and rain. The stone chimney was laid in mud mortar. Windows and doors are typically small, to conserve heat, and maintain the strength of the building. Split wooden shingles, the most common material used here, cover the roof. The materials to build this house are growing or lying all around you. Could you duplicate this shelter if need be?
Privacy in the home was rare. Life centered in the main room. Children were welcomed. The more kids, the lighter the farm work. Older folk lived here, too. A head count of ten to twelve under one roof was not unusual. The home was a business, school, hospital, orphanage, nursing home and poor house.
@Daroru: Thanks Daroru! We LOVE Maryville and that whole area! We will retire there is about 5 years!
@Double KK Photography: I appreciate the awesome comments! :-))
Canon EOS 30D
1/60 second
F/4.0
ISO 100
70 mm
