TIMBER & TIME: An Immersive Crash Course into Wisconsin Log Cabin Living

Dream about simple cabin living – but wonder how to get started with the cabin? 

For centuries, log cabins have claimed their space in the hearts of building owners. As a beacon of deliberate living and self-reliance – log cabins remain a simple lifestyle in a fast-paced, modern world. 

Here’s something no one probably told you: Log buildings can continue to be used for centuries. (Meaning sustainability, craft, and charm come full circle when you choose a historic log cabin.) Timber & Time is YOUR immersive crash course into the making, restoration, and keeping of a log structure. It’s all the insightful stories, visual demonstrations, and hands-on practice you need to confidently begin your log cabin life journey. 

From 9am to 3pm, you’ll be on-site at the Saxonia House, where a 150-year-old Wisconsin log building rests deconstructed. This cabin was moved 82 miles to safety, after being disassembled log by log. Now… It’s time to bring this building back to life. (And you get to be a part of it!)

Together with woodworkers, builders and preservationists, you’ll join in the reconstruction of a historic log building – learning through doing in an inspiring, hands-on environment. No experience is necessary for this course, only a strong work ethic and willingness to learn. 

• Hands-on practice: Split shingles and set logs (with many helping hands)
• Stories from experts: Learn a process for reusing historic log buildings and how to spot the strongest types of log joinery
• On-site demonstration: Witness the tools and techniques historically used to build a log cabin

Instructors:

Steve Stuckey – Executive Director and Architectural Conservator with The Tower Heritage Center

Known for bringing home fragments of historic buildings – Stuckey’s commitment to practicing and teaching historic building conservation is unparalleled. Stuckey brings energy and perspective from 10+ years of hands-on experience conserving a diverse range of sites, from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to log-built barns residing on family farms. Spend a day in his company, and along with a few stories, you’re certain to gain a clear understanding of just how incredible historic places truly are. 

Alan Pape – Board President for the Friends of the Saxonia House

Words fall short of describing Pape’s deep rooted passion for connecting people to the culture, story and preservation of historic sites. Pape draws experiences as an acclaimed preservationist of Wisconsin’s log and timber-framed pioneer buildings, notably partaking in the strategic planning, founding and erection of Old World Wisconsin. As a cabin-lifer and hygge devotee, Pape is bringing a lifetime of personal anecdotes and insightful stories to this course. 

What to expect:

You’ll spend the day outdoors at the Saxonia House site, diving into the world of historic log buildings through seated discussions and hands-on work. Come ready to get your hands dirty and discover the master craftsmanship of log buildings. 

You’ll need to bring:

• Leather work gloves
• A packed lunch (non-refrigerated)

We’ll provide:

• Tools and instructional materials
• Water and first aid supplies
• Stories and memories to last a lifetime

Timber & Time is a partnership between The Tower Heritage Center and the Friends of the Saxonia House. Your $75 registration fee will cover the cost of instruction and contribute to the continued stewardship of historic sites, including this log building.

Registration is limited to 25 participants.