Those Log Cabins

The earliest settlers in these Allegheny Mountains had to make their own homes. Usually, until a cabin was built, a temporary home to provide shelter from the elements was made of sod. Layer upon layer of sod, about the size of our modern cement blocks, would be erected to perhaps ten by twelve feet.

The trees were felled, notched and then by an adz, the two or three sizes were flattened. Spaces between the logs were filled with wooden chips or small stones. A layer of clay was then forced between the logs and around the chips and stones, thus making it weatherproof.

Many times several neighbors would help build each other's homes. They had no sawmills or lumberyard to obtain materials ready cut. They had to make their own. If help was available, quite often a loft was built into the frame. Most of the early houses had a large room. At the end of the cabin was a large stone chimney with a wide fireplace. This was the only means of warmth. Most fireplaces contained large and heavy iron rods inserted in big rings, which were imbedded into the stone wall. By this means the rods with large pot hooks, that held their iron, brass or copper kettles, could be swung over the burning logs. Many fireplaces in later years had various appliances. There were the bellows; fire tongs, the iron cat (a large round iron ball with six legs). Three legs rested on the ground and the other three supported a pot or kettle. This was placed in the fire or near the coals so that the food could be cooked or kept warm.

Glass for windows was not available. To let light in, the windows were covered with animal hides that were rubbed and scraped to a uniform thickness. Then oil or grease from animal fats was applied.

The first door was the hide of a bear. When a door was constructed and until iron hinges could be obtained, the hinges were made from heavy strips of leather. Iron ore deposits were usually found in many localities. The settlers knew how to process the ore into metal. Sometimes one settler near an iron ore deposit would make this his trade and thus was able to supply the settlers with the necessary hinges for his door, fireplace appliances, nails and farming implements. Money was not plentiful, thus trading for labor or perhaps furs or grain was possible.

Chairs were not to be found in the early cabins. A settler could easily make a strong bench from logs. The family table was also crude. Small logs were flattened or cut by an adze and fitted together. Legs were then fastened into the logs at each corner. The family could sit down at the table on their long benches.

When the rafters were notched and erected, the roof was then fastened. Nails, many times were not available, thus it was necessary to fasten the rafters and roof by means of wooden pegs. The use of pegs in erecting buildings was quite common. Many old barns can be found today that were constructed by this method.

It may surprise many to know that Bedford once contained a house that was constructed without a single metal nail. This building was originally erected in Philadelphia for the Centennial in 1876 to represent the state of Vermont as a typical house in that state. After the celebration, it was purchased by a Mr. Lewis Hachnlen of Philadelphia. Mr. Hachnlen used to spend his summer vacations in Bedford. He brought this building here, had it erected just opposite the Arandale Hotel (now the Elk's lodge). A few years later it was destroyed by fire.

On the rafters suspended by leather thongs could be found their next year's supply of garden seeds in their dried pods and plants, also a generous supply of dried teas and herbs for winter. The roof of the cabins was handmade. Logs were cut into sections from 12 to 18 inches long. By use of a mallet and a wedge the log would be split into many thin slices which became the shingle. The same method would be used on longer blocks or lugs to make clapboards for the outside covering of the cabin.

Both sexes learned how to weave baskets from split oak or hickory splints. Willow shoots were also used to provide smaller containers for seeds and vegetables. The baskets were used for wheat and corn.

The wooden door of the cabin would be secured from the inside by means of a latch which was fitted into a slot. The latch had a leather thong tied to it. A small hole was placed in the door above the latch and the thong was extended up and out through the hole. Persons on the outside could pull the leather strap, which raised the latch inside thus permitting the door to be opened. At night the door was made more secure by having a wooden bar fitted into slots which were on both sides of the door.

Every settler’s wife had her candle molder. Candles were the principal source of light. Along the walls were many long pegs inserted in the logs. These afforded a means of hanging up their clothes and utensils. One special set of pegs was for the Kentucky-Pennsylvania type rifle. Here, too, are the bullet pouch and powder horn.

Many settlers had long handled bake pans, which they could insert into the coals of the fireplace. With this utensil, the wife could bake her corn bread without getting too close to the heat. The wife had her wooden bowls and large spoons made of wood. If she was fortunate enough to have a prosperous husband, she might have pewter dishes, plus a few knives and forks.

In winter months the men would have time to make extra pieces of furniture, perhaps a doughtray, a chest, a chair or a better bed frame. The woman's job consisted not only of preparing meals and caring for her family, but making clothing from flax and wool when the latter was available. She knew how to make wearing apparel from animal hides, which her husband killed.

The old log houses that used to be so numerous up to about twenty-five years ago are now slowly disappearing. There are log houses still standing in many communities, however, which cannot be readily identified because the owners had the logs covered by clapboards or other styles of siding.