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Fundraising begins for Danville log cabin project

October 18, 2007|BRENDA S. EDWARDS

Plans are being finalized to dismantle a two-story log structure on North Third Street and move it to Constitution Square State Historic Site.

The Heart of Danville has agreed to set up a fund for donations to help defray the cost of the project, which will require the removal of the logs and reconstructing it at Constitution Square, according to Caroyln Crabtree.

"We're in the process of getting information on costs to get the log house taken down, the logs marked, preserve it and rebuilt the structure," said Crabtree, who has researched the structure and has encouraged the community to save one of the oldest buildings in Danville.

"We're really happy that Julie Wagner has agreed to help collect the donations," said Adam Johnson, who has charge of the fundraising. He said a committee is working on cost estimates to remove the logs and demolition of the remainder of the house. When that is finished, someone will be chosen to do the work.

"I think this community effort is coming together. The Heart of Danville, Danville/Boyle County Convention & Tourism Bureau, city and county are making progress," Johnson said. He said community support is important to get the project going.

"We also hope to go after some grants to help with funding," Johnson said.

Green light from the state

The state Department of Parks has agreed to allow the log house to be reconstructed in Constitution Square, but funds are not available to help with the project, said J.T. Miller, commissioner of the state Department of Parks.

The park has space for the log structure and the state will maintain it.

"Historic preservation is our No. 1 priority," said Brenda Willoughby, park manager. "The building will fit better in the park than any other place," she said.

Willoughby said some funds may be available later from the Friends of Constitution Square and Kentucky Parks Foundation.

The log structure was discovered when Pat and Ed Hays began razing an old house on North Third Street. It is located on land where Danville originated and may have been one of the first structures on the property.

Experts have looked at the site, but have different opinions on the date it was built. They said it was built between the late 1700s and 1820.

Call Johnson or Crabtree at (859) 236-7794 for more information.

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