Historic Log Cabin: So what are you going to do with that building?

”So what are you going to do with that building? “ is one of the most popular questions that we get from just about everyone who visits Camp Norwood. The quick answer is we don’t know.

Here’s what we do know. Under all of that white siding is a 2 story “dogtrot” style (breezeway) log cabin with 3 fireplaces and 2 additions added to the back at later dates. The original building, built by the Lancaster-Reed Family, is dated to approximately the 1860’s with siding added at around the turn of the century. Running water was not installed until the late 1990’s. A cistern for collecting water still exists next to the building. The last owner had lived in the building up to around April 2020 before it was abandoned and left open to the elements for 6 months.

When we were searching online for properties in the area this one came up often, but we were hesitant because the building was obviously in rough shape. We ended up falling in love with the property and location before we even had a chance to inspect the interior of the house. Upon inspection, animals and feces were certainly present, signs of local squatters usage was seen, some of the windows were smashed out, and there was a LOT to clean up. We boarded up the windows, rented a dumpster to empty out what was left and saged the heck out of it. We thouroughly inspected everything before tossing and were lucky enough to find a black and white photo showing the home during a much different time.

Recently, we were in contact with one of the residents who had graciously given us a photo album of pictures during the late 90’s showing a beautifully loved home.

Many locals had asked if we were aware that our log cabin was featured in the Ann Bolton Bevins books. What an experience to see a building that you own featured in the Scott County historical section of the library. We’d recently found out that the Lancaster family also had a pharmacy located in downtown Sadieville.

There’s still so much to learn about the property and even more to learn about the building. As we slowly piece back together the history, we slowly work on the building itself. Besides the interior cleanup, we maintain the exterior by cutting the vines that had taken over. We have cut the power and the water, and are currently using the building as storage. Last summer we began dismantling one of the additions in hopes of creating an outdoor covered patio.

At one point we had wanted to pull off all of the siding to show the log cabin hidden under, but are now hesitant after learning that the siding has actually helped to protect the logs from the elements througout the centuries. There’s also concern for what we might find under the siding with fears of rotting wood. Each chimney is falling apart and would need to be rebuilt. The metal roof is in ok shape, but certainly needs to be patched.The front porch is sketchy. And… the building itself is probably haunted.

So what are we doing with that building? We are asking for help. We are looking for any history or photos about the building or information about the families that have lived here before. We are looking for masons and builders and those with knowledge about log cabin restoration. We are also asking for financial help with donations accepted on Venmo @camp_norwood .

We continue to keep the building clean and free from additional deterioration and are in the beginning stages of research for historical preservation and restoration. We DO NOT want to take it down and sell the wood. We believe this building deserves to be a part of history for Sadieville, Scott County, Kentucky, and you for the next 200 years.