The Zigofuss house was believed to be built around 1867 for a Union Officer of the Civil War. The two-story log structure was built entirely of white oak and features half-dovetail notching, typical of the 1800s. It was originally located in Western Greenbrier County near Sam Black Church off Otter Creek Rd, but was rescued and moved to Alan's property in 1977.

This cabin is known lovingly as the "Hippie House" because of the graffiti carved into the chinking. This cabin is the only log structure that was original to the property when Alan bought it. There is no known date for the cabin but oral history indicates that it has been standing since at least the 1920s. The cabin appears to have been built from American chestnut and it has a very unique notching style that is not commonly seen in Greenbrier County.

This high elevation shepherd's cabin, now functioning as a barn, was originally located on top of Chestnut Ridge in Greenbrier County. It was constructed of American chestnut and features half-dovetail notching. Architectural features indicate that it likely dates to the mid-to-late 1800s, and because it was built of American chestnut it is not likely younger than the 1920s.

The Blacksmith Shop, dating to approximately 1900 if not slightly earlier, was moved from Esty, WV. It appears to have been built entirely of tulip poplar. It features rounded logs on the sides and back with saddle notching and hewn logs in the front with what appear to be V notches on some that may have been modified. Based on these observations it is likely that the front logs of this structure were re-purposed and date to the late 1700s or early 1800s while the side and back logs date to 1900. 

The Pioneer Barn was moved from Cold Knob, the highest point in Greenbrier County. It was built entirely of American chestnut, with fully rounded logs and saddle notching. It likely dates to the 1900s based on the western inspired architectural style. It has a unique purlin roof framing system as well.

The Spring House, original to the property when the Rudleys moved there in the 70s, was once a lot taller. Over time, the bottom logs rotted away and now only 8 logs remain. They all appear to be American chestnut and are square notched. There is no known history or age for the Spring House.

Little House on the Prairie was originally a house located on Friar Hole Rd in Greenbrier County. It collapsed in a snowstorm in the 1970s and was moved in 1985 to the Rudley property. It now functions as a barn. It appears to have been built of American chestnut and potentially dates to the late 1800s based on the half-dovetail notching and architectural style.

Well, we got a little lost trying to find this place. But, in our defense, the road sign was missing! We eventually arrived and the tour party was waiting patiently at the cabin.

We met the owners, Dan and Diana, their son Nathaniel, and their dog, Woodrow aka "Woody". I could probably dedicate an entire post to Woody and his adventures. An idea for a rainy day perhaps?

Anyway, after introductions, we were briefed on the history of Keeney Cabin. I mean Lewis Cabin. Or is it Keeney Cabin? As it turns out, no one knows which person actually built the cabin. If only there was a way to find out....

Based on our inspection, Keeney Cabin is what we consider to be a good candidate for tree-ring dating. Bark? Yes! Sound logs? Yes! A need for dating? Yes!

A side note: It's structures like these that make us feel like what we do matters. They make us happy. They make us feel validated about our educational choices.

The second stop on our whirlwind tour of Greenbrier County was the James Jarrett House, owned by the GHS president, Margaret Hambrick, and her husband David. We arrived at a beautiful stone house, and silently thought "Oh no. This isn't going to be good". But we were excited to see that there were indeed logs in the James Jarrett House!

The James Jarrett House was believed to be built sometime between 1815 and 1820. The good news for us is that all of the logs are in the kitchen, which is in the lower portion of the house; meaning the logs had to be put in in the beginning stages of construction and were not likely an addition.

Although the logs didn't have bark (aside from a few small spots), there are clear indicators of bark all over the logs. See the dark spots? That is remnant inner bark. Even though there's no outer bark present, this place is still a good candidate for tree-ring dating. We hope to be back in the near future!

Next, we visited the William Jarrett House, owned by Margaret's sister Martha. This place was unique! It was likely built in the 1860s if not earlier.

Well, anytime there's a chance something could be much older than it appears, we get excited. It even has the V or steeple notching, which usually indicates later 1700s construction.

Sadly though, the William Jarrett House was buttoned up tightly. The chinking covered every log entirely and there was no way we could collect samples. Just to rub it in, Martha showed us pictures from the 70's when it was rechinked. Guess what? Bark everywhere!!! Until Martha allows us to bust away the nice chinking (never!), this one will remain a mystery.

On a lighter note, Martha hosted a delicious lunch for everyone. Thanks Martha!

The final stop on our tour that day was Hedrick House. Located high up on a hill and far removed from neighbors, this structure can only be accessed by RTVs. Or at least that's how we got there!

Hedrick House has no known date, but the half dovetail notching suggests that it is newer than the 1700s. The logs appear to be American chestnut, which is really cool! This also means it is older than the early 1900s. American chestnut, once prominent in eastern North America, is now functionally extinct due to widespread chestnut blight in the early 1900s.

The owner, Jeannie, isn't sure what to do with the structure and is hopeful that a known construction date will help her decide the fate of Hedrick House.

We are definitely interested in this place. American chestnut? Yes, please! No known date? How intriguing!