Craig County Historical Society is pleased to report the progress of their latest project, rebuilding the Holstein Cabin. Originally built in New Castle over 200 years ago, the cabin was dismantled and stored at Explore Park for the last 28 years. Having acquired the land, the cabin will be rebuilt to stand beside the Hawkins-Brizendine Cabin by the Old Brick Hotel, in the historic district of New Castle, Virginia.
Just like the creed of the United States Postal Service, “neither snow nor rain….” will stop the volunteers of the Craig County Historical Society from completing their deed.
Fighting bitter cold January weather, stonemason Roger Davis continued carving beautiful rocks to be used for the cabin chimney and foundation. As the dreary and drizzly rains of February arrived, volunteers Glenn Paxton, Rob Givens, Pete Hutchison Jr. and Mary Hutchison did not let up.
Knowing there are some logs that need to be replaced from the original cabin, the Society rejoiced when George and Karen Barnhart of Salem, Virginia contacted them. The Barnharts have an old barn on their farm off Rt. 614 in Craig County that they offered to the Society. Members will dismantle the leaning structure, and be given all the good logs needed to complete the cabin. Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Barnhart! This is a tremendous donation, and the Society appreciates your generosity.
Many hours have already been spent by the volunteers ripping down old walls, pulling nails out of wood planks, ripping sheet metal off the roof. As the original logs of the barn date before the Civil War, these logs will fit perfectly with the Holstein Cabin. It will be amazing to watch these old logs once again become a part of history, constructing something that will be a teaching tool for present and future generations. The wood will live on!
With a preliminary budget of $40,000, the Society has had additional costs arise. Donations have come in to help offset some of this, but the CCHS is still short of its goal. A truly wonderful thing happened just this past week when a large donation was received from a life members’ estate. It will help with much of the current costs, and all are sincerely thankful for this gift and others that have been received in the last few months.
Please remember all donations are tax-deductible and will be put to immediate use toward the reconstruction of the Holstein Cabin. Donations may be made to the Society’s GoFundMe account online or sent directly through the mail (CCHS, P.O. Box 206, New Castle, VA, 24127). Members know that by working together and everyone pitching in with financial and physical support, this great endeavor will be successful. It feels great making history!
– Submitted by Craig County Historical Society
