Step 3: Restoration Progress
Removal of the Siding Layers and Roofing Material
There were two layers of siding on the Cabin. These two layers covered a base layer of tar paper. Modern asphalt shingles covered the tar paper on the roof. As we discovered, the battens that appear in the picture had been removed prior to application of the first layer of siding.
Stabilization of the Roof
The cutting of the cabin left the roof in an unstable condition. Fear that snow load from Lake Michigan Island winters, made the roof stabilization a major consideration. Going beyond The Pape Restoration Plan, we replaced all the timbers that had been cut to make the move. The lumber that was used for the project was restoration hand milled lumber.
Roofing with Tar Paper and Battens
The roofing project has now been completed.
Current Project Focus
This summer we are focused on completing the siding. This involves restoring the three windows in the cabin and repairing the two openings that were cut into the original cabin by subsequent owners. Once the siding is complete we will remove the paint from the walls and ceiling beams.
Removal of the Siding Layers and Roofing Material
There were two layers of siding on the Cabin. These two layers covered a base layer of tar paper. Modern asphalt shingles covered the tar paper on the roof. As we discovered, the battens that appear in the picture had been removed prior to application of the first layer of siding. All the tar paper oringally applied had to be removed. We reduce the cabin to the bare boards and removed all nails and other materials.
Windows and Door Restoration
Two windows had been added to the cabin in the 50's. A door had been removed. There are three windows in the cabin. We were able to recover an original window from the family cabin. We purchased custom built windows for the other two. We are replacing the modern glass, with the original 1916 glass from the original cabin.
Landscaping
In its original location, the Veblen Study Cabin was a few feet from the shore of Little Lake. We have added rock landscaping to represent the shoreline of Little Lake, to suggest how tranquil the location of the study cabin was..
October Status
The tar paper, battens, windows and doors have been replaced on three sides. There is still another side, but the progress continues on paint removal, windows and landscaping . We have the general appearance of the restored cabin.