Historic Structures Report, Parts I-II: The John Oliver Cabin

Brown, Lenard

The historic data section on the John Oliver Cabin was prepared to satisfy the requirements of RSP GRSM-H-8. This report describes how log cabins were constructed in the Great Smoky Mountains prior to the use of sawn timber. It will aid in the rehabilitation and preservation of this cabin built by one of the first settlers in Cades Cove, now part of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The John Oliver Cabin was built by one of the earliest settlers in Cades Cove. It has been assigned building number 186. This cabin is to be part of an open air museum depicting the life in the southern highlands of the United States prior to 1900-1910. The master plan recommends the preservation of the pioneer structures, pastoral landscapes, and memorabilia left within the park by the mountain people which demonstrate the mountain culture in aan authentic fashion. It also suggests the on-site recreation of farms, fields, roads, orchards, etc. in order to present an accurate picture of 19th-Century mountain culture of the pioneer people of the Great "Smokies". The presence of the John Oliver Cabin, a short distance from the roadway, makes the structure one of special importance. The structure should be rehabilitated by replacing unsound materials, stabilizing the foundation and restoring it to original condition. All new material should match the original in kind, workmanship and fabrication and will be soaked in preservative for 8 hours, old, structurally sound wood should be sprayed with a wood preservative. The foundation should be stabilized through the use of concrete footings beneath the rock piers. The work will be done by craftsmen familiar with this style of building.

Historic Structures Report, Parts I-II: The John Oliver Cabin

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