Chapter 19

The Hiawatha

Two bedrooms, an extra-large living room and a porch are features of this compact 24x24-ft. log siding cabin. Can be ordered precut.

POSSIBLY the most popular approach to constructing a "log" cabin is in the use of rounded log-like siding. Mr. Swan (quote "like the bird"), has been flying high with this standard cut material—sell­ing it in almost kit form through his Mo­hawk Cabin Company in New York City.

The Hiawatha shown (Mr. Swan's "Mo­hawk" plan with variations) was pur­chased precut and partially assembled by Mr. and Mrs. William P. Peterson of Larchmont, N. Y., for approximately $2,650. Interior pine paneling, purchased later, was extra.

Not shown in the plans is the enclosed under-porch studio and storage area. De-signed for level—or near level ground construction—this addition was permissible due to their individual problem (or bless­ing) of a sharply sloping site.

Three-ply construction—rounded siding, 15 lb. felt insulating paper, and ship-lap or tongue-and-groove sheathing—make even the shell of this cabin entirely liveable. Especially selected for the purpose, the sheathing—nailed directly to the 2x4-in. wall studs—provides an entirely present­able pine wall interior for most summer or temperate zone use. For year-round use, insulation batts are easily installed be­tween the studs—which are 40 per cent prefabbed on 16-in. centers, doubled at every four feet. Doors and windows come attached to partially assembled walls, which make for easier construction and a large saving on expensive labor.

The 2x8-in. floor joists are set in gen­erous boxed foundation sills. The sills are fastened by bolts (a law in some states) set in the foundation footings.

The boxed sill itself consists of a 2x8-in. upright header set on a 2x6-in. sill. When the pier type of construction is used heavier, 4x6-in. sills are supplied in addition to 6x8-in. girders.

First grade tongue-and-groove flooring is easily installed. The roof, built of 2x6-in. rafters which are slotted at the top to meet a 2x8-in. ridge pole and set at 16-in. centers, is first covered with tongue-and-groove roofers. On this a layer of 15-lb. felt paper is ap­plied. The surface is finally protected with 210-lb. asphalt shingles.

Planned as a winter as well as a summer retreat, the Petersons used full-thick four foot Rockwool insulation batts set between the outer wall studding before paneling the interior walls. The rich effect of the knotty pine interior vastly enhances the beauty and value of this cabin. Adequate plumbing and a suitable heating system finished the job. See the chapters on these subjects in the back section of this book. A "cabin on wheels" is what Mr. Swan likes to refer to the imposing load of lum­ber and sections that are trucked to your site from the mill in Maine. Careful han­dling by these men who appreciate fine wood get your cabin off to a clean start. This delivery should, if possible, coincide with the completion of your cement foun­dation.

Roof consists  of 2x6-in.  rafters,  slotted  at  top  to meet  ridge  pole.  Roofers  are  tongue-and-groove.	Porch   is   framed   using   4x4 in.   posts   on   2x4-in. shoe. Two 2x4s are used lor top plate. Note braces.

A   layer  of   15-lb.   felt   paper   is   applied   over   the roofers.    210-lb.    asphalt    shingles    finish    it    off.	Sheathing   is   also   covered    with   the    15-lb.    felt paper, over which goes the rounded 'log" siding.

Finished cabin, ready for Creosote stain. A five gal­lon drum is needed. Pour liquid     off,     stir,     replace. This is for living! And a lot of it can be done in this 8x24 ft. screened in porch. Note    the    pine    paneling. Convenient access to bath and linen closet from bed­rooms is provided in this well-planned central foyer. Entrance to the good-sized 14' 7"xl5' 7" living room is off the porch. This also shields     door     in     winter. All finished and ready for the first big party! This alternate arrangement has counter bar instead of wall.

You are now ready to erect your Hiawatha (or whatever name you choose to dub your hideaway) which can be ac­complished by yourself and a few friends— or a couple of hired workmen.

The Hiawatha itself boasts of two bed­rooms—one 8 ft. 6 in. x 9 ft. 6 in.—the other 8 ft. 6 in. x 10 ft. 9 in. The smaller bedroom has one closet—the larger room has two. The bathroom, off the small foyer leading to the smaller bedroom, is well equipped. A handy linen closet is located close to the right of the bathroom entrance.

The large 9 ft. 3 in. x 7 ft. 6 in. kitchen has ample room for utilities and a dining area. The rear door out of this room will be considered a blessing. Plenty of room for a future fireplace in this living room! Measuring 14 ft. 7 in. x 15 ft. 7 in., it boasts of four large, double windows. The front door leads out onto a large screened-in porch. An attractive flight of wooden stairs lead down from this raised deck to the sloping ground below. As shown in the finished lead photo at the beginning of this article, the open space beneath the porch was enclosed giving the entire cabin a more sturdy appearance. Speaking of extras, it is interesting to note that the 24x24-ft. dimensions referred to in connection with this cabin are inside finished dimensions. The thickness of the walls is actually a bonus. It is important to check these points so as not to go off in your planning. Happy vacations!

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