BETHEL - Bethel Council chambers were filled to overflowing with members and supporters of the Burke Park Log Cabin Committee during the council meeting Monday, Dec. 11.
Ron Shouse, chairman of the committee, presented a plan for the restoration and historical interpretation use of the cabins located in Burke Park. He introduced community leaders George Rooks, Howard Daugherty, Lois Denney and Terry Daugherty as officers of the newly formed committee and told council they currently have 46 members at large.
Renovation of the 18 X 24 foot Acord cabin and 16 x 20 foot blacksmith cabin will not be an easy task, according to Shouse.
"We are seeking all possible revenue sources and fund raising efforts," said Shouse. "We currently have $2,000 in the bank and are seeking funds from a Duke Energy grant, the Burke Trust fund, the Appalachian Foundation, private donations and the village of Bethel."
The plan of action includes two phases. The first phase would call for the renovation and utilization of the Acord cabin on the current site costing an estimated $26,350. The blacksmith cabin would follow at an estimated cost of $23,400. Some of the work would entail volunteer efforts as well.
Shouse stressed the importance of keeping the cabins in the park and making them accessible to the community for teaching purposes for the schools, as a means of preserving local history and the possibility of designing and implementing enrichment programs, such as teaching the dulcimer or basket weaving.
The cabins were donated to the village in 1976 and have been utilized over the years. A recent lack of funds to keep them in good condition had council members discussing the possibility of dismantling them or giving them away.
With their presentation, the Burke Park Log Cabin Committee has proven to council they are serious about restoration.
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