http://www.ourblogcabin.com The blog about everything about homes. Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:40:37 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Although the Log Cabin seems as American as apple pie, Log Cabins originated in America when central Europeans starting building them here. Take a look at the History of Log Cabins [1] below and learn how this style of home design [2] became iconic in America. What's your favorite thing about Log Cabin [3] living? And, if you live in a Log Cabin home [4], share photos of your home with us! [5] History of the Log Cabin Style Home When Central Europeans came to America in the 17th and 18th centuries, they brought their log home construction knowledge and skills. The Swedish, in what is now known as Wilmington, Delaware, built the first log homes in America around 1638. With a small push from the Homestead Act of 1862 and the low cost to build these homes, log cabins quickly became the most popular form of shelter in early America. The Homestead Act gave settlers 160 acres of land so long as they farmed the land and built a home at least 10’ x 12’ with one window; the purpose of the act was to encourage development in the West. Most homes were 15’ x 20’ and consisted of one room and a small loft that could be reached by ladder. There was one, sometimes two, windows and only one door. Very commonly, a fireplace would be installed; but these fireplaces were much larger and much more functional than a fireplace you would see in a home today. This fireplace would heat the whole cabin and provided a place to cook meals. Early colonists lived simply, which is perhaps why they were able to accomplish the things that they did. Log cabins were built with trees that were cut down with an ax and then shaped to fit. Notches were cut to fit the logs together to create corners, since nails were not available. Twigs and mud were shoved into the gaps, in a technique called daubing, to prevent wintry air from entering the home. Considering the low cost and easy construction, log cabins were considerably sturdy and rainproof structures. Location, location, location-it was more important then than it is now, if you can believe it! The site where the log cabin was built had to be chosen wisely and carefully. The site had to provide the right amount of sunlight and drainage for the homeowners to more easily survive the harsh frontier life. It also needed to be an ideal location to manage the farm or ranch from. Unfortunately, there are very few “original” log cabins still standing today. Most of these homes were intended to be temporary, so they were used as animal shelters and storage units whenever the family was able to build a larger, more sophisticated home. Log cabins have withered in popularity but the rustic feel of these homes still grabs the attention of many. For more information on log home living and log cabin plans [6], visit www.houseplansandmore.com [7] for a large variety of log homes [8] and cabin plans. [1] http://http://www.houseplansandmore.com/homeplans/log_cabin_house_plans.aspx [2] http://www.houseplansandmore.com/index.aspx [3] http://http://www.houseplansandmore.com/homeplans/log_cabin_house_plans.aspx [4] http://http://www.houseplansandmore.com/homeplans/log_cabin_house_plans.aspx [5] http://www.ourblogcabin.com/wp-content/073D-0037-web1.jpg [6] http://www.houseplansandmore.com/homeplans/log_cabin_house_plans.aspx [7] http://www.houseplansandmore.com/index.aspx [8] http://www.houseplansandmore.com/homeplans/log_house_plans.aspx http://www.ourblogcabin.com/uncategorized/ever-wondered-about-the-history-of-log-cabin-style-homes.html Admit it, you've dreamt of your very own dream home. A home with everything you can imagine from a spa-style master bath to a kitchen fit for a world-class chef. Of course, dreaming isn't reality if you are building a home. Corners have to be cut to stay within your current financial situation. But, there is usually one or two things homeowners refuse to go without. Maybe it's a large backyard? Or how about a media room? Chances are, there's a feature you would prefer to keep on your wish list. We'd love to hear what that is! http://www.ourblogcabin.com/uncategorized/if-you-were-building-a-new-home-what-would-you-make-sure-to-include.html This year has been one that has made family and friends think before they spend. So, how does someone go into the holiday season not worrying about overspending? Many people gravitate toward gifts with more meaning, something from the heart with a little thought put into it rather than emptying their wallet on the latest gadget or game. While some people are creative enough to make their own gifts, others are not so versatile. So, share some of your favorite ideas with everyone here and hopefully you’ll make the holiday season less expensive and thoughtful for everyone. Happy Holidays! http://www.ourblogcabin.com/uncategorized/do-you-have-any-cost-effective-gift-ideas-this-holiday-season.html