Gypsy Cabin II and III 2021 - Passport in Time
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Current Projects > 2020 > 2021
Washington - Colville NF
Closed! Gypsy Cabin Restoration Phases II and III
Gypsy Cabin as it appeared in the late 1940s or early 1950s
WA-4460
August 2-6; 16-20, 2021 (not including weekends)
Volunteers must commit to 1 entire session; may participate in more
Join us once again this summer at Historic Gypsy Cabin! The Gypsy Copper Cabin is part of an historic mining complex located on Colville National Forest that dates from around 1900, and is maintained by the Forest as an interpretive site. The site includes the main cabin, a smaller powder house used in the past to store blasting powder and dynamite, and the mine adits that are located nearby. The Forest is no stranger to Passport in Time projects, and several of our previous ventures centered on the powder house. The focus is now on Gypsy Cabin, which has had a few rough years due to weather and time and, during a recent heavy snow, its roof collapsed. In 2020, Phase I of the project was completed – the cabin was disassembled, and its parts documented and labeled. The removal and disassembly of the cabin was necessary to access and repair the failing foundation of the cabin, which is a dry-stone foundation of local river stone.
This year, during Phase II, we will address the foundation issues by installing a new concrete pier foundation below the frost line to alleviate future shifting in the foundation, which should take approximately one week to complete. Additional work will include the processing of new replacement logs and other site preparation work needed for Phase III.
During Phase III, we will reassemble the cabin walls, which will include hewing and fitting logs, heavy log construction, and some basic carpentry. Once rotten logs are replaced, construction moves fast! If there is time, assembly of the celling and roof will begin, which again involves more hewing and log construction…but of a finer quality! We hope you’ll come on back out to the Colville this year and help us get our historic gem sparkling again!
Please note: Strict COVID-19 protocols will be followed, including the wearing of masks, social distancing, etc. Additionally, given current national and global circumstances, some aspects of the project may be subject to change. The project leader will notify all selectees should this occur.
Number of openings: 8 (4 for Session 1; 4 for Session 2)
Special skills: Previous carpentry, log building, or masonry skills helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 16 years old; applicants under the age of 18 must apply with a parent or guardian; guardian MUST submit a separate application and plan to attend
Facilities: Dispersed tent and small (pop-up) RV camping located near Gypsy Meadow; no facilities; a secondary location can be arranged if needed at East Sullivan Lake campground; East Sullivan Lake campground is a formal campground suited for RV and trailer use; water, bath facilities, other amenities; however, advanced notice is necessary to use this location, as we will need to make arrangements with the campground to pay for your stay if budget allows, Metaline Falls, Ione, and Salmo, B.C. are full-service communities, and boast hotel/motel and other accommodations, restaurants, and a full range of amenities; volunteers responsible for own lodging/personal camping equipment, food, water, and daily transportation to and from designated meeting area (if opting for in-town accommodations)
Nearest towns: Metaline Falls, 15 miles; Ione, 25 miles; Salmo, B.C., 43 miles
Applications due: Deadline Extended
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