Gypsy Cabin Rehab 2022 - Passport in Time
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Current Projects > 2020 > 2021 > 2022
Washington - Colville NF
Closed! Gypsy Copper Cabin Restoration Phases IV and V
Disassembly of the cabin in 2020, photo by A. Miller
WA-4475
August 8-12; 15-19, 2022
Volunteers must commit to 1 entire session; may participate in both
Step back in time, put on your pioneer hat, hone your log cabin building skills, and join us at an historic mining camp on the Colville National Forest! The Gypsy Copper Cabin is part of an historic mining complex located on the Colville National Forest, and dates from around 1900; it is currently maintained by the Forest Service as an interpretive site. The property includes the main cabin, a smaller powder house used in the past to store blasting powder and dynamite, and the mine adits, which are located a short hike away. Passport in Time projects are no stranger here and several have focused on the powder house. This year’s focus, however, will be Gypsy Cabin itself, which has had a few rough years, and during a heavy snow, its roof collapsed! In 2020, Phase I of the project was completed: the cabin was disassembled, and its parts documented and labeled. In 2021, during Phases II and III, reconstruction and repair of the foundation – including the gathering of materials – and the repair of most of the logs composing the building was accomplished.
This year, Phase IV and V will address the reassembly of the structure. During Phase IV (Session 1), additional work will include processing new replacement logs, repairing damaged logs (which includes hewing fitting logs, heavy log construction, and some basic carpentry), and other site preparation work.
In Phase V (Session 2), we’ll continue to work on the walls of the cabin, then transition to the repair and reconstruction of the roof (if work from Phase IV is completed). This will hopefully include installing beams, installing a replacement ceiling, and placing new rafters. If we have time, we may also install a metal roof.
We’ve always had a great time out at Gypsy, so we invite you to come out in August and help us give this historic gem a much-needed facelift and some TLC!
Please note: all volunteers will be required to follow current COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of volunteers and staff, which may include social-distancing, providing proof of qualifying vaccinations, and/or the wearing of masks. Further, due to the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, this project could be amended, postponed, or canceled. Selected volunteers are encouraged to remain in contact with project lead(s) to stay apprised of any changes.
Number of openings: 8 (4 per session)
Special skills: Previous carpentry, log building, and/or masonry skills welcome, but not necessary
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 for the full time frame as applicant
Facilities: We will be camping for the duration of the project. Our camping area is located in Gypsy Meadow, a dispersed camping area with water and pit toilets, and with room for medium-sized (i.e. pop-up style or smaller 5th-wheel) trailers. A secondary location at the East Sullivan Lake campground can be arranged if needed; improved amenities in a formal campground suited for RV and trailer use; advanced notice necessary, and fees may apply; Metaline Falls and Ione are full-service communities with hotels/motels, B&Bs, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for own camping equipment/lodging, meals, and daily transportation to and from designated meeting areas
Nearest towns: Metaline Falls, 15 miles; Ione, 25 miles; Salmo, B.C., 43 miles
Applications due: June 6, 2022
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