McKenzie House Rehab I 2016 - Passport in Time
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Idaho - Salmon-Challis NF
Closed! McKenzie House Stabilization Project, Phase I
Stabilization of the west wall of the McKenzie House will be accomplished over two summers
ID-4287
June 6-11, 2016 (including weekends)
Must commit to full session
This year, we celebrate the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)’s 50th anniversary! For the Salmon-Challis National Forest, we will join the celebration by sponsoring the McKenzie House Stabilization Project, and we want you to join us! The historic ghost town of Custer was established in 1879 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The town includes several buildings: a schoolhouse, a saloon, nine residences, two stone houses (ruins) and several outbuildings. One of these magnificent structures was the McKenzie House – built in the 1880s, and considered among the finest houses in Custer. Unfortunately, one of the walls is currently failing and the building desperately needs your help to attain its former glory!
Stabilization of the house will occur during two phases, one each over the next two summers. The work we will do this field season will consist of laying a new foundation under the failing wall, rebuilding the wall using existing logs, treating the logs to prevent decay, and re-chinking the building. The Yankee Fork Interpretive Association has also partnered with the Salmon-Challis National Forest to provide interpretive services and caretaking at the town during the annual “Custer Days” celebration during the second week of July – the event draws hundreds of visitors each year! We hope to have McKenzie House stabilized enough by the end of Phase I that it can add to the ambience and intrigue of the town, and you can be a part of this important endeavor – we hope to see you in June!
Number of openings: 9
Special skills: Volunteers must be physically capable of repetitive lifting, bending, standing, kneeling, and other strenuous, construction-related tasks for long periods each day, and in a variety of weather conditions; previous construction, carpentry, masonry, historic restoration, maintenance, and/or related experience very helpful, but not required. However, experienced carpenters, construction workers, masonry specialists and log cabin enthusiasts are encouraged to apply!
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Tent and small RV (pop-up, trailer, etc.) camping available at no charge at nearby FS campground; water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings; no hook-ups; a place to clean up after a hard-day’s work will be provided (if you prefer to bring your own solar shower an area to set it up will be designated); Stanley is a full-service community with hotels/motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for own camping equipment/lodging, meals, and daily transportation to work site
Nearest towns: Project based in Custer; Stanley, 20 miles
Applications due: April 18, 2016