Willard Tool House III 2015 - Passport in Time

Go to content

Main menu:

Current Projects > 2015
Washington - Gifford-Pinchot NF
Closed!  Peterson-Willard Cabin Rehabilitation: Willard Tool House, Phase III

WA-4254
July 13-17; 20-24, 2015

Must commit to one entire session; may participate in both

Join us again on the Gifford-Pinchot this summer as we begin Phase III of our restoration efforts on the historic Willard Tool House! On September 11, 2012, the historic Peterson Prairie Cabin was tragically destroyed by fire. Shortly thereafter, the Mt. Adams Ranger District decided to replace the lost Cabin with another, existing Gifford-Pinchot National Forest historic building. After much deliberation and thorough discussions between the District Leadership Team and Gifford-Pinchot Heritage staff, it was decided that the best candidate was the Willard Tool House. The building had actually been determined an "excess to administrative needs" just prior to this decision, and had been slated for removal from its location! However, in an odd twist of fate, it was decided that the Tool House, though still to be removed from its original site, was the best candidate to replace Peterson Cabin. The new direction was (and is) highly favored among all concerned, and it represents the Forest Service's adaptive re-use of the historic structure as opposed to its sale to an outside entity, and subsequent removal.

Following this key decision, the planning process for rehabilitation and transport of the structure began. The entire project has been split into several phases, set to occur over four years. In 2013, PIT volunteers, local recruits, and FS staff began Phase I, which involved rehabilitation work at the Tool House's former site to restore the building to its presumed, former appearance, and to prepare it for its dramatic, 18-mile journey to the Peterson site. Phase II was begun in late summer of 2014, when the Tool House was moved inch-by-inch by some incredible machinery. In the fall of last year, PIT volunteers and FS staff again descended on the site, and took on the arduous task of refinishing and installing new and refurbished woodwork and sashes and windows, and repainting the interior and exterior. This year, we plan to continue paint removal and staining. We also plan to construct a back deck and ramp, remove the small back porch shed roof and construct a new gable roof, take on landscaping, and we'll conduct some stabilization work on the roof. If all works out as planned, the Willard Tool House, or Peterson-Willard Cabin, will enter the Forest Service's Cabin Rental Program sometime next year. This will ensure that the building is constantly used and maintained, and its place in history - complete with its new story - is not lost to time and the elements! We hope you'll come and be a part of keeping this historic gem alive - see you in July!

Number of openings: 16 (8 per session)

Special skills: Previous carpentry (especially door jamb and door refinishing), masonry, landscaping and/or related construction or maintenance experience helpful, but not required

Minimum age: 18 years old

Facilities: Tent and (small) RV camping available at no charge on-site (campers may use water and toilet facilities at adjacent campground); no hook-ups; developed tent and small RV camping also available at adjacent FS Peterson Prairie Campground; toilet facilities and potable water; nearby Trout Lake is a full-service community with hotels/motels, restaurants, and a range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for own lodging/personal camping equipment, food, and daily transportation to and from designated meeting area (if opting to stay in Trout Lake or other towns)

Nearest towns: Trout Lake, 7 miles; White Salmon, 32 miles; Hood River, OR, 36 miles

Applications due: Filled

 
Back to content | Back to main menu