by Doug Mier
Yesterday, July 3rd, my fiance’ and I went out for a motorcycle ride. We ended up about 50 south of Louisville, KY in Hodgenville – the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. About 6 miles north east of town, on KY Hwy 31E, is a small roadside area, owned and maintained by the National Park Services. Located along Knob Creek, it was the childhood home of our 16th president. At that site is a small log cabin that was reconstructed on the site of the original cabin. Based on a discussion I had with the ranger, the cabin is 16’x18′, typical of the times. One window and a very short door are the only openings in the walls.
Standing inside, on the day before Independence Day, I was moved by my surroundings. A large fireplace and hearth is located at one end of cabin. Above that is a loft, about 4′ deep and spanning the 16′ width of the interior. That loft was used not only for storage, but a sleeping area for the smaller children. Other than that, every square inch of that cabin was utilized for the family.
What was so amazing about this (in conjunction with Independence Day) is that standing there, in that small room, I had a sense of the true independence of this “movement” you communicate to us. In that small cabin, a family of 4 kept all of their belongings and everything they needed to survive in the frontier. They were not dependent on the trappings of the world that have become so important to so many today – and that is true independence.
The first house I lived in was not much larger than that cabin and I shared that house with my mom & dad and a brother and sister. I love the tiny house movement and what it stands for and I am trying to show my sons that life is not about what you have, but what you do with the things you have.
Thank you for your posts – keep up the great work.
Doug Mier
Wonderful photos and commentary! I hope you post this on your FB page. Thanks for your continued support and inspiration for the tiny house movement.
My husband and I took our children to that old cabin back in the mid-1970’s. Someone pointed to it and told us, “Just go on over and walk in.” No big deal back then, and I hope they don’t try to make a Disney-type shrine of it in the future.
“They were not dependent on the trappings of the world that have become so important to so many today – and that is true independence.”
That is it. You’ve said it perfectly. Thank you.
Thanks for the posting Kent and also to Doug for sharing with us their images and impressions.
The history of such a place is indeed moving – standing in such a structure you can almost hear the conversations.
Is it not ‘very’ interesting – those folk only had one window = when today we have entire houses built of nothing but windows and guess what only one smaller-shorter door (not several nor double nor cathedral)
I agree. Independence is a small home with no mortgage. We sold our soul to the company store and got nothing in return.
…and no county building inspectors, permits, invasive fees, zoning requirements or other bureaucratic regulations back then either!
Funny how we now have to search for our freedoms and independence now? Anyway, Good post! Thanks for the PICS!!!
Love it !!
Interesting that the chimney is completely enclosed in wood. I guess it’s to help insulate and keep the warmth in.
“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.”
~Thoreau
I love that cabin. I love the rustic look, very natural looking. Check out this company I work with that sells log cabin kits (much more ‘finished’ than the look of this particular cabin. http://www.conestogalogcabins.com Love the cabin though! Well done 🙂