News
Big Log Focus of Preservation Workshop
Moss Rudley, exhibits specialist with the U.S. National Park Service's Historic Preservation Training Center, recently conducted a hands-on log workshop at Pine Mountain Settlement School.The workshop was held at Big Log, a historic structure constructed in 1913 on the School's campus. A successful workshop resulted in the replacement of concrete blocks with oak logs, more in line with the original construction, and the realignment of the wall on the north side of the house.
Students learned how to conduct repairs to square log structures with instruction in preservation techniques and the philosophy behind the selection of particular techniques.Training included how to examine a log structure for common preservation issues, how to approach preservation work from a safety viewpoint, and what skills are needed for preservation work. The hands-on application of preservation techniques included demonstrations in full and partial log replacement, skyward facing check crack, and chinking and daubing. Students learned how to lay out and cut typical notches: half dove tail and saddle notch.
Previous workshops led by Moss were the 2004 chinking and daubing workshop on the historic Creech Cabin at the Settlement School and the 2007 round log repair workshop at the Civilian Conservation Corps structure near the Settlement School. He has worked on historic structures throughout the nation's park system.
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