A couple of years ago, in my research of authentic log cabins on the internet, I came across a place called Brush Arbor Appalachian Pioneer Village. I went to the website and was delighted to see that this man, Jerry Hayes, had founded this place in 1996 to: (this is from his mission statement)
1) Rescue, relocate to the Brush Arbor Village, and then to authentically restore, to the extent possible, each and every log cabin, barn, crib, school and any other original antique log outbuilding used by our ancestors, to its original condition and purpose; and to research and honor the family who originally built the home or log structure;
2) To maintain Brush Arbor Village as a perpetual Living Memorial to all early Kentucky Pioneer Settlers who, in the process of settling this historic region, endured the many hardships, inconveniences, and dangers of sheer survival; and
3) To preserve, to the extent we can, the culture, traditions, and the heritage of the old days and the old ways of our forefathers and the mothers, utilizing these historic log cabins as a basis for that preservation.
I was also delighted to find that this place was located in the next county over from us here in Kentucky, about an hour's drive away. So, because Richard and I are seriously considering moving to our cabin permanently, I needed some expert advice on how to do the renovation so as not to damage the integrity of the cabin.
I contacted Jerry through his website, and he was more than gracious to allow us to drive over and tour his Village. So, on Saturday, January 3, 2004, we made the short trip to Brush Arbor. What a beautiful place. The village is situated in a little valley. I can't wait to go back and visit in the other seasons of the year. I know it will be breath-takingly beautiful, as it is even now in the dead of winter.
As we sat in one of the cabins with the fire blazing in the fireplace, he shared his vision and his dream for Brush Arbor with us. This has been such a passion for Jerry since 1996, and I believe he truly feels "the thumb of the Lord" in his back to continue on in the building of Brush Arbor. He has given this place to the Lord and it his great desire that Brush Arbor be used in some way to bring honor and glory to Him.
As we toured the property, I was so blessed by its simplicity, its serenity, and I thought, "This needs to be available as a retreat center." Jerry had not mentioned that portion of his dream to me, but when I said that, tears filled his eyes, and he said, "That's my dream, I just don't know how to accomplish it." He then went to his file and gave me a copy of his mission statement for Brush Arbor. Please look at this mission statement.
There have been many obstacles thrown in the path of the development of Brush Arbor, and so many times that Jerry has been tempted to give up. But I can see his dream.
Below are pictures I took on January 3, 2004. Click on the picture to enlarge.
This is the view from the front porch of the Pennington House, looking toward the front of the valley.
Notice the beautiful stream running on the right hand side of the picture.
On the left, notice a barn that has been built on poles, with an authentic log structure as its base.
