a digital publication of Honest Abe Log Homes
June 2018 Edition
Gloryland Pioneers
Honest Abe’s collaboration with a Tennessee couple helped them realize lifelong desire to create a log cabin like Tennessee’s early settlers.
“Lord, build me just a cabin in the corner of gloryland” is a well-known reprise from a country gospel standard recorded by artists from Hank Williams to Charlie Pride.
While the lyrics are doubtless metaphorical, Kenneth and Joy Clayton are enjoying their own corner of gloryland in a log home that’s anything but “just” a cabin.
Sure, their log cabin is only about 1,600 square feet, with the Claytons residing primarily on the first floor, but the home reflects the inherent transitions of a long marriage, a fulfilling career and a happy family. It represents generosity and collaboration and the meandering paths that dreams take that somehow, sometimes lead to home.
“This was Ken’s dream, but I wouldn’t change making the move to our log cabin for the world,” Joy Clayton admitted, explaining that her husband had imagined himself living in the kind of log cabins he’d seen so often as a boy growing up in East Tennessee.
During their half a century of marriage, Ken, a Baptist minister, and Joy lived in what Joy called “typical suburban houses,” primarily in the Nashville, Tenn., area with a three-year stint in Spain.
All the while, Ken continued to sketch his ideas for a log cabin like Tennessee’s early pioneers built – square logs, chinked, dovetailed corners, wood-burning fireplace, wide front porch.
Read the rest of the story HERE.
This custom cabin captures the spirit of early pioneer settlers with its square, chinked logs, front and back porches and practical interior design.
Dual Purpose Rooms Easy to Design
Creating dual purpose rooms helps Honest Abe homeowners take advantage of every foot of living space while accommodating for visitors.
Passing the Perc Test
A practical matter to consider when determining placement of a log or timber frame home can be summed up in four words: no perc, no house.
Tour a Log Home Country Estate
The Slayden home started as an Honest Abe hunting cabin and was expanded into a spacious home with versatile outdoor living areas.
Honest Abe has prepared a practical timeline to help plan the design and construction of a new log or timber frame home.
You’re Invited to Our Honest Abe Events
Our free log raisings, home tours, open houses are opportunities throughout the year to learn more about log and timber frame homes.
The Clayton Plan
Honest Abe’s Clayton Plan is a Customer Creation, which Ken and Joy Clayton, whose log home story is told above, invited others to use and enjoy. Download the Clayton Plan here…
Brussels Sprouts Summer Salad
Lodge Cast Iron products can be used to create a variety of dishes
