FOREST CABINS (WALKER, GIBBONS, SWARTZ)

As friends and family watched the farm evolve, the question was often asked, "Wouldn't it be easier to build the cottages from scratch?" Well, after pouring three concrete slabs and building identical cabin structures from the ground up (including the use of a few logs harvested from the Farm), we can answer that question.

The cabins weren't hard to build, but the end results weren't quite as satisfying as our cottages. We like the feel of old recycled buildings better, and most of them only required simple pier foundations and cosmetic remodeling once we got them on site.

The cabins were designed for "camping," with more rustic accommodations than our cottages. Heat and electricity provide basic comforts, but a trip down the lighted path to our outhouse still requires a "roughing it" camper's attitude.

The Forest Cabins were all named for local residents
that impacted their communities…and us.

C.F. "Roundy" Walker was a Snyder County Game Warden during the 50's and 60's. He left his legacy throughout the county, including popular Walker Lake, which was built during his tenure.

Euell Gibbons wrote numerous books on edible wild plants. When we lived in Troxelville prior to moving to Mountain Dale, his homestead adjoined ours. His untimely death abbreviated our budding friendship.

John Swartz also lived in Troxelville, just around the block from us. He was the caretaker of Jack's Mountain, one of the region's most beautiful natural areas. John was a dear friend, and through his job with the forestry department we acquired many signs which hang in the Apple Storage today.

Our Garrison Pavilion, which provides a central gathering place and shared kitchen facilities (gas stove, refrigerator) for our cabin guests, is likewise named to honor another friend from the local area. Bruce Garrison of Garrison Construction, Beavertown, used his lowboy trailer to haul most of the buildings that were relocated to Mountain Dale Farm. Over the years, we developed a great respect and close camaraderie with Bruce.