Next Part 7: How old is the log structure?
Following the Palmetto Trust’s purchase of the Kibler Cabin and the successful title search of the property, our next objective was to attempt to determine its structural history. In the absence of any written documentation, our only option was to bring in the experts on traditional building techniques of the SC upcountry and try to interpret what we find in carefully dissecting parts of the building.

The historic Kibler Cabin in Newberry after some of the clapboard siding was removed to allow further forensics examination.
We brought in two of my most trusted colleagues when it comes to dating houses: Martin Meek of Enoree, SC, and Rusty Robinson of RootsandRecall.com. We also appreciated the availability of Joe Ligon of Ligon Productions to come along to document the visit on video.
Martin Meek is one of the state’s leading historic architects and, as winner of the Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in Preservation, is one of the state’s most respected authorities on historic structures. Rusty is a forty year veteran of helping preserve and date structures across S.C., using artisans databases and technical forensics to help tell the story. With the three of us exploring the nooks and crannies of this cabin from top to bottom, I was confident we would come away with a lot more answers as to when the structure and its additions and modifications were built and believed that our combined experience gave us the “having-seen-everything” confidence to assume this place would be no different.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
- S.C. preservation architect, Martin Meek discusses the Kibler Cabin with the film crew from Ligon Productions.
Though we did get some answers, we left that day with far more questions at the end of the day than when we started.
In short, the Kibler Cabin is unlike anything any of us has ever seen or experienced.
- The second floor of the cabin is almost entirely built upon a first floor of frame and studs. The only part that is 100% logged is the right side of the structure, where the original large cook chimney was located. Logs are stacked from ground to roof, but only on that one wall and adjoining corners. We do have evidence that the logs on the first floor are different than the logs on the second floor, leading us to conclude that the original cabin was one story and added onto later.
- All the studs and framing members supporting the logged second floor appear to have been constructed together. There is no sign that the first floor was originally logged and removed: no old mortise joints, no half-dovetails utilized, and the use of the same nailing system throughout.
We look forward to sharing the video from Ligon Productions once it is completed. Joe did a great job of capturing the joy we all experienced as we explored this amazing one-of-a-kind structure and discovered some unique finds that I will leave for the video to share. Update: The Video turned out great and is now available on our “Video” page.
The next phase for the cabin is to develop the plan for its future: to determine its new location and the logistics of that move. We expect to find more clues to the house’s history when we take that next step sometime in the next 12 months. Stay tuned!
Courtesy of Mike Bedenbaugh, Contributor to R&R.com – Also look for new opportunities to enjoy R&R and travel venues with Carolina Jaunts in 2017.
From the Porch – Blog @ RootsandRecall.com – 12.8.16