HistoriCorps is a program of Colorado Preservation, Inc., funded in part by the US Forest Service.
Cobble Lookout Shelter
Purpose of the Project: The Cobble Lookout Shelter will be preserved to function as part of an interpretive site. The structure will be explained as part of the history of a retreating glacier and the shelter’s role in regional tourism.
History: The Cobble Shelter, located in Tongass National Forest near Juneau, Alaska, was constructed in 1930 and originally called the “Registration Booth,” a spot where visitors to the Mendenhall Glacier could stand inside, view the glacier and sign the visitor’s registry. Since the 1930’s, the glacier has retreated nearly one mile, and the shelter, now overgrown with vegetation, looks out of place. Although no longer used for its principle purpose as a viewing and registration booth, the Forest Service has maintained the structure and used it for interpretive purposes.
Scope of Work: There will be no modifications altering the historic appearance of the shelter; rather, decayed elements will be replaced in-kind to preserve this unique building. All work will adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Actions proposed include: realigning the shelter to be plumb and square, lifting the shelter and replacing two courses of logs with logs of the same diameter and appearance, resting the shelter on a well-drained foundation of dry-laid stone and aggregate, repairing one log tail with epoxy resin, replacing roof with new cedar shingles, painting entire structure to match historic color, and improving drainage around the structure.
OUTCOME! HistoriCorps headed up to Juneau in early June to rehabilitate the Cobble Lookout Shelter. Over two weeks, the HistoriCorps’ team realigned the shelter, replaced and repaired logs, laid a new foundation and replaced the roof with cedar shingles. Despite the rain and mud, the HistoriCorps’ team enjoyed working to stabilize and rehabilitate this historic structure, and HistoriCorps’ first Alaska project was successfully completed!
Cobble Lookout Shelter
Purpose of the Project: The Cobble Lookout Shelter will be preserved to function as part of an interpretive site. The structure will be explained as part of the history of a retreating glacier and the shelter’s role in regional tourism.
History: The Cobble Shelter, located in Tongass National Forest near Juneau, Alaska, was constructed in 1930 and originally called the “Registration Booth,” a spot where visitors to the Mendenhall Glacier could stand inside, view the glacier and sign the visitor’s registry. Since the 1930’s, the glacier has retreated nearly one mile, and the shelter, now overgrown with vegetation, looks out of place. Although no longer used for its principle purpose as a viewing and registration booth, the Forest Service has maintained the structure and used it for interpretive purposes.
Scope of Work: There will be no modifications altering the historic appearance of the shelter; rather, decayed elements will be replaced in-kind to preserve this unique building. All work will adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Actions proposed include: realigning the shelter to be plumb and square, lifting the shelter and replacing two courses of logs with logs of the same diameter and appearance, resting the shelter on a well-drained foundation of dry-laid stone and aggregate, repairing one log tail with epoxy resin, replacing roof with new cedar shingles, painting entire structure to match historic color, and improving drainage around the structure.
OUTCOME! HistoriCorps headed up to Juneau in early June to rehabilitate the Cobble Lookout Shelter. Over two weeks, the HistoriCorps’ team realigned the shelter, replaced and repaired logs, laid a new foundation and replaced the roof with cedar shingles. Despite the rain and mud, the HistoriCorps’ team enjoyed working to stabilize and rehabilitate this historic structure, and HistoriCorps’ first Alaska project was successfully completed!
Dates: June 2010