Lessons of John R.’s Cabins
by J. Russell Nielson, grandson, Feb. 14, 2005
More than 70 years ago a remarkable thing happened in an isolated corner of Central Utah. Nielson, a beloved father and school teacher, was concerned for the growth and education of his own children and other young people in the community. His own experience taught him that memorable experiences in a mountain setting would
enrich lives and build character. With this vision John R. began his first cabin in 1932. At that time the U.S. Forest Service was encouraging visits to the mountains by issuing Free Use Permits for cabin building. After WWII the Forest Service suggested that the cabin be rebuilt. This occurred between 1949 and 1950 a short distance from the original site, but in a more secluded setting of the Manti-LaSal National Forest. involved his whole family in these two cabin projects, as well as many friends and community members who quickly recognized the benefits. For the second cabin, John R. and his children designed and drew up plans for an 18’ by 33’ building. The new structure would consist of a single open room, four sleeping rooms, lofts on both ends, and as many remnants as could be salvaged from the original cabin. The centerpiece would be a large stone fireplace. Aspen poles were chosen as the main building material. Trees were located, hand cut, peeled, and cured to meet the rustic specifications befitting a cabin situated in such a beautiful mountain environment. Rocks for the foundation and fireplace were carried by hand, wheelbarrow or wagon, and concrete was hand mixed for the floor and fireplace. Unfortunately, John R. never lived to see the completion of his second cabin teaching tool. Instead his wife and seven children continued his legacy by completing the project. After John R. passed away in 1951 the cabin permit was transferred to his son, John Henrie, and remained solvent until his death in 1999. In January 2001, the status of the cabin became the subject of intense discussions between the Forest Service and the Nielson family. The Forest Service wished to demolish the cabin in order to comply with its “removal of isolated cabin policy.” The family believed that the community deserved a voice in the cabin’s final outcome. The controversy highlights the decades-old relationship (marked by both cooperation and tension) between federal oversight of public lands and local citizens. The descendants of John R. concluded that since the Cabins had been such a valuable means of learning in the past many important lessons remained for future generations. Thus they embarked on a new adventure. People from all over the world who had stayed in the cabin were contacted and enlisted to help. A Web Site was designed and provided both a voice to educate and a means to collect support. Mayors from across the state, county commissioners, state senators and congressmen were solicited, and lent their support. Radio, newspaper, and television stations carried stories as the “save the cabin” campaign became news worthy. While the momentum was growing to rescue the cabin the Forest Service continued to preach their removal policy. The Nielson family endured many political maneuvers. They dealt with a number of changes in Forest Service personnel, etc. Finally, after three years of persistence and despite attempts by certain Forest Service employees to block the nomination, the cabin became listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a resilient attitude and by building a relationship with five U.S. Congressional Staff Members, the family entered negotiations with the Forest Service for a new permit. Through persistence, resourcefulness and compromise the Nelson family was able to reach an agreement that served the needs of their family and community and fit in with the evolving priorities and strictures of the Forest Service. On Feb. 1, 2005, the Nielson family was able to secure a new permit for the cabin. They established a non-profit entity to manage and maintain the John R. Cabin center of learning that remains open to the public. This partnership with the Forest Service has prompted one of the most extensive compilations of documents, correspondence, remembrances and historic photographs of historic cabins in the country. One of the added benefits, as John R. would have hoped, are some important lessons of life that have been learned along the way. Proof of lessons learned:
“In my mind, this cabin is an institution of learning, love, tradition, and friendship. I will never forget the influence this structure has had on my life.”
- Susan Shand, Ephraim UT –
“The absolute most cherished place on the mountain is the cabin. Here in I have been tutored, laughed, cried, struggled, and triumphed. Some of the most vivid memories and lessons have been learned here.”
- Royal Smith, Bountiful UT –
“Sometimes history is best learned by living it. When we destroy our children’s history before it is lived, we take away irreplaceable knowledge.”
- Julia Lea, Shelbyville KY –
