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Preservation Plan
2008 – 2014 +
The origins and history of the Molalla Log House-Fox Granary may never fully be
understood. As stated earlier, a trip to Russia to continue historic research in libraries and
archives may yield more information. A physical examination of extant log buildings in
European Russia and its bordering countries may help to solve some of the mysteries of the
special design features in the Molalla Log House. Archeological investigation on the Rock Creek
Site could possibly yield information and give further clues about the original builders.
Prior to 2008, there was no plan in place to preserve the Molalla Log Building. Even
though it was listed as a significant Historic Landmark building in Clackamas County, there
were no restrictions to require maintenance or prevent deterioration or demolition. There are no
rules that require the stabilization of significant historic ruins. Without intervention, the Molalla
Log House would have deteriorated beyond repair within years and would no longer exhibit even
a remnant of its composition.
There is a rich history of ruins in the world, where rules apply for stabilization and
conservation. These historic ruins are stabilized to such an extent that they are expected to last
indefinitely; might remain for several centuries. Ruins are usually saved in their ‘ruined’ state,
not because of a lack of resources or desire to rehabilitate them. They are left and stabilized as
ruins because a decision was made that they would no longer be a ‘living building’. The period
of history significant to the building was as a ruin. During the long history of the Molalla Log
House-Fox Granary, this building was used and maintained as a living building. The period of it
being a significant ruin was short and unintentional. It was neglected and a decision about its
future was never thoroughly considered. A wooden ruin in the Pacific Northwest is not a viable
conservation strategy.
In 2008 a decision was made to change the status of this unique log building from a
rapidly decaying ruin to either a living building or a museum artifact. Steps were made to safely
store the logs of the building until decisions about its future were made. Since that time, much
has been learned about this building; from its historic wood fabric, the building method and
special design features. With this knowledge, and from what we have learned from years of in
depth research, we now realize that the log house is not only a significant historic architectural
relic, but it has changed the accepted understanding of the history of the northwest and Oregon.
The building appears significant internationally for its historic and cultural value as well as its
unique log design.
The Preservation Plan consists of the tasks and decisions, about the building, that have
been made, are currently underway, and those that will guide the building’s future. In the course
of the last four years, many questions and alternative treatments were considered before any
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work was done. Some work has been delayed until this Treatise is considered in full by expert
advisers and guidance relayed.
Once the decision was made to dismantle the building and store it out of the weather,
many questions were considered in the plan to preserve this log building. If the building were
considered only as an archeological artifact, then the guiding philosophy would lead us to do
absolutely nothing with the logs except to store them for future study. The question arose: should
the log pieces, which reveal the craftsmanship and design details, be preserved but not restacked?
Should the logs of the building be stored indefinitely as archeological artifacts for future study?
Or, should the logs be rehabilitated and stacked? If restacked, what methodology should be used
to rehabilitate the deteriorated and rotten logs to best utilize the fabric for architectural and
cultural interpretation? The Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Rehabilitation was the
baseline for guidance. In this, there is subjectivity in the interpretation of how standards are
applied.
At the same time that decisions about the preservation and rehabilitation of the building
were being considered, efforts were underway to understand the history of the building. Where
was the building originally built and who were the builders? Grant funding allowed
dendrochronology work to begin which led to the astounding notion that the building was far
more significant than realized, dating to the late 18th century and possibly relating to the history
of Russian America. The development of the Preservation Plan has occurred over time as more
knowledge has been gained. Expert advisers were enlisted and invited to participate and give
guidance to the project. This has occurred and is ongoing.
The guiding premise of the Preservation Plan is that the log building should be restacked
at a location commensurate with its significance, where it will be maintained and interpreted and
studied for the education and enjoyment of persons today and in the future. No one has suggested
that the pieces should be stored as museum artifacts. There has been lively discussion about the
repair of the pieces and when to abandon the effort on each piece. There has been a stated desire
that the history be authenticated before work progresses. This is a good idea but likely not
practical. The dendrochronology is limited by the size and age of the logs themselves and
archeological work has not commenced to aid in the discovery process. It is unknown if any
information will be unveiled through archeology because at this time the theory of the original
building site is narrowed to about a twenty acre parcel, which may be a ‘needle in a haystack’.
The building is almost certainly the oldest log structure in the state and because it is so different
from the extant log buildings we have from the mid 1850’s, it should be preserved.
Preservation Plan 2008 – 2014 +
Tasks completed in the Preservation Plan to date, 2008 to 2012
Disassemble the building to save it. Written, photographic and video
documentation.
Store the logs and remnants in a dry and safe facility, appropriate for ongoing
rehabilitation work.
Develop a presentation plan for each elevation of the restacked building to most
accurately reflect the building’s significant history.
Develop and document methodology for rehabilitation work.
Hew new logs to use in rehabilitation work.
Rehabilitate logs for restacking as architecture.
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Timeline
2008
2008 –
ongoing
2009 - 2010
2009 - 2010
2009 - 2010
2011 - 2012
Carry out historic research, employing academic and professional standards, to
learn as much possible about the buildings origins. Continue to contact experts
internationally.
Commence ongoing dendrochronology work to compare the tree rings of the logs
use to build the log house with tree rings of Douglas fir stumps and living trees
dating to the mid-18th century.
Conduct above ground reconnaissance and below ground archeological
investigation on what is believed to be the original building site of the log house
(private property permission required). Some above ground field visits have
occurred. Archeologist is needed to review the study and recommend future work.
Grant funding should be sought after expert archeologist makes recommendation
about needed work in early 2012.
Secure fiscal nonprofit funding sponsor, the HPLO and continue seeking grants to
finish the project.
Write a draft narrative (May 2011) and final Treatise, with Executive Summary
(Dec. 31, 2011) to document the project and work accomplished to date. Include
the Preservation Plan which outlines recommendations for rehabilitation,
presentation and decision making for the future of the building.
Enlist expert advisers in the fields of historic architecture, history, archeology,
historic preservation and cultural resources management to assist in advice and
decisions to guide the future of this significant historic project.
Carryout grant funded work for 2012 which includes shop rental and rehabilitation
work of logs.
Tasks to complete Preservation Plan, 2012 – 2014 (+)
Seek Expertise and Advice - Meet with advisers and experts and begin discussion
about next steps which include:
Long Term Stewardship and Building Siting - Determine an appropriate
long term steward and site location for the building, where interpretation of
this significant historic resource can be maximized. Develop locational
criteria as a basis for discussion. Assertively pursue the possibilities.
Archeological Study - Seek property owner permission to conduct
archeological work. Pursue funding to conduct above and below ground
archeological study to include: above ground reconnaissance by
archeologist/s on south and north banks of Rock Creek Site. Examine:
remnants of old roadways through site; old straight ditch area lined fruit
trees on south side; remnants of any other possible ditches; area near
Ponderosa pine and old apple orchard on north side; cemetery gravestones
(near northwest corner of Soda Springs and Thomas Roads on private
property). Determine best areas for test grids and enlist assistance from
educational institution to help conduct the work.
Arborist Study - Bore old fruit trees on both sides of Rock Creek and the
Ponderosa pine on the south side
Dendrochronology Study - Continue with dendrochronology to increase the
sampling size for comparative analysis of tree ring dating to more firmly
establish a date of the logs. Try to enlist educational institution to continue
study.
2008 – 2012
(ongoing)
2010 – 2011
(ongoing)
2009 – 2013
(apply for
grant funds
2012)
2010 ongoing
2010 - 2011
2011 ongoing
2012
Timeline
Early 2012
Early 2012
– 2014
2012
Ongoing
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Historic Research - Continue historic research, focusing on the primary
documents.
Academic Potential - Work with advisers to expose students and others to
the project for academic study.
Document Project - Continue to document the project through video, photography
and writing.
Restack the building - Seek grant funding for final stage of rehabilitation of the
Molalla Log House-Fox Granary – to restack the building and its new location. The
date is unknown because the stewardship entity and site are yet undetermined.
Future work to include development of Interpretive Plan with long term steward.
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
2012 – 2014
+
Specific Preservation Plan for the Molalla Log House – Fox Granary
The current Preservation Plan anticipates that the building be repaired and restacked
such that the log members could suffer the weather without a need for further repair for some
time. Work to prepare the building for future restacking has been ongoing; with the intent that it
will be continually maintained and rehabilitated with like materials using historic methods
through time. There looms the question about how much the Molalla Log House-Fox Granary
should be protected from the weather. This will guide future decisions about the site for the
building.
New Douglas fir logs have been hewn by hand using historic methods and
Tools like the original builders of the Molalla Log House – Fox Granary
The foundation should be of spaced basalt rock as it was found and the rocks are still
available to the project. These rocks should be cast in concrete below grade and bored so that a
steel connection between the new mud sills and the concrete could be made. No further
earthquake proofing done on the upper portions of the log structure is anticipated. Material for
the mudsills has been hewn and is curing in the shop. The west mudsill is extant but needs
patching on both ends. These ends, a tenon at one end and less than two feet at the other, need to
be grafted on.
Patching should be done in Douglas fir of the same growth type as the original if
possible. Pieces to be grafted are to be glued with epoxy. All the mudsills could then be pressure
treated but not serrated in any way with a treatment available locally that does not change the
color but will allow the wood in contact with the rocks to have a long life. No other treatment is
anticipated for the logs, joists or rafters above.
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