Anyone who has visited the campground at Valley Pines in Norwell has seen the sturdy cabin, which is outfitted with a warm stove, solid bunks, and a warm loft.
There have been two cabins on that site. The original cabin was completed in 1956, and was burned by vandals in 1981. This cabin was made of wood, some of it from trees destroyed by Hurricane Carol in 1954.
The cabin was rebuilt after a fund raising initiative, and was completed in 1986.
We are fortunate to have great records of both structures, including the blueprints, the materials lists and prices, and photos of the ongoing construction. Many photos show Eagle scout presentations at that location, and family picnics, which are traditions we continue to this day.
The current cabin includes two features from the original cabin - the cornerstone which had been in the chimney, and the sign on the front. The design is similar, with an overhang on the front and a loft, and both cabins afford campers the luxury of a dry, warm refuge when the weather is unpleasant.
Here are some photos of the original cabin, the chimney that remained after the fire, and the new cabin.
