TATC Cabin - A Brief History

      With a generous gift from the Putman family in 1978, the land was purchased, tools and building supplies were bought.  Cabin construction began in the winter of 1979, with at least one work trip scheduled every month for the next few years.  Several times, in April and October, there were work trips that lasted 9 nights in a row (2 weekends and the 5 weeknights in between).  The bulk of the work was completed by August of 1983, when rental use first began.  There were, however, several more years of finishing touches and additions that stretched on thru the 1980’s.  In the early 1990’s the work trips were renamed; now they were called maintenance / orientation trips, and one of the main purposes was to instruct new members on how to operate and care for the cabin.  As there was less work to do, the number of trips per year was scaled back, as needed.

     In the last 15 years there have been several subsequent upgrades and additions to the cabin, like a new tongue and groove wooden floor; a new cook stove; a re-shingled roof; a new outhouse; and, with a separate donation (in memory of club member John Donovan), a picnic shelter.

     The construction of the TATC cabin was one of the club’s biggest and best projects.  The challenges that it presented and the commitment that it required were enormous, but then so were the rewards and the satisfaction of a job well done.  The camaraderie and friendships that developed along with the cabin will last as long as the cabin itself.  The cabin project, for those fortunate enough to have been involved, invokes wonderful memories and a great sense of accomplishment and pride.  One visit will reveal the incredible amount of work and dedication that went into this dream come true.  Hundreds of club members, past and present, contributed their time and energy to the cause.

     The cabin deserves respect and appreciation from all who stay there.  Offering shelter and seclusion, and adventures of every sort, it can last us all a lifetime.