Restoration of the historic Canatara Park Cabin is progressing well at its new site at the Lambton Heritage Museum.
The 190-year-old cabin was disassembled and moved to the Grand Bend property in 2020, and is now the museum's oldest building.
Since then, crews have been working hard to safeguard its legacy and contribute to the cultural heritage of the community.
Lambton Heritage Museum Curator Dana Thorne said they've been collaborating with architect John Rutledge who has drawn up plans for the reconstruction of the cabin.
She said a pivotal phase of the project is now in motion.
"We've been readjusting an existing concrete pad here at the museum," said Throne. "The dimensions of the pad needed to be changed so that it will fit the cabin like a glove when the cabin is rebuilt on there. That work just wrapped up, so we're really excited to see that the foundation is going to be ready. We're hoping to launch into the actual reconstruction, putting the logs back together, in the spring."
Thorne said the cabin's roof, which was carefully propped on the pad during relocation, has been reinforced and now rests on a specially constructed frame, setting the stage for the cabin’s reassembly.
She said new concrete footings and blockwork were added to support the cabin’s footprint and features, including a stone fireplace.
The tender process for reconstruction and restorative work is expected to move forward in the new year.
It's hoped reconstruction will be completed in time for Lambton County's 175th anniversary in 2024, during which admission to local museums is free of charge.
Thorne said while the full cost has yet to be finalized, the museum has set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to support the project.
"We've been able to fundraise about $60,000 so far," she said. "All donations over $20.00 will receive a tax receipt which can be used as a deduction on 2023 tax filings."
You can learn more or donate by visiting the Lambton Heritage Museum's website or by calling (519) 243-2600.
The Canatara Cabin has a history of high profile moves.
From its roots in Huron County, to a trip in the 1930s down Lake Huron to Lakeshore Road, to its relocation to Sarnia's Canatara Park in 1971.
It was disassembled and moved to the museum in 2020.
Meanwhile, a replica of the original cabin was constructed at Canatara Park, on behalf of the city, by the Seaway Kiwanis Club. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark its grand opening in May.