While the date of construction is not known, several evaluations have revealed that it was probably built in the first half of the 19th century. As a 2005 report prepared by Crawford & Stearns, Architects and Preservation Planners, related, “the log artifacts of this log house retain a high level of historic integrity to their initial construction.”

The cabin is best known around Findley Lake for its use during the Lakeside Assembly years. The Lakeside Assembly, which was similar to the Chautauqua Institution, existed from 1895 to 1915. The log cabin was located on Assembly grounds, near what is now Ball Diamond and Parsonage Roads, and was used as a studio in which many people were given lessons.

At some point, the cabin was dismantled and moved out of the area. Rumors persisted that it had been moved to North East, Pa. The Findley Lake and Mina Historical Society conducted a search and found the cabin near Freeport Beach. The cabin was purchased for $5,000 and it came home to Findley Lake in 2003.

The Findley Lake and Mina Historical Society then applied for a Technical Assistance Grant from the New York State Council for the Arts, which was awarded in 2004. Ted Bartlett of Crawford & Stearns, came to Findley Lake to view the log building and discuss the project with members of the society.

Plans are underway to reconstruct the Mina Historic Log Cabin seen in this 1903 photo when it was located near the Lakeside Assembly in Findley Lake. Submitted photos

In 2005, a comprehensive report was issued by Crawford & Stearns. The report covered an assessment of the condition of the Mina Historic Log Cabin, as well as the issues facing the historic society in reconstruction and restoration of the building.

Crawford & Stearns outlined five issues that need to be addressed: reconstruction of the log building, selection of an appropriate site for the log cabin, identification of intended use of the building, plans for maintenance and care of the log cabin, and funding the reconstruction and restoration of the structure.

The report stressed that the project will only succeed with thorough planning, which must include the collection of all available historical data and a concrete decision on the appropriate period of restoration for the log building. Crawford & Stearns suggested that a period of restoration “should focus on its appearance during the Assembly years.”

The site on which the cabin will be reconstructed has not been determined. However, one possible site would be near the waterwheel and gazebo in the center of the town.