In the annals of local history, certain structures stand as silent witnesses to bygone eras, whispering tales of the lives and times of those who came before us. Among these, the Pioneer Cabin at Sandy Ridge holds a particular intrigue, especially for those interested in the heritage of the Pioneer Sportsman. Recent investigations, spearheaded by individuals like Ed Batten, are shedding light on the cabin’s origins, dimensions, and the very fabric of its construction. This article delves into the findings of Mr. Batten’s research, conducted around 2013, to uncover the secrets held within the foundations of this historical landmark.
Ed Batten, recognized for his insightful approach to historical inquiry, embarked on a visit to Sandy Ridge approximately a decade ago, accompanied by the then-president of Pioneer. This visit, likely around February 25, 2013, was the starting point of an intriguing investigation into the Pioneer Cabin. Mr. Batten’s aim was to meticulously examine the structure and its foundations, seeking to understand its original form and any subsequent modifications. His findings, communicated shortly after on February 27, 2013, offer a fascinating glimpse into the cabin’s past.
One of the key aspects of Mr. Batten’s investigation focused on the dimensions of the original cabin structure. Referencing a surveyor’s drawing, he meticulously analyzed the foundations of what was believed to be the original cabin’s kitchen shed. His measurements revealed the outer dimensions to be approximately 8 feet 8 inches by 25 feet 6 inches. Rounding these figures to 9 feet by 26 feet for ease of calculation, Mr. Batten estimated the kitchen area to be around 234 square feet.
Expanding his analysis, and drawing upon visual evidence from photographs, Mr. Batten surmised that the back shed, or kitchen, was roughly half the width of the main cabin. Based on this observation and his calculations, he estimated the main cabin to be approximately 468 square feet. Taking into account a potential second floor, the total square footage of the entire cabin, encompassing the kitchen and both floors, could reach approximately 1170 square feet. This provided a valuable initial understanding of the cabin’s overall size and scale.
Driven by a meticulous approach, Mr. Batten expressed a desire for further in-depth measurement. He proposed a future endeavor to meticulously measure all of the cabin’s foundations, or “piers,” as he considered calling them. This would involve determining the total number of piers, their individual dimensions (width and length), and the distances between them. Acknowledging the importance of detail in historical accuracy, Mr. Batten wisely noted, “As you know, ‘the devil is always in the details’!” This commitment to thoroughness underscores the dedication required to accurately reconstruct the past.
Further adding a unique perspective, Mr. Batten considered a photograph of a 1947 Hunting Party at the cabin. By counting 26 individuals in the picture, he performed a simple calculation to estimate the space per hunter. This calculation resulted in approximately 45 square feet per person, providing a tangible sense of the cabin’s capacity and how it might have accommodated groups of pioneer sportsmen during their expeditions.
Intriguingly, Mr. Batten also ventured into the realm of architectural speculation. Examining photographs of the cabin taken after side wings or additions were incorporated, he observed similarities in roof pitch and siding age and type. This led him to hypothesize that the club might have acquired the “Pickers House,” divided it in half, relocated it from north of Hilly’s house to the Pioneer Cabin site, and then attached these halves as additions to the main structure. This theory was further supported by a family anecdote, as Mr. Batten recalled his father mentioning the purchase of a “garage” type building that was attached to the cabin’s sides.
Acknowledging the conjectural nature of his analysis, Mr. Batten emphasized that his observations were based on measurements, visual estimations from photographs, and approximate dimensions from surveyor drawings. He explicitly stated that he was not claiming absolute accuracy, but rather presenting a well-reasoned hypothesis based on the available evidence.
Expanding on the dimensional estimations, Mr. Batten approximated the main Pioneer Cabin building, excluding the kitchen shed, to be around 18 feet by 26 feet. He then visually assessed the photographs to estimate the width of the two wing additions, concluding they were likely similar to the main building’s width, approximately 18 feet. While he considered the length of each addition to potentially match the main cabin’s 26 feet, he leaned towards a slightly shorter length based on visual assessment.
Referencing the surveyor’s drawing again, Mr. Batten noted the approximate dimensions of what he believed to be the Joe Johnson house as 18 feet by 32 feet. The “Pickers House,” in contrast, was listed as having dimensions of 22 feet by a remarkably long 125 feet. This discrepancy presented an initial point of contention for Mr. Batten.
He found the 125-foot length of the “Pickers House” to be unexpectedly long, especially when compared to the “Big Oaks” cabin, which measured 30 feet by 80 feet. Mr. Batten struggled to recall any building in the Friendship area, or any bog, that reached such a length, with the exception of packing houses. He reasoned that packing houses, designed for industrial purposes, were unlikely to be intended for seasonal pickers. While acknowledging the possibility of a multi-purpose structure, the sheer size of the Pickers House (2750 square feet) seemed disproportionate for picker accommodation. He also raised the question of whether the Pickers House had a floor, unlike the Joe Johnson house, which he presumed did.
Based on his dimensional analysis and the comparative size considerations, Mr. Batten shifted his initial hypothesis. He now leaned towards the “Joe Johnson” house as the source building for the Pioneer Clubhouse additions. The 18-foot width of the Joe Johnson house aligned more closely with his estimated width of the main Pioneer Cabin. Furthermore, halving the 32-foot length of the Joe Johnson house would yield 16-foot sections for the additions, which, while slightly shorter than his visual estimation, seemed more plausible given the surveyor’s admission of approximate measurements.
Ultimately, Mr. Batten concluded with an admittedly speculative, yet informed, estimation of the wing addition dimensions. He proposed that each wing likely measured approximately 18 feet by 22 feet or perhaps 18 feet by 24 feet, tentatively favoring the 18 feet by 24 feet dimension.
Through his meticulous investigation and thoughtful analysis, Ed Batten provided a valuable foundation for understanding the Pioneer Cabin’s history and construction. His work serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of historical inquiry and the desire to uncover the stories embedded within the structures that shaped the lives of pioneer sportsmen and communities of the past. Further research and on-site examination could build upon Mr. Batten’s findings, potentially solidifying or refining our understanding of this significant historical landmark.
