MOUNT VERNON — On Thursday, committee members Don Hawk and Art Mizer asked the county commissioners to help the Knox County Agricultural Museum refurbish the 1881 log house on the fairgrounds.
In 2023, Fairview Log Homes reconditioned six planks on the east side of the cabin at a cost of $15,000.
“Now the same thing is happening on the logs on the west side, and they’re going to need attention,” Hawk told the commissioners.
The repairs entail cutting the boards in half and notching in new oak boards on the outside. The inside retains its original appearance because the inside half of the logs are good and remain in place.
Robert Miller of Fairview Log Homes believes he can repair the west-side logs for less than $15,000. The ag museum must pay half up front and the balance on project completion.
“It would strain us with other projects that we’d like to do if we tackled that by ourselves,” Hawk said.
Along with replacing the boards, Hawk said the committee is considering replacing the porch on the log house.
Additionally, the committee repaired the schoolhouse’s windows and is now looking to make the schoolhouse viewable without anyone being there.
Hawk said it is difficult getting volunteers to man the schoolhouse. Some sort of plexiglass covering would enable visitors to look inside without needing volunteers.
Another project is putting in a ceiling and insulating the main exhibit room.
Hawk said reconditioning the log house would be a winter project. The commissioners said they would consider supporting the effort.
Ag museum members
The Loom Room is open on Tuesday and Thursday.
Members of the ag museum meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the fair board office. The next meeting is Sept. 25; the committee will suspend meetings until March.
Hawk said the group has 28 active members, but more are needed. Anyone interested can call 740-398-4437 or email theagmuseum@gmail.com.
