CAR-288 Chambers Park Log Cabin - Maryland Historical Trust · Chambers Park Log Cabin Architectural Survey File This is the architectural survey file for this MIHP record. The survey

CAR-288

Chambers Park Log Cabin

Architectural Survey File

This is the architectural survey file for this MIHP record. The survey file is organized reverse-

chronological (that is, with the latest material on top). It contains all MIHP inventory forms, National

Register nomination forms, determinations of eligibility (DOE) forms, and accompanying documentation

such as photographs and maps.

Users should be aware that additional undigitized material about this property may be found in on-site

architectural reports, copies of HABS/HAER or other documentation, drawings, and the “vertical files” at

the MHT Library in Crownsville. The vertical files may include newspaper clippings, field notes, draft

versions of forms and architectural reports, photographs, maps, and drawings. Researchers who need a

thorough understanding of this property should plan to visit the MHT Library as part of their research

project; look at the MHT web site (mht.maryland.gov) for details about how to make an appointment.

All material is property of the Maryland Historical Trust.

Last Updated: 01-22-2020

NPS Form 10-900 0MB No. 10024-0018 (Expires 5-31-2012)

United States Department of the Interior JationaI Park Service

National Register of Historic Places Registration Form

This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items.

Name of Property

historic name Chambers Park Log Cabin

other names CAR-288

Location

street & number Chambers Park, Liberty Road LI not for publication

city or town Federalsburg - LI vicinity

state Maryland _________

code M[) county Cai'o ii iie code 011 zip code 21532

3. State/Federal Agency Certification

As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this Z nomination LI request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property M meets LI does not meet the National Register criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant LI nationally LI statewide E locally. (LI See continuation sheet for alidditional comments).

Direccor/SHPO tc Sigature of certiPying officia tie Date

Maryland Historica Trust

State or Federal agency and bureau

In my opinion, the property LI meets LI does not meet the National Register criteria (LI See continuation sheet for additional comments).

Signature of certifying official/Title Date


National Park Service Certification

I hereby, certify that this property is: LI entered in the National Register.

LI See continuation sheet.

LI determined eligible for the National Register

LI See continuation sheet.

LI Determined not eligible for the National Register.

LI removed from the National Register.

LI other (explain): --

Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

Chambers Park Log Cabin (CAR-288) Caroline County. MD

Name of Property County and State

Classification

Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property (Check as many boxes as apply) (Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count)

private Z building(s) Contributing Noncontributing public-local district I buildings public-State E site sites public-Federal structure structures

object objects

0 Total

Name of related multiple property listing number of contributing resources previously (Enter NIA if property is not part of a multiple property listing) listed in the National Register

NA 0

Function or Use

Historic Functions Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions)

Recreation and Culture: outdoor recreation Vacant - not in use

Social: meeting hail

Description

Architectural Classification Materials (Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions)

No Style foundation Concrete

walls Wood

roof Wood

other Stone

Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets)

NPS Form 10-900-a (Expires 5-31-2012)

United States Department of the Interior National Park Service

National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet

Section _7_ Page 1

0MB Approval No. 1024-0018

CA R-2 88 Chambers Park Log Cabin

Name of Property

Caroline County, MD

County and State

Description Summary:

The Chambers Park Log Cabin is a one-story log building located in Chambers Park, Federalsburg, Maryland that was constructed in 1937 under the auspices of the National Youth Administration.

General Description:

The Chambers Park Log Cabin is a one-story gable-roofed building constructed in 1937 of round cypress logs saddle-notched at the corners. The north façade faces Liberty Road, and comprises a central entrance door of wood battens flanked on either side by a 6/6 sash window. The slope of the gable roof extends to form a small hood over the entrance. The east and west gable ends are marked by paired six-light casement windows. All windows are fitted with batten shutters. The rectangular bLlilding measures 24 by 36 feet and contains a single room, with logs exposed as the interior finish. The roof framing, consisting ol common rafters, is also exposed on the interior. Originally, a 14 by 14 shed-roofed to,, extension housing a brick chimney was centered on the rear elevation; this extension was removed ca. 1993 because of deterioration, and the present stone chimney was constructed in its place. The gable roof is covered with wood shingles. The building rests on a concrete lounclation.

Chambers Park Log Cabin (CAR-288) Caroline County, MD

Name of Property County and State

8. Statement of Significance

Applicable National Register Criteria Area of Significance (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for (Enter categories from instructions) National Register listing)

Politics/Govern men A Property is associated with events that have made a

significant contribution to the broad pattern of our history.

fl B Property associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.

C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.

D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.

Criteria Considerations (Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply)

Property is:

A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes.

B removed from its original location.

E C a birthplace or grave.

D a cemetery.

E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.

F a commemorative property.

Architecture

Period of Significance

1937

Significant Dates

1937

Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above)

Cultural Affiliation

N/A

Architect/Builder

G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance S. R. Preston. architect within the past 50 years.

Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets)

9. Major Bibliographical References

Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets)

Previous documentation on files (NPS): Primary location of additional data:

preliminary determination of individual listing (36 fl State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested LII Other State agency previously listed in the National Register El Federal agency

El previously determined eligible by the National Register LI Local government II designated a National Historic Landmark LI University LI recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey LI Other

Name of repository: LI recorded by Historic American Engineering Record

#





CAR-288 Chambers Park Log Cabin

Name of Property

Caroline County, MD Section 8 Page 1 County and State

Summary Statement of Significance:

The Chambers Park Log Cabin is significant under Criterion A for its association with the construction programs of the New Deal in the 1930s. Built under the auspices of the National Youth Administration (NYA), the cabin provided work for local carpenters and laborers and resulted in a meeting place for youth. The cabin derives additional significance for its ai-chilecture. as a representative example of a type of structui-e associated with these programs. While several such cabins survive in parks in Central and Western Maryland, examples are especially rare in the Eastern Shore region. The Chambers Park Log Cabin was among the first of its type constructed as a NYA project, and provided a model for at least two similar projects elsewhere in the region.

Resource History and Historic Context:

The log cabin was designed by local architect S. R. Preston. As many as nineteen young carpenters and laborers were employed in its construction in 1937. Boy Scouts assisted with concrete work and caulking. The cypress logs were harvested in the Great Pocomokc Swamp. The building was provided with electricit . and a "wagon wheel" chandelier was made by industrial arts students at the Federalsburg high school to light the main room. The total cost of construction was SI .43 1 . of which Federal funds covered 51 .025.

The log cabin design was popular in parks associated with New Deal 'aIphabet" programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s.

The cabin is located in Chambers Park. an I 8-acre municipal park located near Federalsburg's downtown business district. Ihomas I-I. Chambers. Mayor of Federalsburg from 1915 to 1947, donated the land Ioi' the park in several parcels beginning in 1922. I-Ic also diverted his Mayoral salary to the town l'or park maintenance and development.

lhe log cabin in the park was a project of the National Youth Administration, which was part of President Roosevelt's New Deal program for stimulating the econom and ending the Great Depression. Another recovery program. the Works Progress Administration (WPA). developed the rest of Chambers Park and the lake.

in the 1 930s, the concept of providing a recreational center for local youth was innovative on the Eastern Shore. The cabin, designated NYA park improvement project number 1536, was said to be the first project of its type in the nation. It served as a model for similar projects in I lurlock (Dorchester County) and Crisfield (Somerset Count)!).


United States Department of the Interior

National Park Service


Section 8 Page 2


CAR-288 Chambers Park Lou Cabin

Name of Property

Caroline County, MD

County and State

The cabin was dedicated on May 15, 1937. The dedication program for the Log Cabin NYA Youth Center stated, It is hoped that all of the young people in this community will make full use of this building and see it as a meeting place where inspiration and character shall abound,' It was intended to serve a wide variety of youth organizations, including Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Boy Cathedral Builders. Excelsior Girls Club, 4-1I Clubs and Civic Clubs.

The cabin was used through the late I 960s for Scout meetings, church groups, family picnics, birthday parties and reunions and for a variety of community functions including firemen's carnivals, parades. and games. Use of the park declined in the 1970s and the cabin fell into disrepair. In the early 1990s the Town removed the rear extension, replaced the deteriorating brick chininey with a stone chimney. and installed a new wood shingle roof.




Section 9 Page _j



Name of Property

Caroline County. MD

County and State

Major Bibliographical References:

Pride in the Past. A Quarterly Newsletter of the Federalsburg 1-listorical Society," Vol. 5, No. 3, September 2007.

Baltimore Sun. July 25, 1938; August 23, 1938: December 5, 1938.

Laura D. Jefferson, "Federalshurg's Youth Center," Eastern Shore Magazine, July 1937, pp. 10-11.

Chambers Park Log Cabin (CAR-288 Caroline County, MD Name of Property County and State

10. Geographical Data

Acreage of Property less than one acre -

UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet)

Zone Easting Northing

2 ________

3 _LJII______ Zone Easting Northing

4LL1___________

See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet)

Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet)

11. Form Prepared By

name/title Dr. Conway Gregory

Organization Town of Federalsbu date 1993: revised 9/2014

street & number 118 North Main St., P. 0. Box 471 telephone (410) 754-8173

city or town Federalsburg state MD zip code 21632

Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form:

Continuation Sheets

Maps

A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.

A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources.

Photographs

Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional Items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items)

Property Owner

(Complete this item at the request of SHPO or FF0)

name •T'ovn of Fedcralsburg, attn.: George Mayer

Street & number ITS North Main St., P.O. Box 471 telephone (410) 754-8173

city or town Federalshurg state MD zip code 21632

Paperwork Reduction Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et. seq.).

Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P. O. Box 37127. Washington, DC 20013-7127, and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503.

NPS Form 10-900-2 (Expires 5-31-2012)



Section 10 Page 1



Name of Property

Caroline County, MD

County and State

Geographical Data

UTM References:

8-433527-4282975

Federalsburg. MD-DE Quad

Verbal Boundary Description:

The National Register boundary is defined as a rectangle extending 50' from the footprint of the cabin in all directions.

Boundary Justification:

The boundary comprises the cabin within its immediate historic setting.




Section PHOTO LOG Page 1


CAR -288 Chambers Park Log Cabin

Name of Property

Caroline County, MD

County and State

Index to Photographs

The following information applies to all photographs which accompany this documentation:

Maryland inventory of 1-listoric Properties (MII-IP) Number: CAR-288 Name of Property: Chambers Park Log Cabin Location: Carol inc County, Maryland Photographer: Peter Kurtze Date taken: August 13, 2015 Location of original digital files [or negatives]: MD SHPO

Photo captions:

MDCaro1ineCountyChambcrsParkLogCabin000l .tif North facade

M DCaroIineCountyChambersParkLogCabin0002.tif View irom northwest

MDCarolineCountyChambersParkLogCabin0003 .tif View from southwest

MD_Carol ineCounty ChanihersParkLogCahin 0004. ti U View from southeast

MI)_Carol ineCounty CharnbersParkLogCahin 0005 ti f View from northeast

MDCaro1ineCountyChamhersParkLogCabin0006 ti f Interior. camera facing south

MD_Carol ineCountyCharnbcrsParkLogCabin0007tif Interior, camera facing southeast

MD_Carol ineCounty ChambcrsParkLogCabin 0008 hf Interior, camera facing west

0MB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900-a (Expires 5-31-2012)

United States Department of the Interior

National Park Service


Section PHOTO LOG Page 2

MD Carol ineCountyCharnbersParkLogCabin_OOO9. tif Interior, camera facing northwest

MDCarolineCountyChambersParkLogCabin_OO I O.ti F I nterior camera facing southwest

C AR-2 88 Chambers Park Log Cabin

Name of Property

Caroline County, MD

County and State




Section PHOTOS Page 1


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Name of Property

Caroline County, MD

County and State

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County and State

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Name of Property

Caroline County, MD Section PHOTOS Page ± County and State

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United States Department of the Interior Nationa' Park Service




Name of Property

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Caroline County, MD

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MD_CarolineCountyChambersPark LogCabin 0007

NPS Form 10-900-a 0MB Approval No. 1024-0018 (Expires 5-31 -2012)


National Register of Historic Places CAR-288 Chambers Park Log Cabiu

Continuation Sheet Name of Property

Caroline County, MD


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IrM:1t:a:y N:>. CAR- 288

H:me ~~---C_h_a_m_b_er_s_P_a_r_k_L_o~g.__C_a_b_i_n ______________ ~

hlhess ___ C_h_a_m_b_e_r_s __ P_a_r_k~-------------------

aste;µ:y: .!_ hri ldirg(s) district site _ <Djtt

Criteria: _!_ A _ B _!_ C _ D

COnsi derations: A B c D E _ F _G

Area(s) of significan;:)e _ _ a_r_c_h_i_t_e_c_t_u_r_e-----------------~~ (see NR Bulletin 16A}

ent ertainment/ r ecreation

Pericd(s) of significan;:)e _ _ _ 1_93_6 ____ ______ ________ _

Specificdate(s )of s ignificance ___ l~93~6----------------~

Brief statemant of s ignif icarDe

The Chambers Park Log Cabin is signficant as an exampl e New Deal park architectur e more commonly associated with western Maryland parks than those on the eastern shore . The cabin is also one of the few examples of New Deal projects on t he shore. The building has a high level of integrity of historic character .

Director's s igna

~-------- -------·

Marylarrl Register Internal Listirg Notice Page 2

Inventory No. --------

MARYUND CXHmHENSIVE HIS'laUC FmSERVATICN PUiN Dt\TA

Geograplic Organizatioo: .X Eastern Sb:>re _ Western Sb:>re _ Piednalt - Western Marylarrl

OlralologicaljDevelqmental Period( s) : _ Paleo-In:ii.an 10000-7500 oc _Early Ardlaic 750o-6000 oc

Micklle Ardlaic 6000-4000 OC _late Ardlai.c 4000-2000 OC _ Early Woodlarrl/Ardlai.c 2000-500 OC _ Micklle Woodlarrl 500 OC-900 AD _ I.ate Woodlarrl 900-1600 AD

Ccntact arrl Settlement 1570-1750 AD _ Rural Agrarian Intensification 1680-1815 AD _ Agricultural.-Irrlu.strial Transitioo 1815-1870 AD

Irrlustrial-urtan Ikmi.narx:::e 1870-1930 ~ Jlt:ldenl Periad 1930 AD - present

Prehistoric '!hemes: sutsist:ern? Settlement Political

_ Detngraµric _Religion - Tec:hoolOCJ'j _ Envira1mental Adaptation

Historic '!hemes: - Agriculture _ Ardti. tecture-lan:lscape Archi tecture-caim.mi ty Plani.rX] _ Ebcnnic (Omnercial arrl rmustrial)

Government-I.aw - Military _Religion .x. Social-Etlucation-Qtltural. _ Transp:>rtaticn

ResaJrce Type: category: ~ blilding(s) _district_ site_ ooject _structure Historic E.:nvircnnent: 4- urhm _ sul:1Irtm1 _ village _ nn:al Historic F'ln'rtion ( s) arrl Use ( s) : (take fran NR IW.letin 16A, w 20-23 givin;J category arrl sul:x::ategory)

4£ C1'laiJ. 1-t,~ AA-J c-v f-fv<~/cxr/Jt:? v / r~ r e->-r ~ PFY'-

l<l'XJWl1 Design Soorce:

NPS Fam 10-900 (Oct. 1990)

United Stat8s Department of .. lnteriar N8tiol ml Park Service

National Register of Historic Places Registration Fonn

OMB No. 10024-0018

CAR-288

This form may also be used for entering properties into the Maryland Inventory of His toric Properties and the Maryl and Register of Historic Properties.

This tonn is for use In nominating or requesting det9nninations tor individual properties and diatricts. See instructions in How to Complete the National RIJgistw olHistoric P*»s ReQjstrafion Fonn (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete NICtl Item by marlting " x" In the appropriate box or by entering the lntonnation requested. If an Item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "NIA" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials. and areas of significance. enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional Mries and nandYe items on c:ontinumtion sheets (NPS Fonn 10-900a). Use a typewriter. word proces90I, or computer, to complete all items.

1. Name of Property

historic name Chambers Park Log Cabin (Pref erred)

other names/site number Log Cabin in Federalsburg 1 s Chambers Park

2. Location

street & number __ Ch_a_m_b_e_r_s_P_a_r_k _________________ N-#-f-~- 0 not for publication

city or town ___ F_e_d_e_r_a l_s_b_u_r_g __________________ N....,/~A o vicinity

state Maryl and code __ county-'C;;..;:a;..;..r..;;;.o..:....l 1.;...;.· n.:..::e;..;.._ ____ code .J2J.L zip code 21632

3. State/Federal Agency Certification

As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act. as amended, I hereby certify that this 0 nomination - D request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation Slandatds tor registering properties In the National Register of

Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth In 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property 0 meets 0 does not meet the National Register criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant 0 nationally 0 statewide 0 locally. (0 See continuation sheet for additional comments.)

-

Signature of certifying otficialfrltle Date

State of Federal agency and bureau

1n my opinion, the property 0 meets 0 does not meet ttie National Register criteria. cD See continuation sheet 1or additional c:onwnet Its.)


4. National Part< Service Certification I hereby certify that the property is:

0 entered in tne National Register. 0 See c:ontinumion sheet.

0 determined efigible tor the Nalional Register

0 See continuation sheet. 0 determined not eligible tor the

National Regist8f'.

0 removed from the National Regist8f'.

0 other, (explain:)-----

Date

Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

Chambers Park Log Cabi n Name of Property

CAR-~oo site/inventory number

s. Ctusfflcatlon Ownership of Property (Check as many boos as apply) - 0 private

I[) public-local 0 public-State 0 public-Federal

•·

Category of Property (Chectt only one box)

~ building(s) 0 district 0 site 0 structure 0 object

Name of related multiple property llstJng (Enter "NIA" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.)

N/A

6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions)

Camp Clubhouse Outdoor Recreation

7. Description Archttectural Classfff cation (Enter categories fTOm instructions)

Prairie School

C Re~tration Form page 2

Caroline aunty ; 11U County and State

Number of Resources within Property (Co not include previously listed .reeoun:es in the count.)

Contributing Noncontributing

0 0 buildings

1 0 sites

0 0 structures

0 0 objects

0 0 Total

Number of contributJng resou~es previously listed In the National Reglster

N/A

Current Functions {Enter ategories from instructions)

Vacant not in use

Materials (Enter categories from instructions)

foundation Concrete walls Wood: Log

roof Aspha 1 t sh ingles other Formerly brick chimney. Now stone

chimney

PLACE NARRATIVE ON CONTINUATION SHEETS

.......... .... . .

UnHed Stat•• Department of the Interior National Park Service

Reqistration FoI'll: include in tbis title block tbe property na.rae, county, and site/inventory !Jlllllber

Multiple Property Documentation Form: include tbe name of tbe multiple property listing

· ~atlonal Register _of Historic Places ..:ontlnuatlon Sheet

Section number __ 7 _ Page __ _

The Chambers Park Log Cabin in Federalsburg, Maryland is a one- story log cabin with six open air windows covered by white shutters . The log cabin is a one-room bui lding with an asphalt shingle roof . Origi nal wood shingles are underneath the asphalt shingles. Inside the l og cabin is a fireplace. The interior and exterior wal l s are made of logs. Originally, there was a brick chimney, and a rear entrance to the log cabin. However, in 1993, the brick chimney was removed because it was leaning and became a hazard. In replacing the brick chimney with a stone chimney, the rear entrance to the log cabin was permanently closed. The foundation of the log cabin is concrete with a concrete floor inside. Electricity (electric lights) are also available inside the log cabin . The entrance door is painted white and m·ade of wood boards . A padlock secures the door . The building is 36 x 24 square feet .

The log cabin is located inside Chambers Park . Trees surround the log cabin and recreational equipment for small children is located within fifty feet of the cabin . Chambers Park is located near the downtown business district, and includes two little league baseball fields and several small structures for carnivals . The park was a gift to the Town by a former mayor, Thomas H. Chambers. He donated the land and a lake (also in the park and known as Chambers Lake) to the Town in 1922. Mr. Chambers was Mayor of Federalsburg from 1915 to 1947 •

.-Jhe log cabin in Chambers Park was constructed in 1936 by the National Youth Administration, ~d was part of President Roosevelt's New Deal Program for stimulating the economy and ending

the Great Depression. The National Youth Administration (NYA) was one of several alphabet reli ef programs for putting people , especially the young , to work i n the summer of 1937. While the NYA constructed the log cabin, another recovery alphabet program, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), developed the rest of the park and the lake . Private funds were raised for the playground equipment by the Town and Mayor Chambers .

During the late 1930 1 s and until around 1970, the log cabin , Chambers Lake, and Chambers Park provided many youth and adults with a place to swim, play, and other forms of general recreation. After 1970,as more famil ies became mobil~, vacation-oriented and sought other leisure time type activities , Chambers Lake was abandoned as a favorite swimming and picnic area . However , the log cabin and park continued to be active unti l the late 1970's on a daily basis for small children to pl ay .

From the late 1930's until the late 1960 1 s, the log cabin was used by the Boy Scouts for their monthly meetings, by church groups, by families for picnics, birthday parties , and reunions , and for a variety of community functions that included fireman's carnivals, parades into the park, and chi ldren ' s games .

United State• Department of the Interior National Park Service

Registration Form: include in this title bloc~ the property naae, county, and site/inventory number

Mul tiple Property Documentation foI'lll: include the name of the multiple property listing

National Register of Historic Places -~ontlnuatlon Sheet

Section number _...;.7 __ Page -~2 _ _

In the 1940's, 1950's, and early 1960 ' s, two women were normally employed by the Town during the summer season to supervise recreational activities for children in Chambers Park . The log cabin was used for indoor games . Lunches, usually sandwiches and soda drinks , were served in the cabin on a daily basis. Birthday parties, church socials, family reunions, and civic club meetings were often held on a regul ar basis at or in the log cabin . In the late 1960 ' s, public interest in the log cabin declined. By the l ate 1980 ' s , the log cabin had fa l len into disrepair and was described by many local residents as dilapidated . Graffiti inside the cabin, also detracted from the looks of the bui l ding and contributed to its decline in use by various groups .

In 1993, the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg began a plan to restore the log cabin . Monies were spent to replace the l eaning gravity burdened bri ck chimney with a stone chimney . The rear entranceway into the cabin was also sealed off. Over the years, the wood- shingled roof was replaced by an asphalt- shingled roof, and the wooden shutters covering the windows have been repl aced . These are the only structura l modifications that have been completed to alter the original looks of the log cabin .

-

..-

·~ ..

-

-

Chambers Park Log Labin Name of Property

8. Statement of Significance

site/inventory number

Applicable National Register Criteria (Martt " x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing.)

D A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.

•·. 0 B Property is associated with the lives of persons

significant in our past.

~ C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the wort< of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.

0 D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.

Criteria Considerations (Mark " x" in all the boxes that apply.)

Property is:

0 A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes. ·

0 B removed from its original location.

0 C a birthplace or grave.

0 0 a cemetery.

0 E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.

0 F a commemorative property.

D G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years.

Narrative Statement of Signtficance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)

9. Major Bibliographical References Bibliography

Registration Form page 3

Carol i ne County , MD County and State

'Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions)

Architecture

Period of Significance 1937- 1970

Significant Oates

Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above)

N/A

Cultural Affiliation N/A

Architect/Builder N/A. The building was constructed by the NYA using one of their architects/bui lders .

(Cite the books, articles, and OCher sources used In preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.)

Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data:

0 preliminary determination of individual listing (36 D State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested 0 Other State agency

D previously l isted in the National Register D Federal agency 0 previously determined eligible by the National D Local government

Register 0 University 0 designated a National Historic Landmark 0 Other 0 recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository:

*~----------0 recorded by Historic American Engineering

Record# _ ______ _

......... .... United Statn Department of the Interior National Park Service

Registration Fona: include in th.is title bloclt the property nue, county, and s.ite/inventory number

Multiple Property DocuJDentation Fona: include the naae of the multiple property listing

-~atlonal Register .of Historic Places Continuation Sheet

Section number _ 8 __ Page __ _

The log cabin was bui l t in 1937 using a design plan from the National Youth Administration, which built the log cabin, using local carpenters and laborers . The design for the log cabin was selected because of its location in a wooded, rural park setting adjacent to a lake.

The log cabin also reflected the style of housing and architecture prevalent in Federalsburg, when the Town was founded in 1779. This style of architecture was also popular in Federalsburg before 1850. The log cabin design used by the NYA for the log cabin built in Chambers Park was also a popular design used by the Civilian Conservation Corporation (CCC) in parks and rural areas across the nation in the 1930's . This once common structure is now rare as many parks and playgrounds have been remodeled since the 1960's .

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- Pnhist:.oric;H.isl:.aric i:i.rlcd 'Jbelil(•): Ar chitecture ·

RiSdJrce ~= ~: Building

tt1ttor!e ~: Rural

iu..t:arlc Ainct:im(•) ari!'tlie(a): Community Building - Social Functi ons

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Chambers Park Log Cabin

Name of Property

1 O. G!ographical Data

CAR-286 site/inventory number

\cnmge of Property Less than one acre

UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continumion sheet.)

1 Li.J I I ,.

I I I I I I Zone Easting Northing

2 LU I I · I I I I I I

Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.)

Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.)

11. Form Prepared By

name/title Dr . Conway Gregory

organization Town of Feder a 1 sburg, MD

street & number 118 North Main Street, P. 0. Box 4 71

city or town Federalsburg

Additional Documentation -submit the tollowing items with the completed form:

Registration Form page 4 Caroline County, MD

County and State

3 LJ_J I I I Zone Easting

4 LJ_J I I I I I I 0 See continuation sheet

date 10/29/93

telephone 410/754-8173

I I I I Northing

I I I I I

state MD zip code ....:2::...;1~6-=-3=-2 ---

A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.

A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources.

-Photographs

Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Adclttlonal ttems (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional Items)

Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of SHPO or FPO.)

street & number 118 North Mai n Street, P. O. Box 471 telephone 410/754- 8173

city or town Federalsburg state _MD ____ zip code _2_16_3_2 __ _

Papel'WOftt Reduction Act Statement: This infonnation is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate -raperties for listing or det.ermine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is requil'9d to Obtain

benefit in accordance with the National Historic Presel'Y8tion Act, u amended (16 U.S.C. ·'70 et aeq.).

Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response inducing time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Parle SeMce, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 2001~7127; and the Office of "Management and Budget, Paperwortt Reductionl Projects (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503.

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FEDERALSBURG - Mayor John Phillips knows the bowed chimney of the historic log cabin in Federalsburg's Chambers Park won't be around as long as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

That's why he is planning a $4,000 to $5{000 renovation project that wi 1, starting in October, rebuild the chimttey as part of a larger plan to testore the boarded-up log cabin built during President Frankin D. Roose-velt's administration. ·

'The chimney and the rest of the cabin is deteriorating to the point of becoming an eyesote1" said Phillips. The cabiii, which 18 surrounded by a playground, located in a wooded area, is on the verge of collapsing.

Today the dilaP.idated lo~ cabin is covered with graffiti and partially closed off by barrier tape. Phillips said he hopes to transform the cabin to the condition of its heyday, when it was a community center used for Boy Scout meetings and birthday celebrations.

"Kids that are now adu1ts here remember the parties al the cabin, and when you're a kid that's a big thing," Town Manager Richard Colburn said.

One of those children; now an

adult, is Federalsburg native Marvin Smith. He's one of few people in Federalsburg who knows the cabin was built by Roosevelt's National Youth Administration between 1937 and 1938.

Smith said the cabin was built for Boy Scouts, as an alternative to holding meetings on street corners in Federalsburg. Eventually, Smith said, the Boy Scouts took their meetings to Federalsburg's volunteer fire company, allowing the cabin to be used for community functions.

About a decade ago, the cabin was boarded up and closed to thb ptiblic. Ever since, cl1rious residertts such as Holly Sappington, who brings her daughter, Morgan, to the park every week, have wondered what was inside the historic cabin.

This week's visit to the park made Sapgington even more inquisitive. I've been wanting to know why that police tape is there. All along, I've been wanting to know what was inside of there," she said. Sappin~n is in favor of re

storing the cabin and its gravityburdened chimney, which she knows has a story, even if it's nol <J.Uite as well known as the Lean10g Tower of Pisa.

1 l , nm .. Photo by Leon Fuksm•n

f RF!STORATION PLANNED. Federalsburg Mayor John Phillips stands behind a vandalized lo« cabin fn FederalsburJ(s Chambers Pnrk. The cabin's chimney will undergo restoration in October.

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CAR-288 Chambers Park Log Cabin 223 Kinder Street, Federalsburg Federalsburg Quad

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Documents

CAR-288 Chambers Park Log Cabin - Maryland Historical Trust · Chambers Park Log Cabin Architectural Survey File This is the architectural survey file for this MIHP record. The survey