2 • Honest Abe Monthly • March 2012 www.honestabe.com

contents

get connectedblog & news room

3 Cover Story: Family Matters A Seasoned Contractor Builds on His Family Legacy

Finally Home

Representatives from Honest Abe Visit 2011 Dealership of the Year

New Free Literature Now Available

Timber Frame System

Lodge Recipe: Upside-Down Salsa Cornbread

New Floor Plan: The Franklin

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March, 2012

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www.honestabe.com March 2012 • Honest Abe Monthly • 3

Building a new home is nothing new for Tom and Joan Rippel, whether it be for

themselves, or their many customers over the years. Tom’s building career started at a young age in 1961 helping his father build conventional homes. That venture turned into a family business that still thrives today, literally giving them decades of building experience. Tom and Joan have even built multiple homes for themselves, but when it came time to construct a vacation spot, their desire was a log home.

“I knew right away it would be a different experience,” commented Joan. “Tom convinced me it was the way to go, especially when we were lucky enough to find a great building site.” That perfect site was found on Lake Pana in Illinois, a little

more than an hours drive from their permanent residence. Proximity to their permanent residence isn’t all that makes the home’s location so special. “We have a multitude of family members that live within a couple hours in all directions from our home, so it’s centrally located,” noted Tom. A couple of cousins, and a close family friend are all within walking distance as well. “This is a family venture, as our daughters are part owners and it’s open to the family,” he said. Another great benefit of the property is that the home rests only about twenty-five feet from the shoreline of Lake Pana, and is also nestled in a grove of trees.

Top: Tom & Joan wanted their log home to blend into its natural surroundings rather than stand out, so they chose a gray tone of exterior stain rather than the more frequently seen brown tones.

Family Matters:A Seasoned Contractor Builds on His Family Legacy

4 • Honest Abe Monthly • March 2012 www.honestabe.com

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Above: Just steps away, the Rippel’s cabin has a wonderful view and access to Lake Pana in Illinois.

6 • Honest Abe Monthly • March 2012 www.honestabe.com

When it came time to construct the log home, the couple found some aspects of building with logs were quick and easy, while others were more challenging and time consuming. On a typical home, the log walls go up quickly, as they did with the Rippel’s log home. They chose Honest Abe’s eight inch “D-Log” profile, which is rounded on the exterior, with a flat interior surface. The home also features Honest Abe’s Heavy Timber Roof System, featuring exposed roof rafters. While the logs may go up quickly and easily, this style roof system typically takes more time, labor and skill to construct. “My crew and I had a lot of fun figuring out and addressing challenges, even more so than with a conventional home,” mentioned Tom. “It was work, but so radically different that it was fun and we enjoyed the experience.”

While Tom, Joan and their crew did the majority of the construction, Tom was quick to give Glenn Perrin of H.H. Log Sales a lot of credit. As an independent dealer of Honest Abe products and an experienced builder, Glenn made frequent trips to the job site to advise in different areas. Tom said, “At the start of each major area of the home, Glenn and his crew came and helped to get us started. Glenn is top-notch, and made lots of special trips.”

Joan chose to stain the exterior of the log home a gray tone, allowing it to blend into the natural surroundings, rather

Below: Log home owners who choose to use little or no sheetrock on the interior of their homes, often incorporate bold and rich colors into their decorating as seen here.

www.honestabe.com March 2012 • Honest Abe Monthly • 7

than stand out. They both agreed that the great room is their favorite location in the home. “It’s two stories high so you can see how the cabin is put together, and I still find myself being amazed at how all those separate pieces of wood came together so well,” commented Joan on her great room. Tom goes on to mention that there were only six pieces of dry-wall used in the entire home, and those are located in the bathroom. Everything else in the home is wood, adding to the comfortable and casual setting the family wanted for their vacation home.

With the home complete, Tom, Joan and other family members have been using the home about every weekend. It’s an experience that’s left a seasoned conventional home builder with the statement, “I would recommend living in a log home to anyone.” Tom further stated, “The idea that I can go sit in my hobby home makes me proud.” One thing is clear, Tom and Joan have built their log home with the purpose to stand the test of time, transcend generations, and to be a legacy to their family.

Article by: Joshua Beasley, Marketing & Advertising for Honest Abe Log Homes.

Editors Note: Special thanks to Glenn Perrin of H.H. Log Sales and the Rippel family for their contributions to this story.

8 • Honest Abe Monthly • March 2012 www.honestabe.com

After two tours of duty in Iraq, Sgt. Vincent Gizzarelli and his family chose to continue their service to others. Suffering

from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, shrapnel wounds, and a debilitating head injury, Sgt. Gizzarelli medically retired from the Marine Corps. His focus would soon change from directing battle-hardened men, to taking full custody of three little boys from an abusive background that needed love, care and attention. Yet there was a major need still missing from their lives, a home to call their own.

That is when Operation Finally Home teamed with the National Home Builders Association’s Building Systems Council to give the family a mortgage free home. The BSC consists of industry professionals and companies like Honest Abe Log Homes within the log, concrete, modular and panelized home industries. The project was announced on the wildly popular The Big Show with John Boy and Billy radio show which aired on January 27, 2011. Gizzarelli was brought to the studio to help promote Operation Finally Home and be interviewed as a potential candidate. While “on-air” he found out that it was his family that would receive the home.

Top: The Gizzarelli Family Above: This rendering illustrates what the home will resemble on completion.

Finally Home

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Many companies within the Log Homes Council have donated resources and materials to the cause. Nicole Robinson, a well respected competitor and Vice President of Log Homes of America stated, “This has been an amazing project. We are delighted to be a small part and are thankful for our other Log Homes Council partners who are helping to make this dream of being ‘Finally Home’ a reality for this veteran and his family.” Nicole and others at her company helped to kick-start the project by donating the exterior log walls. Honest Abe Log Homes donated tongue-and-groove to be used on the interior walls or ceilings. The contractor on the job even donated the lot the home is located on.

In an earlier article, Executive Director of Operation Finally Home Daniel Vargus was quoted as saying, “Our servicemen and women have sworn an oath to protect us — to give us the freedoms we enjoy and let us live the lives we lead. They and their families

sacrifice everything. It’s very gratifying to give them a home. We look at it as a ‘hand up,’ not a handout. They’ve paid for these homes on the battlefield.”

Construction continues on the home, and it’s set to be completed later this year. The home will be presented to the family with no mortgage, all property taxes, insurance, and building

fees paid. Private donations from individuals is greatly needed to help cover these costs. If you would like to donate, go to the Operation Finally Home site. Use the secure “donate” button at the bottom of that page. Be sure to include “Building Systems for Soldiers” in the “purpose” section so your donation will directly support this project!

Article by: Joshua Beasley, Marketing & Advertising for Honest Abe Log Homes. Editors Note: Special thanks to Nicole Robinson of Log Homes of American for contributing to this story.Article Reference: http://www.nbnnews.com/NBN/issues/2011-06-27/Building+Systems/index.html

Watch The Big Showwith John Boy and Billy Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpF2nqmTiMM&hd=1

After watching, please consider a contribution!

Left: Materials from Honest Abe wrapped and waiting on site to be installed. Below: A recent picture of the construction progress.

10 • Honest Abe Monthly • March 2012 www.honestabe.com

Honest Abe Log Homes President Randy Fudge and Regional Dealer Manager David Everitt traveled to West Virginia on February 9th to visit with Russ Saunders of Log Homes of WV. While there, they presented Russ with Honest Abe’s Dealer of the Year Award.

Along with a monetary award, Russ received Honest Abe’s coveted Broad Ax award. This plaque is inscribed with the names of each of Honest Abe’s past Dealers of the Year, and is kept and displayed by the reigning dealer of the year for the length of time they retain this honor. This award is, subsequently, passed on to the next recipient. As the name implies, the award is adorned with a beautiful antique broad ax (seen above is Randy Fudge presenting the award to Russ). The broad ax is a traditional tool used in a by-gone era to square

timbers. This symbol is very fitting because of its critical use in building log homes. Likewise, our dealers of the year are very critical to Honest Abe’s success through one of our most valuable assets, our Independent Dealership Network and family.

Honest Abe Log Homes is excited about Russ’s success, and his achieving this sought-after award. We look forward to Russ continuing to be one of our top-tier dealers for years to come.

While in West Virginia a tour was made of a home delivered for Russ in Mid-December. This home is almost dried in, and will be another beautiful home completed by Log Homes of WV and Russ Saunders. Article by: David Everitt, Dealer Manager for Honest Abe Log Homes

Representatives from Honest Abe Visit 2011 Dealership

of the Year

www.honestabe.com March 2012 • Honest Abe Monthly • 11

New Free Literature Now Available

A new twelve page booklet is now available from Honest Abe Log Homes, and at no cost! The free literature features; a historical look at the company, information about how we manufacture our log homes, package content listings, award winning plans, event information, photography and customer testimonials. The piece was designed to be read quickly, while still providing critical information on important aspects of our company, products and homes.

To receive a copy, give us a call at 800-231-3695, or contact your salesperson.

12 • Honest Abe Monthly • March 2012 www.honestabe.com

Though “log homes” is in our name, timber frame homes is nothing new to Honest Abe. For years we’ve offered a

timber frame or post-and-beam structure. Due to their refined rustic charm, these homes have seen a resurgence of interest from consumers.

In the construction of our Timber Frame System, Honest Abe uses timeless construction methods to create a framework of 8” x 8” Douglas Fir vertical posts and horizontal beams. This “superstructure” is left exposed on the interior, while insulated wall panels sheath the exterior. Our Timber Frame System offers old-world country charm, with

superb flexibility to add color or decorative style to the interior. Our attention to detail can be recognized through the quality of the craftsmanship.

Timber frame homes can also fit into any community or surroundings. The exterior of the homes can be covered in brick, rock, vinyl siding, log and wood

siding, or any other common exterior application. For more information, visit our web site at:http://www.honestabe.com/homecenter/timber.php

www.honestabe.com March 2012 • Honest Abe Monthly • 13

Upside-Down Salsa Cornbread

“The Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook: A Treasury of Timeless, Delicious Recipes” - Oxmoor House. 2012

We hope you enjoy this recipe from the new Lodge Cast Iron

Cookbook: A Treasury of Timeless Delicious Recipes. The cookbook

can be ordered from the Lodge web site or from Amazon.

For more information about Lodge and their cast iron cookware, visit: www.lodgemfg.com

Fran Pickens of Hendersonville, Tennessee, took home first-place honors at the National Cornbread Cook-off in 2001 with this spicy entry.

Serves 6Filling:1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 pound lean ground beef1/2 cup chopped onion1 teaspoon chilli powder1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon garlic salt1 medium green or red bell pepper, seeded and cut into rings

Topping:2 cups Martha White Buttermilk Self-Rising Corn Meal Mix1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese1 tablespoon sugar1 (16-ounce) jar chunky-style salsa1 1/4 cups milk3 tablespoons vegetable oil1 large egg, lightly beaten

1. Preheat the over to 425°2. Make the filling: Heat the oil in a 10 1/2-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the ground beef, onion, chilli powder, salt and garlic salt; cook until the beef is no longer pink. stirring frequently and breaking up any clumps of meat. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet to a bowl. Place the bell pepper rings in a single layer in the bottom of the skillet. Spoon the beef mixture over the rings.3. Make the topping: Stir together the corn meal mix, cheese, sugar, salsa, milk, oil and egg in a medium bowl; stir until well blended. Spread the batter evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet. Bake until golden brown, 32 to 38 minutes.4. Place a serving plate over the skillet; carefully invert and remove the skillet. Cut into wedges. If desired, this can be served from the skillet: Cut into wedges and carefully turn each wedge upside down onto a serving plate.

14 • Honest Abe Monthly • March 2012 www.honestabe.com

FLOOR PLAN OF THE MONTH: Cool SpringsThe fourth and final in this

series of cottages, the Cool Springs was designed to inspire family vacation gatherings while drawing guests to enjoy its natural surroundings.

This floor plan features three

bedrooms of similar size and two full bathrooms. There is an open loft to serve as an office space, reading spot or play and game area for children.

Access to the screened porch is easy through an exterior door

located in the kitchen and living room area, making it easy to take meals outside.

Honest Abe went a step beyond our typical plans to show what might be done on the exterior of the home by

FLOOR PLAN:

www.honestabe.com March 2012 • Honest Abe Monthly • 15

incorporating a fire-pit area, and garden house into the back yard.

For more information on the Cool Springs, download the PDF available through the members area of Honest Abe Extra!

Want More Great Plans?

Check out the floor plans section dedicated to log and timber home plans created by Honest Abe Log Home customers!

Honest Abe Cottages - Cool Springs

Square Feet: 1457Floors: 2

Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2.0

Screened Porch with Attached Deck