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Lincoln Log Cabin Restoration

 Collection
Identifier: UA 0253

Scope and Content

The Lincoln Log Cabin Restoration Materials Collection is divided into four series as follows: 1. Historical Series: This series contains articles pertaining to the Lincoln Log Cabin, the restoration projects, and the Little Country Theater. This series also includes pamphlets and advertisement materials from the Little Country Theater. 2. Correspondence Series: This series contains correspondence from 1985 to 1995 regarding the restoration project, including a significant number of letters written directly June Dobervich which are in separate folders. There are also three photocopied letters pertaining to Alfred Arvold. 3. Restoration Committee: This series combines the materials associated with the Lincoln Log Cabin Restoration Committee. It includes correspondence, mailing / donor lists, financial materials, and selected meeting minutes. 4. Architectural Material: This smaller series contains floor plans, site plans, estimates, and sketches pertaining to the restoration of the Lincoln Log Cabin.

Dates

  • Majority of material found within 1985 - 1994

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.

Biographical / Historical

The Lincoln Log Cabin was created in the early 1920s on the top floor of Old Main above what was once the Little Country Theater. Initially designed for set construction, makeup application, and theater activities, Professor Alfred Arvold transformed this area into a replica pioneer home and renamed it the Lincoln Log Cabin. It became a venue for entertaining visitors and hosting community events for theater students and staff.



However, after Professor Arvold's retirement, the Little Country Theater moved to Askanase Hall in 1968. In the early 1970s, Old Main underwent extensive renovations, resulting in the closure of the Lincoln Log Cabin However, beginning in 1985, June Dobervich would lead a sustained effort to renovate and reopen the Lincoln Log Cabin. June was born and raised in the Fargo-Moorhead area, was an NDSU graduate, married in Fargo, and taught in local schools. She had a love for theater from an early age. June was pivotal to the Lincoln Log Cabin Restoration project and numerous other theater projects.



The fundraising proposal for the Lincoln Log Cabin Restoration project was quickly approved in 1985. Gary Rienke was the chair of the Lincoln Log Cabin Restoration Committee that spearheaded the fundraising and logistical process. The estimated cost of renovation was $75,000. The committee found students, faculty, staff, and alums from across the world who were involved with the Little Country Theater who might want to donate to the cause. After years of dedication, the committee raised $81,000 from hundreds of generous donors. The Lincoln Log Cabin was successfully restored and rededicated in 1993.

Extent

.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Provenance

Transferred by Unknown. No accession number given.

Separation Record

Four wrought iron pieces separated into UA 0068 Box 108.

Copyrights

The NDSU Archives owns the property rights to this collection.

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Finding Aid to the Lincoln Log Cabin Restoration collection
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the University Archives Repository

https://library.ndsu.edu/ndsuarchives/collections/university-archives
Contact:
West Building
3551 7th Avenue N
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States

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