Cabin Window Restoration to Begin Mid-September

​About the Window Project
This fall Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site (FWSQHS) is restoring deteriorating windows on the historic log cabin. The cabin’s interior and the artifacts within depend on the proper condition of the windows; protecting against water and pests, and stabilizing the temperature and humidity within the building. After decades of repair needs, the project is finally in motion. The shutters, a security feature added in 1954, will be replaced. However, the original interior sashes and exterior wood casings for the windows on the cabin, built more than two-hundred years ago must be restored.

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​A History of Restoration
FWSQHS leaders are dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the historic Surgeons Quarters log cabin and Garrison School. This commitment began with the purchase of the cabin in 1939, and efforts are continuing at full steam almost a century later in 2026. Initial restorations were completed in 1954, the year of the site’s opening. Major restoration has continued since opening, with projects including new chinking for the entire cabin, and replacement of some deteriorating tamarack logs. This project, completed in 2023, was taken on by Laib Restoration Inc.

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​Following the log and chinking project, Laib Restoration Inc. returned to FWSQHS and installed a replacement pine floor in Garrison School. Matthew Laib is returning once again, the week of September 14th to restore the sashes and casings and replace the weathered shutters on the cabin’s front gable and 10 double-hung windows.

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How to Support the Project
​Our goal is to raise funds in 2026 to cover the total cost of the restoration, which is $72,892. Thanks to donations, grants and state historic preservation tax credits sold from a previous restoration project, FWSQHS is able to cover the cost of Phase 1 work to restore the sashes and exterior wood casings and replace the shutters on four windows on the east (back) side of the cabin. The bid also includes materials and machining for all of the building’s 20 shutters to save on labor and ensure that materials match. With Phase 1 moving forward, fundraising is now almost complete for the remaining six first-floor windows and gable window. The $41,153 price tag for Phase 2 is crucial to complete the project and receive a potential award of Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office tax credits of $14,400.  With just under $9,500 to raise, this is where you come in.
 
We invite you, as a supporter, history buff or friend of the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters, to make a contribution. Please know that your contribution, large or small, will greatly impact Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site. Thank you for helping open our windows to the past for future generations to enjoy!
 
To donate online, visit the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site website and select Support. fortwinnebagosurgeonsquarters.org/donate
To donate by mail, please make checks payable to:
FWSQ Treasurer, S4352 Fox Hill Circle, Baraboo, WI 53913

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