FWSQ Restoration

Why is Restoration of the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Cabin Needed?

In the 1960s the original chinking was removed from the cabin and replaced with Portland Cement. It was thought to be the best solution for historical buildings with chinking. However, it has been determined the Portland Cement causes decay of the logs, because they cannot expand and contract with moisture.

What is the Plan?

WSDAR has contracted with Laib Restoration, Inc. of Oshkosh to replace the decayed portions of the tamarack logs, remove old chinking, and replace the chinking. The project has been divided into three phases:

2021: The back side of the cabin and side facing the school building will be completed
2022: The side of the cabin facing the road and the side facing the cottage will be completed
2023: The courtyard sides of the front of the cabin will be completed

What is the Cost?

The cost of the entire project will be $260,000.

This is a significant cost and the Wisconsin Daughters of the American Revolution need your help to save this 200 year old building.

The Daughters have raised half of the amount. The log pile image to the left shows how much we have raised and how far we still have to go.

This image will be updated as the restoration fund grows.

Why should you care?

Information about FWSQ

Restoration Updates:

Terry Laib on April 2, 2021 stated “this is the oldest building I have worked on” as he placed his hand on the side of the cabin. It was a moment of reverence, of respect and of honor for the age of our ‘jewel on the hill’
He shared: “The tamarack logs are heavy, large and have knots.”
In discussion of the use of Portland Cement as chinking in the 1960s Terry Laib stated ‘”The Portland cement probably saved it from collapsing.”