FWSQ Restoration

FWSQ Completed Restoration

Why was 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 was the Plan?

WSDAR 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 was divided into three phases:

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

What was the Cost?

The cost of the entire project was $270,000.

With the significant restoration cost, the Wisconsin Society Daughters of the American Revolution engaged in fundraising, soliciting donations and grants to bring the total to $260,000 to help save this 200 year old building.

The image to the left shows how much was raised. The remaining funds were awarded by The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Grant.

Why should you care?

In 2023, this project received first place named National Historic Preservation Project of the Year!

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.”