Give Your Log Home (or Any Other Home) a House History Log

1 / 2
Stock the body of the book with plenty of photographs
Stock the body of the book with plenty of photographs
2 / 2
Choose a house history log cover that's both attractive and durable.
Choose a house history log cover that's both attractive and durable.

You may be surprised to know that you can make history at no risk to life and limb and without even venturing beyond your own front door! Now as you’ve probably guessed, I’m not talking about performing any feats of derring-do or overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. instead, I’m suggesting that you take the time to research — and preserve — the story of your own dwelling, and thus add your bit to the recorded history of your region and family!

The practice of writing down a home’s “genealogy”–in the form of a house history–has long been a custom in many parts of Europe. In North America, however, interest in keeping such records has only recently begun to spread thanks (at least here in Canada) to the efforts of the Women’s Institutes scattered across the land.

Several years ago, in fact, those organizations, through their national headquarters, sponsored a nationwide house history log competition. Folks from all over Canada responded to the challenge, producing a great number of unique books. At the time of that event, the Federated Women’s Institutes put together a set of guidelines for members interested in competing in the contest. And there’s no reason why you can’t use the same general instructions to start preparing your own home’s history!

Anyone Can Play

First and foremost, remember that a house history log can be made for any dwelling whether it’s a century-old stone farm building, a brand-new kit-built log home, a trailer, or even rented quarters. A friend of mine who’s leased the same home for 20 years, for example, wrote the structure’s story from its point of view. (“After all,” she told me, “the house doesn’t belong to me. It sort of belongs to itself!”) The log begins, “This is my tale. I am situated on Lot H in the village of Pakenham.”

  • Published on Jul 1, 1981
Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368