By Piper Cherry
The Town of Huntington Board voted 5-0 to designate the Grace Log Cabin a town historical landmark at its Sept. 16 town board meeting. The designation will keep the cabin safe from demolition.
Robert Hughes, Huntington Town historian, said the Grace Cabin, on the grounds of the Grace Nature Preserve in Greenlawn, was completed in 1918 by Herman Rosen as part of his estate. Ownership transferred to Edwin J. and Gertrude K. Grace shortly after. The cabin was used as a summer home and became their full-time residence after retirement. After the Graces died, it was inherited by their daughter, Catha Grace Rambusch, who sold all but five acres and the log cabin to Huntington as a nature preserve.
About 20 years ago, when Catha was ready to part ways with the building, the house and remaining acres were sold to the Town of Huntington. The town performed repair work in 2008 to fix the rotting logs and foundation and to add a stone retaining wall.
In recent years, however, the cabin has been left vacant and fallen victim to vandalism.
Several letters were sent to the town council pleading for a designation, which helped lead to discussion of the possibility at the town meeting.
Nine people spoke during the public hearing in favor of designating it as a historical landmark, including Kristin Grace Rambusch and Dr. Margot Hartmann, two of the Graces’ grandchildren. The two traveled from Charlottesville, Va., and Bradenton, Fla., respectively, to speak up for their old family home.
“This beautiful cabin is being allowed to fall into disrepair,” Hartmann said. “We’re here to speak for the importance of designating it a landmark in the hopes that it will help preserve it in the future for Huntington townspeople, because it’s such a special place.”
After hearing the overwhelming support from residents in favor of the designation, Councilman Dave Bennardo called to draft the resolution immediately.
Councilman Salvatore Ferro, who worked closely with Robert Hughes and the community to protect the cabin, said he was pleased with the board’s decision for immediate action and the support from the community.
“I think it’s important we recognize historic places in our town,” Ferro said. “We can’t forget our past. Our past helps us move to a better future. I was thrilled to see the support come out.”
Because the ruling only prohibits the cabin from being knocked down, the community plans ensure that restoration actually takes place.
Bryan Kelly, who grew up on the property, attended the hearing and spoke about his dedication to ensuring the restoration plans move forward. “What we’re going to try to do is put together a group that’s going to be a nonprofit that will be for the preservation and maintenance of that cabin,” Kelly said. “Hopefully, we’ll receive funding to maintain it.”
Local residents had several ideas for the property. Some wanted to make it a home for a groundskeeper who could upkeep the property, while others, like Kelly, would like to see it used for educational purposes.
For now, community members and the Grace family said they were gratified by the outcome.
“It was so heartwarming to see the amount of public support,” Kristin said. “We thought we were going to be the only ones speaking, and then to feel the wellspring on the board to move it to a vote, we’re thrilled.”
