PORT TOWNSEND — Funding of the new Fred Lewis Scout Cabin was up in the air until some supporters did last-minute
fundraising.
A weekend open house drew about 300 people and gathered $1,048 in additional donations, according to volunteer Norm Stevens.
American Legion Post Cmdr. Joe Carey said he was contacted six weeks ago by construction crewmembers, who told Carey the venture was out of money and needed $25,000 to complete the project.
Carey marshaled some of his friends to help.
“The response was great,” he said. “I set up a goal to sell 50 logs in 50 days, but we ended up selling 60 logs in 25 days.”
The logs really weren’t “sold” but used as a fundraising tool.
Those participating would put down a $200 contribution for construction.
Aside from several individuals, Carey said that four local businesses — Cotton Concrete, Leavitt Trucking, Edensaw and Henery’s Hardware — offered deep discounts or donated material outright in support of the cabin, which replaces a longstanding Scout cabin at Morgan Hill that was razed in 2003.
Local Scouts who will use the cabin, scheduled for dedication this summer, are from Boy Scout Troop 1477, Cub Scout Troop 479 and Sea Scout Boat 1697.
All are members of the Mount Olympus District of the Chief Seattle Council.
The cabin is not restricted to those groups.
“This is a great space and is open to any scouting or community group that wants to use it,” said volunteer Pat McMinds.
The nonprofit Fred Lewis Scout Cabin Association was formed in October 2007 to build a cabin on property donated by Marvin Shields American Legion Post No. 26.
The cabin association is made up of representatives of the Elks, American Legion, Boy Scouts and the community.
A diverse group of community members has supported the venture to replace the old log cabin that was built in the 1930s on land donated by Port Townsend businessman Fred Lewis.
The original property was sold in 2003 by Chief Seattle Boy Scout Council, and the cabin was torn down.
Construction on the new cabin began in 2009.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
