For many who frequent the grounds of Woldumar, the Moon Cabin is an iconic landmark, overlooking the property from its quaint, quiet home at the edge of the campus area. Ever since the Moon Cabin was first brought to the property in the 1980s, it has been an irreplaceable tool for historical education, and many students and adults alike have passed through its door. 

Originally built in the 1860s, the historic Moon Cabin has withstood the test of time. The previous home of the Moon family, this little wooden cabin has been a piece of Lansing history since its original construction. Many generations have grown up within its comforting embrace, and– though the original Moon family has long since passed- many of their relatives can still be found in the greater Lansing area today! Some guests of Woldumar have even recounted stories of their relatives growing up on the farm where the cabin once stood.

It’s not just living descendants that can tell the story of the Moon Cabin, either. In fact, one of its original residents included Darius Moon, a well known Lansing architect. Darius was completely self-taught, learning skills and discovering methods of design as he worked on his family's farm. Though Darius' mark has faded considerably from history, the remnants of his work can still be seen in buildings like the Turner-Dodge house, which was designed by Moon himself. Though many of his buildings are no longer standing, Darius was also responsible for designing mansions for people like the Olds family and E.W. Sparrow, multiple churches, and four separate schools.

And Darius was just one of many children that called the Moon Cabin home. For generations, the Cabin was a sanctuary, a place of livelihood and joy. Though today it sits unoccupied, the cabin still serves its community every single day, teaching younger generations about life in the 1800s. 

Indeed, everything about the cabin today mimics how it would have originally stood, from the cast iron stove that heats its interior, to the hand-hewn logs that support its second story. Though much of the cabin remains intact, several repairs have been made throughout the years in an attempt to preserve the cabin and maintain the safety of its patrons. All of these repairs are done in the same fashion as they would have been done back when the cabin was first constructed. You won’t find screws in this home! Instead, wood is bonded together with hand forged nails and wooden dowels. Though we’d love to keep every bit of the cabin as authentic as possible– to preserve every bit of original material as we can– wood rots, chinking cracks, and repairs must be made. 

Most recently, the cabin's iconic cedar shake roof shingles have been replaced thanks to a generous grant from the State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council, which also contributes to the continuous improvement and expansion of cabin-based programs. 

And I know what you might be thinking. A grant was needed to replace that small cabin’s roof? Surely it couldn't have cost that much! Well, as it turns out, cedar shake roofs done in the traditional fashion cost quite a bit more than our modern asphalt shingles. Not only is the cost of materials higher due to wood being used over asphalt, but being able to install cedar shake roofs takes a specific amount of practice. Since cedar shakes are no longer commonly used, finding a contractor– and an inexpensive one at that– who can replace those shakes can be difficult. 

Of course, not all of the grant went towards the roof installation, too. A significant portion of it was granted with the intention of improving and elevating our existing cabin outreach programs, allowing for more community involvement, and better education. This means the cabin can be open on more days, with new programs running, and will get the love and attention it deserves! Check out the Fox 47 interview with Executive Director Kevin Wernet for additional information: https://www.fox47news.com/neighborhoods/delta-township-grand-ledge/grant-secures-future-of-historic-moon-cabin-at-woldumar-nature-center

So, the next time you visit Woldumar, maybe you’ll find yourself walking in the direction of the Moon Cabin. If you do, you might notice the bright, fresh cedar shakes resting quietly on its rooftop. They might even seem to clash against the aged, worn down logs of its exterior. Though they are new, their placement is rooted deep in history, a history of love and care from the many generations of family members, relatives, students, visitors, and staff alike that have all shared space inside of our little Moon Cabin. 

As this year progresses, we plan to host even more opportunities for the public to enjoy the Cabin, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled…

Stay Curious, 

Ashley

Naturalist