In our last newsletter, we published a plea for help replacing the roof and window sills on the Connor Toll House. Thanks to two of our loyal CHC members, progress is being made on the project. Long time member, Larson Mick, responded by generously underwriting the cost of replacing all the window sills, and Sam H. Powell has volunteered to share his expertise at making hand-split oak shingles, as well as his connection with people who regularly cut trees on Signal Mountain.
“The hardest part,” he told us, “is getting the right wood. You have to get white oak, and it can’t have any knots.” Mr. Powell has begun a search for the “right wood,” as well as for people who are willing to learn how to split it.
Once the wood is secured, we would like to schedule a work day to get as much of the splitting done as possible. CHC Executive Director and Historian, Daryl Black, who has considerable experience making hand-split shingles, will be there as a volunteer log-splitter, and we think we can promise you a fun and informal “living history” day. In addition to the log splitting, there will be a need that day for people to carry and stack logs and shingles. This would be a great project for a Boy Scout troop. We will also need additional froes and mallets. A froe is the key tool to splitting logs.
If you, or an organization you know, would like to pitch in and help with completing this roofing project before rain seriously damages the Toll House, please call Marlene Payne at 265-3247, extension 10.
