Erickson Cabin
Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, R0E, Canada
Formally Recognized:
2005/05/24
Other Name(s)
Erickson Cabin
Hans Erickson Log Cabin
Cabane de Hans Erickson
Links and documents
Construction Date(s)
1937/01/01 to 1937/12/31
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2007/12/07
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
Erickson Cabin is a small log dwelling on a rural lot near the Pinawa Channel (Winnipeg River) in the Lac du Bonnet area. The municipal designation applies to the single-storey building on its footprint.
Heritage Value
Erickson Cabin, built in ca. 1937 by Norwegian immigrant Hans Erickson following the style of workers' cottages at the nearby Pinawa hydroelectric dam site, is a fine example of log construction. The well-chosen logs, smoothed and notched along their length, fit tightly together and have neatly trimmed extended corners. Erickson was among many Scandinavians who help construct the Winnipeg Electric Railway Co. generating facility (1903-06) at the Pinawa Hydroelectric Generating Station. He also cut wood for the plant's boilers in winter and, as one of the first in the area to receive a homestead grant, supplied the company store with milk from his farm. The modest cabin, which Erickson erected for his daughter Linnea, is the only remaining log structure from an era that ended in 1951 with closure of the hydroelectric installation and abandonment of the associated company town.
Source: Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet By-law No. 1-05, May 24, 2005
Character-Defining Elements
Key exterior elements that define the Erickson Cabin's straightforward style and construction include:
- the modest one-storey dimensions and rectangular shape under a moderately pitched, side-facing gable roof
- the conventional log construction with carefully selected and trimmed logs, standard notched corners slightly extended and smoothly sawn, and log gable ends
- the wood-shingled roof with board fascia and exposed logs supporting wide eaves save for a cutaway section over the front entrance
- the functional fenestration consisting of tall rectangular windows in wood surrounds on three sides
- the low entrance deck enclosed by short log walls and the wood-panelled front door with multi-paned upper glazing
Key elements that define the dwelling's interior character include:
- the centre-entrance plan and four-room layout
- the everyday materials and finishes, including linoleum-covered board flooring, modest wood trim on doors and windows, etc.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
Manitoba
Recognition Authority
Local Governments (MB)
Recognition Statute
Manitoba Historic Resources Act
Recognition Type
Municipal Heritage Site
Recognition Date
2005/05/24
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
n/a
Theme - Category and Type
- Peopling the Land
- Settlement
Function - Category and Type
Current
- Leisure
- Museum
Historic
- Residence
- Single Dwelling
Architect / Designer
n/a
Builder
Hans Erickson
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
RM of Lac du Bonnet #4187 - PR #317 Box 100 Lac du Bonnet MB R0E 1A0
Cross-Reference to Collection
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
M0267
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a