Kinsman Foundation Grants $20,000 to Fund Dining Hall Repairs

We are so thankful to the Kinsman Foundation, who for the sixth year in a row has generously funded work projects on the lodge. This year they helped to fund crucial repairs on the Dining Hall. The lodge’s Dining Hall was built in 1941, one year after the completion of the main lodge. As one of the later CCC projects, the construction is different than the rest of the lodge, lacking the large hand-hewn timbers. It is nevertheless a very important part of the complex, providing a wonderful 20’ x 40’ interior space surrounded by 16 large paned windows. In place of the large beams, the Dining Hall roof structure was constructed of 2”x6” rafters. It was built strong, lasting 83 years with winter snows accumulating on the north side often 15 to 20 feet high. However, since the beginning of the restoration project, signs of structural weakening became evident. In 2022 we removed the ceiling to inspect the truss structure. This exposed some troubling issues: bowing, broken and cracked rafters, and a sagging ridge. The building had a 3-inch slant to the north, making the window frames out of square. It was also built with no headers over the doors and windows, which resulted in sagging top plates over every window. We did not want to install the roofing until these problems were addressed. A plan was made to remove the existing roof structure. Once removed, the building was plumbed, and two 40-foot-long 3"x5" steel angle beams were bolted to the north and south top plates. Finally, new trusses and roof sheeting were installed. Now the building is very strong and will last for many years! We cannot say enough about our friends and partners, the Kinsman Foundation! This project would not be nearly as successful without their faithful help.