Honest Abe Monthly, October 2012

October, 2012

Staying True to their

Roots

RUSTIC CHIC: DECOR & STYLING IDEAS FOR FALL LOG HOME DEALERSHIP CELEBRATES 20 YEARS TENDER VENISON ROAST RECIPE

contents 3 12 17

October, 2012

Cover Story: Staying True to their Roots Rustic Chic: Decor and Styling Ideas for Fall Honest Abe on Cover of Log Cabin Homes Magazine

18 Join Us For A Log Raising 19 Building: A Team Effort 20 Log Home Dealership Celebrates 20 Years 21 Recipe: Tender Venison Roast by Lodge 22 Monthly Floor Plan: The Patterson Honest Abe is now found on...

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Staying True to their

Roots

Article and Photography by Josh Beasley, HALH Styling by Rachel Meadows, HALH

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hough newlyweds, Nick and April Patterson’s story began long before they knew one another, in fact, before either were born. April is the daughter of Janie and late father Doug Smith, who founded Honest Abe Log Homes over thirty years ago.

Their family has deep roots in the local community of Moss, Tennessee in which Honest Abe is based. Doug’s father Lemuel farmed, ran a small sawmill and was a skilled blacksmith. Doug, who left the community for several years to obtain a degree in engineering and serve in the armed forces, eventually returned to start several successful wood related businesses. Nick was raised on his family’s farm, now in it’s forth generation, and is a graduate of Auburn University. Now, April and Nick are continually involved in the day-to-day operations of those companies, including Honest Abe. Nick, or should we say Dr. Patterson, is a veterinarian and stays busy in the rural farming community. April manages more than a few of the family’s several business ventures, and serves as President of Mitchell Creek Marina on nearby www.honestabe.com

Top: The Patterson’s home, which features a wraparound porch, and a beautiful red metal roof common to the area.

Right: April and Nick posed for a photo by the old barn found behind their home.

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Top Left: The wrap around porch covers their front door, and a small plaque marks the couple’s beginning.

Bottom Left: The rolling countryside of Tennessee can be seen from their front porch. The family plants many acres of corn each year as part of their farming operation.

Left Inset: April and Roscoe, who helped to introduce the couple.

Roscoe obviously is not a puppy anymore!

Top & Bottom Right: Family is important. The location of the Patterson’s home is nestled between the homes of April’s brother (seen in the distance on the top image) and her mother which was the first home built by Doug and his father, launching the idea to start Honest Abe Log Homes.

Dale Hollow Lake. The couple met through a bit of tragedy as April, who’s a self professing animal lover, brought her puppy Roscoe to the vet clinic after suffering an injury. April recalls walking into the veterinarian clinic for the first time, “Nick dropped a whole tray of medicine when we came in, it was so funny and something I’ll never forget.” After treating Roscoe, Nick scheduled them for a follow-up just a couple of days later. Soon, Nick had April and Roscoe appearing for check up appointments ever few days. “He even took my phone number off of the chart and started calling me directly to ask how Roscoe was doing,” laughed April. Of course, Nick now admits that it was all just a ploy to see April again and again. April continued with a big smile on her face, “One day it just occurred to me that we were spending more time socializing and Nick wasn’t paying much attention to Roscoe at all, plus, I wasn’t getting billed for any of it.” From there, the couple started seeing more of one another, outside of the vet office of course, and as they say, “The rest is history!”

As it has already been eluded to, history would in fact play a big part in the couple’s plans after their engagement.

They needed a home of their own, and there wasn’t a lot of time to plan. Their building site would be the location of her grandfather Lemuel’s old wood sided farm house, where her dad had grown up. The quaint country home had been destroyed in a fire several years before, and the property had seemed barren to the family ever since. “So many important things happened there,” noted April. “It was there that Dad and my Grandfather came up with the idea to build Mom and Dad a log home on adjoining property.”

That home was the first, one that propelled Honest Abe Log Homes into existence, and one that her mother Janie still resides in today. “My grandpa built the home and worked it’s land, my father grew up there, and my brother and his www.honestabe.com

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Above: Making a break for it! A couple of April and Nick’s chickens pose for us during the photo shoot.

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Right: The old blacksmith shop and barn behind their home is now used as part storage, and part hen house.

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wife lived in the home before building their Honest Abe log home. So, it just seemed like the natural place for Nick and I to start out.”

With their building location decided upon, the couple realized they had many options of what and how to build. April grew up in her parent’s log home and they passed down their passion to her. Yet, she also wanted what they built to honor that simple country farm house that was so iconic to the family.

Nick had similar roots. His family farm was given to his great grandfather after the depression. At that time, he worked the land for no pay, for the promise that he would be rewarded with 80 acres once the depression lifted. Nick added, “There was a two room log cabin on the property that was my great grandfathers. I just grew up with an admiration of log cabins. If two rooms was good enough for them, then we can get by without building something extravagant.” They decided to build a modest home with a very traditional log cabin look on the exterior, while incorporating a mixture of wood and sheet rock on the interior. Their home was to be a bit of a hybrid, a mixture of a log cabin and country farm

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house. April and Nick decided on an overall size and some of their desired features, then handed the design and layout over to Honest Abe. Once the initial plans were in place, the couple made a few minor adjustments, then set out on building their home.

“One day, when we are ready, and if we continue to be blessed with the ability to do so, we want to build a larger home that we design specifically around our family,” says April. “It just wasn’t time to do that with our first home. We could have done more, but we needed something simple and practical to start out our lives together with.” At a modest but roomy 1,440 square feet, the home’s open layout grants the feel of a much larger residence. The décor, done by Nick’s mother Cindy, April, her mother and Aunt Mary, is welcoming and infuses rural country charm to their interior. An abundance of antique crates, tins and other items, most of which her father Doug had collected over the years, are arranged throughout the home adding character and color. One of April’s favorite items is a jelly cabinet made out of old barn wood

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for her by Nick’s mom Cindy. The importance of the couple’s faith is also evident through the imagery and scripture found throughout the home.

“The kitchen is one of my favorite places,” says April, who spent a great deal of time this past summer canning vegetables from their garden and jellies from her mother’s fruit trees. “We didn’t waste anything.

If we didn’t eat it, I found a way to can it. We have three varieties of pickles, okra, tomatoes, and other vegetables. I love making jelly, so we have plenty of Left: The couple’s kitchen. While this photo might have been style and arranged, the items in it are genuine. April had bread from her grandmother, jelly she had made from her mother’s grapes, and peppers that Nick’s mom had brought to them. Plus, some of Aprils canned pickles are on display as well.

Top: The open floor plan between the kitchen, dining area and living room really allows for a roomy feel in the home.

Right: Decor didn’t come from the hobby store! Much of this is antiques collected by April and her father. The “Premier” container is an old chicken feeder. The crates were used for various produce. The centerpiece is a jelly cabinet, made just for April by Nick’s mother Cindy out of old barn wood. www.honestabe.com

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Top: The couple’s master bedroom, one of two bedrooms in the home. The bed was hand crafted by Amish from Nick’s community in Alabama.

Bottom Left: One of the few “must have” features of the home, the walk-in closet. April says, “We have plenty of room for all our stuff, and organization is one of our favorite things!”

Bottom Right: Sharing space is a good thing. This single vanity saves space over a double, and allows more room for functional areas.

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apple jelly for the coming winter.” Another area the couple enjoys is the back porch.

While the home features a wrap-around porch, the rear porch of the home offers some privacy, and also faces an old barn that now serves as a chicken coop. “Dad helped my grandfather build that barn,” April commented.

“Grandpa used it as his blacksmith shop, but we now use a portion of it for our chickens. I love sitting out there in my swing and just watching the chickens pick through the yard.

It’s a good time to relax.” Having more than a few chickens, the couple also produce their own eggs, and sell the excess locally for one dollar per dozen. While many might think thriftiness is rare, it’s not completely lost and the Patterson’s are great examples.

One of the few “must have” items on their list was a sizable walk-in closet that measures 10 ½ by 8 ½ feet. Overall, the home incorporates two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, an open kitchen, dining and living area, office nook and finally their utility room. “There’s no wasted space in the home,” says Mike Hix, designer for Honest Abe who helped April and Nick with their home. “That’s something more and more clients want today, to make better use of their space and eliminate excess in general. It’s a challenge, but it is also fun and uniquely rewarding.” The couple had a goal to show others their age wanting a log cabin that it can be done, and without incurring incredible debt or living beyond their means. “By keeping to a traditional shape and design, the home’s corners are held to the minimum of four, which greatly reduces the cost of building over more trendy designs,” Mike further explained.

Above Left: This table was made for April’s father by family friend Bud Bower, and has been handed down to her.

Above Right: A swing hangs on the back porch, another of April’s favorite locations, where she keeps watch over the chickens while they are out of their pen.

Below: Fresh eggs, apples and produce are common at the Patterson’s home. This old shelf displays a number of antiques.

Overall, Nick and April built what they wanted and needed, encompassed in under 1,500 square feet of living area. Their project was less about it being an economical building project, and more about establishing a lifestyle together to be practical and thrifty. Their log cabin and country home surely honors their pasts, and will be the perfect nesting place as the couple’s love for one another continues to grow. www.honestabe.com

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Rustic Chic: H

Decor and Styling Ideas for Fall

onest Abe customers and Photos & Contributions by Simply Posh Photography and Wilson’s Taxidermy contributors Janet and Janette Studio & Interior Design | Written by Josh Beasley, Honest Abe Log Homes Wilson of Simply Posh Photography and Wilson’s Taxidermy Studio give us another great look at their talents. The family team has recently launched a new endeavor, hosting weddings and other events at Janet’s log home

by Honest Abe. In fact, Janet’s home was recently featured on the cover of Log Cabin Homes magazine, as reported on page ??. The fruits of this new effort have already come into harvest, as the following photos were taken at a recent wedding. A wedding may not be in your future, but these styling and decorating ideas can be implemented easily and add a touch of Autumn to any home.

Top: Old borrowed chairs from friends and family, intermixed and decorated in like colors, create a welcome feel to this event.

Left: Napkins don’t always have to be neat. These loosely arrange napkins have been wrapped with strips of burlap sack, then a top layer of vintage lace. Rustic, meet chic.

Right: Love this photo! It consists of barn wood from an old chicken house, and a antique screen door to create an entry to the event. The photographer caught the setting through the screen door...lovely!

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Want to see more great photos in this series? Visit Honest Abe’s Blog at: blog.honestabe.com

Top: It’s simply amazing what can be created from a dead stump, dead branches and a can of spray paint to revive the colors of dried foliage and flowers. With a little thought and creativity, this is a great example of how decor doesn’t have to be expensive, just be resourceful!

Left: It just fit! This antique fireplace mantle just fit perfectly around this doorway to frame out the entrance to the back of the home where the event’s reception was held. The image also shows old window frames, one painted to add color, which also has photos set within the panes of glass.

Below: Sweet tables, and on the cheap! Made from scrap lumber and pallet tops. The horse shoe was added to go with the theme of the event.

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Top: The table is set! Clear candle holders were filled with creek rock to stabilize the candle in the middle. Sticks were then glued to the outside, and colored ribbon trims them out, making for beautiful centerpieces. Slabs of logs are used for plate chargers, goblets were made from mason jars, their bases being glued on candle holders.

Right: Have an old window frame? Don’t throw it away!

Old wooden window frames are great for rustic decor. This example was quite simple, just hang it and add some dried foliage from the surrounding area.

Below: Yet another great use of an old frame. This time, some antique canning jars with blue tint were added, along with the same foliage spray painted a dark red to create contrast.

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Top: This amazing hand-made arbor would be wonderful for any occasion. It’s perfect for extended use, and is affordable if you have an area to harvest the appropriate timbers.

Left: Another great look at the table setting, blending rustic wood tones, antiques and vibrant colors.

Simply Posh Photography has expanded its line of services. Wedding and event hosting in Crossville, Tennessee is available in a beautiful rustic log home location. They can now host, style and photograph your wedding or special occasion! Call 931-8393230 for more information.

Natural Light Photography | Weddings | Special Events EMAIL: SIMPLYPOSHPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM

Nation-Wide Taxidermy & Rustic Home Decor Service Monterey, Tennessee wilsonwildlifestudio@frontiernet.net

931-839-3230 http://www.facebook.com/wilsonstaxidermystudio

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http://www.facebook.com/simplyposhphotography www.honestabe.com

Honest Abe on Cover of Log Cabin Homes Magazine

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he Honest Abe home of Janet and Grady Wilson just made the cover of Log Cabin Homes November issue! The featured article in the issue deals with trends, and Honest Abe’s Bellewood floor plan (which the Wilson home was based from) is featured specifically. It can be found at all major retailers now, or start your subscription today! www.honestabe.com

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Join Us For A Log Raising!

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hese demonstrations allow you to see firsthand how an Honest Abe Log Home is built.

We’ll show you how to stack the log walls, install beams and ceiling, and apply the roof system. Tour our manufacturing facility, and have the opportunity to speak with the people involved throughout the process.

Nov 3, 2012 View a YouTube preview by clicking below!

The log raising will be hosted by Randy Fudge, President and Jackie Cherry, Vice-President of Honest Abe Log Homes. Honest Abe staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. It is also very common for some of Honest Abe’s dry-in construction crew leads to be on hand to answer questions.

So join us at our National Headquarters in Moss, Tennessee on November 3, 2012 at 9 AM CST. Seating is limited, so please call for more information and reservations at: 800-231-3695.

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A Team Effort

by Josh Beasley, Honest Abe Log Homes

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hen Matt & Tara Kamman decided to build an Honest Abe Log Home in Indiana, they chose to work with independent dealership T & M Log Homes, owned by Tonia and Mike Coulter. The Coulters took a hands-on approach and helped the couple plan for the building of their modified Darlington, a favorite floor plan among Honest Abe’s customers. When it came time to start construction, not being builders themselves, the Coulters called on friend and colleague Glenn Perrin of H&H Log Sales out of Illinois. Perrin is also a dealer of Honest Abe Log Homes.

“We have to give a lot of credit to Glenn,” says Mike Coulter. “With Glenn and us both being Honest Abe dealers, and willing to work together on this project as we have, this has been a very smooth process.”

The Kamman’s home features Honest Abe’s Heavy Timber Roof System, including exposed Douglas Fir rafters and an incorporated R-30 insulated roof. The logs are D-shaped and the home is built on a full basement which Perrin constructed using ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms). The home www.honestabe.com

will have a porch over the walk-out basement, as well as a back porch and breezeway that will lead to a garage not yet constructed.

Altogether, it sounds as if it has been a fun build.

The building crew brought in a camper and has been staying on-site. Tara has been baking for them occasionally, and many evenings the Kamman’s go join Glenn and the crew around a camp fire while the guys pick their guitars and sing. Who says building a home has to be stressful?

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LOG HOME DEALERSHIP CELEBRATES 20 YEARS R

ocky-K Log Homes, an independent dealership of Honest Abe Log Home products, recently celebrated 20 years of business in their hometown of Leitchfield, Kentucky. Owners, Ellis and Sandy Kiper, welcomed the community with food, fellowship, music and fun to help commemorate the milestone.

The couple started their business as a part-time venture.

With a love and passion for log homes, they wanted to construct their own and offer others in the region an opportunity to realize their goal of log home living as well. At the time, Sandy was teaching school while Ellis worked in manufacturing and also farmed.

Yet the couple managed to launch their business, overseeing the portion of each homes construction.

With a desire to offer better construction services, the company grew and started offering turn-key building solutions. Today, Rocky-K does much more than log homes, including hybrid and conventional construction, and they specialize in ICF (insulated concrete form) structures as well. Beyond construction, their sales model is stocked with other products such as manufactured stone, stain, decor, outdoor furniture and unique products like Big Green

Eggs, which are ceramic charcoal grills.

In 2007, the couple built their dedicated sales model (seen below) and in 2009 they were recognized as Honest Abe’s Dealership of the Year, grossing more in sales than any other dealership. Honest Abe Log Homes would like to congratulate them on their success, and wish them the very best in the future.

by Josh Beasley, Honest Abe Log Homes

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Tender Venison Roast serves 8 to 10

We hope you enjoy this recipe from the new Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook: A Treasury of Timeless Delicious Rec Recipes. The cookbook can ca be ordered from the Lodge L web site or from Amazon.

A For Fo more information about abo Lodge and their cast iron cookware, visit: www.lodgemfg.com www

1 (4-pound) venison or beef roast 1 cup plus 2 teaspoons hot water 1 (1-ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix (such as Lipton) 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1. Preheat the over to 300 degrees.

2. Place the roast in a 12-inch cast iron Dutch oven on a small wire rack. Add 1 cup water.

3. Make a paste with the soup mix and remaining 2 teaspoons water. Brush paste over roast; sprinkle with Worcestershire.

4. Cover the pan and bake until the roast is fork-tender, about 3 hours.

“The Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook: A Treasury of Timeless, Delicious Recipes” - Oxmoor House. 2012 www.honestabe.com

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FLOOR PLAN OF THE MONTH: The Patterson

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s featured in our cover story, the Patterson floor plan is a custom design by Honest Abe at the direction of April and Nick Patterson. They wanted a plan with an open feel, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a walk in closet, and no wasted space.

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All this was brought together into a modest footprint of 1,440 square feet. The home features an abundance of porch, which is complimentary of their outdoor living lifestyle. The abundance of porch is also beneficial in that it protects the exterior walls, and

doors and windows from direct sunlight and weather.

For more information on the Patterson home, download the PDF available through the members area of Honest Abe Extra! www.honestabe.com

FLOOR PLAN:

Honest Abe’s Customer Creations: The Patterson

Want More Great Plans?

Square Feet: 1,440 Bedrooms: 2 Baths: 2 Wrap Around Porch Check out the floor plans section dedicated to log and timber home plans created by Honest Abe Log Home customers! www.honestabe.com

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