Berry College has received a Georgia Heritage Grant of $18,000 for the restoration of Roosevelt Cabin, one of the oldest buildings on the Berry campus. Roosevelt Cabin was one of 11 grant applications awarded funding by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division in 2007.
The grant money, along with funds received from alumni and friends, will allow Berry to begin structural repairs to the cabin, which was built in 1902. Because of its condition, the cabin is only open to the public several weekends each year.
Structural repairs to the cabin will include the replacement of deteriorated joists, beams and piers. Prior to these repairs, the windows and doors will be removed to avoid damage. The second phase of the project will involve repairs to the exterior of the building, including log, chinking and daubing repairs and the reinstallation of the windows and doors. Interior repairs will include the replacement of damaged floorboards, repairs to the wall coverings and the repair of the fireplace and fireplace surrounds.
The cabin was a residence for Martha Berry, founder of Berry College, from 1903 until 1907, and has since served as a guesthouse, student center, elementary school, staff residence, alumni office and museum. It came to be known as Roosevelt Cabin after former President Teddy Roosevelt dined there while visiting the school in 1910.
