FORESTRY CLUB CABIN FIREPLACE RESTORATION

by Steven Frederick

Want to get a Smitty, especially a Stumpy all fired up? Just tell them the beautiful student-built fireplace in the Forestry Club Cabin can no longer be used as it does not meet current building codes! As the focal point when one walks into the cabin, the huge stone fireplace naturally draws one’s attention. It was built by Paul Pillis ’69 and a handful of student volunteers over a couple of years with the chimney capstone being installed in the spring of 1973.

Over the past 50 years, hundreds of students and a host of events were held in the Forestry Club Cabin while enjoying a crackling fire in the proudly built fireplace. Unfortunately, the fireplace failed an inspection a couple of years ago and future fires were prohibited. The flame literally went out, perhaps forever.

At Reunion 2021, Paul Pillis was presenting a slide show on the history of the cabin explaining how the project went from a crazy idea to fruition. When Paul announced to the large group of Smitties gathered around the dark unlit fireplace that it can no longer be used, well it was like waving a red flag in front of a bull! The group pledged to raise the money needed to make the necessary repairs and get it operational again. One year later, during Reunion 2022, all the work had been completed and a ceremonial fire was lit, once again bringing the beautiful fireplace back to life. Smitty and local blacksmith David Woodward ’75 (owner of Train Brook Forge on Easy Street) created the most incredible spark screen, a true work of art, to finish off the project. The fireplace is truly breathtaking and every Smitty should visit the Forestry Club Cabin and see it firsthand!