The Cypress Log Cabin was displayed at Chicago’s Century of Progress World’s Fair from 1933 to 1934, designed by architect Murray D. Heatherington and sponsored by the Southern Cypress Manufacturer’s Association of Jacksonville, Florida. Unlike the other houses in the Home and Industrial Arts Group, the cabin wasn’t built for living but to showcase the versatility of cypress in construction and decoration. Ironically, it was the only house in the Home and Industrial Arts Group to serve as housing during the fair. A representative of the Association and his wife lived in the cabin’s ell, which included a bedroom, bath, and pantry, throughout both fair seasons. Known at the fair as the "Southern Cypress Cabin," it evoked a mountain lodge atmosphere with its decorative touches—fences, arbors, and bridges adorned with cypress knees carved into the shapes of animal heads, reptiles, and fantasy creatures. Unfortunately, these details were not replicated after the home was moved to Beverly Shores by real estate developer Robert Bartlett shortly after the Fair closed. The cabin has withstood nearly a century of the elements along the lakefront. Known as "the wood eternal," cypress is an extremely durable material, and downed cypress trees from Hurricane Katrina were even used in its later restoration. The cabin features cypress throughout, including siding, shakes, structural timbers, walls, flooring, window shades, and furnishings. |
Last updated: October 11, 2024