and to think, this all started from dressing up and making cooking videos.

This video was amazing! You had 22 9yr olds completely captivated. We were building log cabins from notched popsicle sticks and then I saw this video. After watching, I didn't need to explain a thing. They were able to jump right into building their "log cabins". The best lessons are the ones where a teacher can take a backseat and watch the kids fly. Thank you for giving them wings!

"So what'd you do this summer?" "Oh I built a log cabin with hand tools, dressed in 19th century clothing. How about you?"

I was going to build a log cabin, it was always a dream, when I got around to it (26) I discovered my heart had some serious issues. I gave up hope, but now after my surgery and as my health increases, I believe I will build one. Maybe a bit smaller like a 12x12 though :)

Then they all jumped into their pickups, and went down to the Nutmeg Tavern for some grog.

This is one of the coolest, most chill, yet fascinating, videos you've done in a while. It's incredible to see the effort going in to the building the cabin, and how it just comes together. I can't wait for the rest in this series!

In England, they would call you an Experimental Archaeologist.

0:14 Imagine living in a world where the unknown wilderness still existed and you could just run off and live there on whatever land you chose to squat upon if your debts or crimes got too much to live in society.

Been looking forward to this, true living history I'd love to be a part of.

Building a cabin in accurate day attire, amazing!!

I love the dog constantly observing you guys, making sure you do it right! Any dog owner ever involved in any DIY project knows those looks you're getting from him! :D

I've taken part in building a frontier log cabin myself...yes, it is a lot of hard work. It is also fun and it is really just fascinating to think that you can build a home in the middle of nowhere with logs from trees harvested right around you.

Was waiting for the big fella to bust out a harmonica and do some blues traveller. Great video

There is a Russian log cabin channel where he built it alone with huge logs. He had pulleys and built tripods to drag and raise them.

Just remember Jon most of these guys had some experience helping relatives and friends build cabins before, you are all learning on your first. When it seems to be going slow you have a steep learning curve. I'd say it's impressive. The gentleman who settled my neighborhood in 1809 came here in april, he and his family were the first ones to spend the winter. Others who came in August did not spend the winter but came back in spring, a few months was not enough time to get something ready for winter! And they likely had previous experience building a cabin. Again I'd say it's a great start!

I think it's so cool that your daughter has a shared interest in this kind of thing and comes along with you guys. That's awesome

It's just so thrilling watching all of you work together on this wonderful project. Bravo to one and all !!! :) And love that Time Lapse sequence!

I'm liking the documentary/film-like quality of this episode. Well done!

Having permanently injured my back a couple years ago by lifting stuff with bad technique, I cringed a bit in the beginning as the first logs went up, but everyone seemed to catch onto working smarter to avoid injuries as time went on. Hand trucks and garden carts aren't period accurate, but boy am I grateful for modern conveniences that save my back. 😉

I appreciate the "live and learn" in the editing: trying to roll the logs on the foundation stones, which were too heavy, to then lifting the ends for placement. Then sawing the v-notches as opposed to hacking them with an axe. It probably isn't unlike what the settlers went through as they were trying to build their lives here.

This was really fun and amazing Jon. Isn't it always amusing how we look back into history and think some of the early things were so simplistic, until we try to actually do it ourselves?! The skill they had using simple hand tools was truly an art form. I was lucky in that I was able to help my dad build barns as a kid and he liked to build, "old school", style. He used to show me things, like how to make a simple level by using small bowls of water. I also watched my grandpa's, making cedar shake bolts, and then shakes by hand using a draw knife. They were very quick and very skilled. That is not something you see anymore today. Out here in the West the pioneers of the Oregon Trail often used small poles for the roof, and slabbed cedar for the covering, so I am really super interested in watching to see how your roof goes up, and what you use to cover it. This is truly an epic moment in your channels history, I think, and simply wonderful to see you experiencing the thrill of building you own log cabin. Thanks to all of you for taking us along on this wonderful adventure. Have a great day!

Did anyone else find themselves smiling as they watched? I all of a sudden realized that I was smiling as the video went on. So glad for you guys getting so far in the time you have been working on this. Yeah, look at it grow. Looks awesome.

The passion to have their own homestead was so strong in our ancestors that the hardships were endured so readily and for so long. Could we, modern folk, do what they did? Perhaps. But I am convinced of one thing, they left us a legacy we need to remember and admire. This is one of the reasons I LOVE this channel. ❤️️ Building the Townsends Homestead is going to be EPIC. Thanks so much for embarking upon this very challenging series and sharing it with us. 👍💪😍

I just rewatched “The Revenant” (it’s about an abandoned mauled trapper in the 1840’s) and the houses/buildings in the settlement look very identical to this one GREAT WORK

This is incredible to see actually happening.

Looks good, would love to have a handmade cabin in the middle of nowhere

Its always motivational to hear someone doing something for the first time, remaining humble, and openly critiquing what they could do better and what they play to do better. Great approach to projects of this size. Well, of any size!

Ten days to get the main walls done and you’re behind schedule? Good grief John, that’s fricken impressive!

I always wondered how they used to make cabins way back when, this is so fascinating

The value that you bring to KZfaq is beyond my ability to convey in mere words. THANK YOU!

While you're in the swing of things, I think an episode on frontier tool maintenance and blade sharpening would be good timing. You had one with coalcracker on fatwax but, what about sharpening those saw blades, or other tools?

Love this and love that Ivy and that adorable dog has joined you too! Such fascinating work!

Glad to see construction has formally begun. I saw bits of the cabin in your cooking videos and am glad I finally get to see the full structure.

It's finally here!! Is it weird that I've been legitimately looking forward to this? This channel is my guilty pleasure...

For people that are "learning". This is some fine work Really interesting stuff!

This was a great video. I have a photo of my great-great-great grandfather's "modern" 1906 home built ten feet away from the original 1870's log cabin. They settled and tamed rural Michigan. Your video helps me understand the work that went into their homestead although I've always appreciated their hard work and sacrifice.

I’m loving this series! Great job guys. The little girl tending the fire and food is precious and doing an amazing job herself.

For a moment I wondered who the lady was... then I realized it's our Miss Ivy! Oh my!! It made me think of (the real) Pa Ingalls and Laura working together on building their log cabin in Kansas... Laura gives a vivid description in the book "Little House on the Prairie". I realize they were working in the mid- to late 1800s... but it looks as if the tools and technology hadn't changed much yet in the intervening century or so.

Your videos help me relax when I need it most. When fired up and stressed, it is so great to know I can watch your videos for 20 minutes and feel less stressed, I really appreciate it.

„Hand Tools & Heavy Lifting“ - you just grew my beard.

Awesome! Your an amazing teacher and enthusiastic approach to early Americana is what is needed for today’s youth!

Wow, amazing work all! Ivy looks so sweet helping out at the campfire! And the dog is a great helper too!

One of the best and most educational channels on this website.

Probably the hardest part of all settlements,building the homestead. And to put it into even more perspective, almost all mountain men/trappers built it on their own. In the modern world we take way to much for granted. Keep up the good work guys!!, blood,sweat,tears n beers was how its made 😁😁😁

Yes! I have been waiting for this! So wonderful to see how this cabin is progressing! Very impressive! 😃 Hooray! Soon you will need me to come to do spinning, fleece processing, dyeing yarn and wool, and weaving demos! LOL! It all looks so wonderful!

I love this stuff right here. Even though I'm more into late 16th/early 17th colonial America, I can't imagine the timber work homes from those early settlers were too different from what you all are building.

There is something warming and maybe even a bit comforting watching your videos for the last 7 years, see how you have changed and gotten so charming and comfortable infront of the camera, and your daughter growing up

I honestly have NO idea how this popped up into my suggestions but I am so glad it did! I've watched numerous videos by now, especially the cooking ones, and can honestly say this is a treasure. By far one of my favorite subscriptions. Bravo!

What an epic journey you have been taking us on. Every episode you make is worth it. Thank you for your wholesome content. 🏡

I truly am very happy to see this project in action. I am wondering how the roof and door are going to be built. I say "Excellent Job" to you and the others helping on this project. Thank you very much for sharing this

One of the first steps was to put the coffee pot on. I love that dearly.

This reminds me so much of Dick Proenneke's "Alone in the Wilderness" series on PBS. I watched that so many times growing up.

@townsends Regarding the earthen floor: I'm assuming you have already researched this. Which type did you choose? I was a docent at Rancho los Cerritos many years ago and learned that earthen floors weren't just random dirt but were treated with various substances such as an oxblood mixture or linseed oil etc. I researched google books and noticed there are many references in books recipes discussing various earth floors that would apply to this period.

One of the coolest things I've seen so far! How amazing for all of you to build history. You get to live in it, be a real part of it. What a great way to spend your life - doing what you love and sharing it with others. Thank you so much. This was one of the best parts of my day.

Thanks so much for posting. I found out my great-great-great grandfather built a log cabin for his family when he came to ohio. Watching this makes me realise how much work it was!!

I wish you would show more of the cutting of the openings for the fireplace, windows, and door. Especially how you keep the structure from weakening in those areas. That said, I am loving that I can follow along with you in this endeavor. Definitely looking forward to the next installment of this series.

You talk about the speed and accuracy of the builders. I think that you need to take into account that people in those days were more used to physical labour than even the modern tradesman. Also, the knowledge of crafts was far more important in those days, so in a group in those days, the chances of having someone with experience would be higher than today. And theoretical knowledge is not a full substitute for experience. This looks like the start of another interesting subject. I look forward to the next episode.

Great video, looking forward to the next one. Nice to see some sincere emotions of John commenting on a bad notch. You guys are awesome. Hope the cooking was good.

Man these are beautiful pictures. You wouldn't see anything this good and authentic on TV.

Man, this video hurt my back just watching it! Love the channel folks

Amazing video. Exactly why I’m a Patreon subscriber. There’s nothing else like this on the internet.

I can't wait for the rest of the series. Have always had an interest to see how a homestead was built back then.

When I was a young man in my early 20’s back in 1972 , as I went to college I worked part time cutting trees and selling firewood and building fences. I used locust as posts sunk into the ground 3ft. Those fences are still there today solid as ever ,

Feels so strange that so many people are returning to the old ways. I love it. Just bought a manual Singer Sewing machine. Cannot wait to try it out. Been doing a lot of hand sewing too.

I just love that you are doing this!! I have always wanted a log cabin, not sure if I’ll ever have one, but this will be wonderful to watch and live vicariously through 🤣😊💜🎉

I feel like I’m watching a Red Dead Redemption II cosplay.

I'm impressed with the strength, a small tree fell at my moms work and we tried to move it and it was heavier than I thought and I'm not a weak woman! I can't believe this came out almost a year ago! It feels just like yesterday! Literally!! I know it's hard to film in there but would love to see more videos from there :) maybe next year a garden

My husband and I enjoy your videos and all that you do. Thank you.😊

I absolutely love log cabins, if I ever win the lottery ""I WON'T"" my mansion would be a log cabin, like the ones in Aspen Colorado.

One of my favorite videos. Can you do a segment on the tools and types of axes saws and hammers and everything else you use to build this cabin?

I am very impressed. Back braking work and all of you make it look like art! What a hard life our ancestors had, and what exciting times they lived in. I’m really proud of the fact that my ancestors help start this wonderful country. I understand more and more why I have this resolve, this toughness, this can do attitude. I also understand how the people you have around you can drag that down and make you feel useless. Surround yourselves with good people, like minded people, and you can do anything.

My grandmother lived in Bukovina, in a traditional log house with walls filled with loam. The house itself is +150 years old. It was close to the design used on this project. I am still amazed just how cool it was during the summer and warm during the winter!

When a person was ready to build thier proper cabin , they would of had some practice notching logs on the temporary cabin.

Thank you for this series. Thank you for all of your content! Lol Many folks don’t have the room to build a cabin but a 18th century chicken coupe might be an option. Lots of folks are into the “backyard chicken “ thing. Chicken.. eggs.. all kind of ties into the cooking vid too. Just another thought for you folks to add to the millions of suggestions 🎃

That's absolutely fantastic! It is an incredible example of the hard work it took to put up those log homes, and how the people were able to live off the land! Thanks @Townsends!

Bravo Gentleman. As a Log Building Carpenter with a taste for Historic Restoration and Preservation I Applaud you. I've been in the Trade for 25 plus years and I've seen many somewhat feeble attempts at building in the Traditional way. In my opinion you Fellas are spot on. Wish I could have been there to help. Carry on.

Love this project!!!! 💗💗💗 Super proud of you all!!!!

I'm looking forward to the first cup of coffee on the inside from the fireplace on a table sitting in a chair, lol!

My family enjoys these videos so much, and we have incorporated them into our homeschool learning adventure!

As a modern carpenter who yearns for the simpler way of life, this is a dream come true

"This is day one of our cabin build..." "We cut these trees down a year ago..."

Never knew they built them with a V - notch, I like it.

A branch of my ancestors came over on the Mayflower. William and Susan White. My 11x-over grandmother cooked at the first Thanksgiving. Pilgrims and Natives together in peace. Fun fact the main course was venison as opposed to Turkey. Thank you for keep the old settler spirits alive James and Friends.

I came upon your channel by chance not to long ago and your passion for what you share with us has kept me here. My husband has started watching with me, he loves your earthen oven and your cabin build. We've learned a lot from you and we just wanted to thank all of you for all you do. Bless you all, you're amazing.

"Men only want one thing" *Shows this video*

I must say, I almost passed on this video. I am normally on here for the cooking. But this was fascinating.

The large staple to hold the logs in place, temporarily, is very innovative!

Awesome I build my cabin by hand 2 years ago... the best thing I ever did was leave the rat race. Keep up these informative videos✌

Fascinating video. Such heavy work! And all to just be attacked by evil demons later on! (because, you know, that's what happens with all cabins in the woods, as everyone knows)

"You'd definetely need 4, 5, 6 man crew" John you should watch Advoko Makes channels Log cabin video. He builds a log cabin out of extra big logs all by himself just with some primitive devices for hoisting the logs.

I am so excited to see more videos about this project! This one was amazing and I'm sure future ones will be too.

Just listen your videos on background while working. Makes me much more comfortable and confident. Such a great feelings. Thank you.

WE have been enjoying this, too! Immigrants from timber-building countries probably arrived with joinery skills...and so things could go faster. The first lumber mill would have been a community 'kickstarter' wherever hydropower was available. I imagine that most immigrants learned 'on the job' and were grateful for any grown sons who were still with the family! Imagine if a GROUP of neighbors moved inland together: Each family would want to be equally ready for winter...or for a roofed weather protection.

very impressive! I've built a conventional modern cabin with my brother and even with power tools its a bear. Keep up the good work, love the videos!

The more I watch your videos, the more I want to do as you do, and connect myself to humanity’s past. This fascinated me to no end. Thank you.

2/3/22- didn’t see a spot to write to Jon and family. - just wanted to say I’m sorry his father passed away -. BeSt Wishes Ken Frank *** at a time when all our news is full of stressful things -. We’ve all benefited from the tremendous effort you and your family have put into these timeless videos. Thank You.

Imagine an osha inspector watching this video... *literally dies from an aneurism*

Been soo looking forward to seeing this 🥰

I absolutely adore your 10-20 minute vids on specific subjects like this. Food, lifestyle, or builds, all great stuff!

This is awesome. I love these kinds of "do it yourself" videos, and you providing the historical context adds so much.