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John R. Nielson Family Cabin

This historic cabin was built by hand using pioneer tools in 1949-1950 by John R. Nielson's Family. It was added to National Register of Historic Places. John R.

Lessons of John R.’s Cabins
by J. Russell Nielson, grandson, Feb. 14, 2005

More than 70 years ago a remarkable thing happened in an isolated corner of Central Utah. Nielson, a beloved father and school teacher, was concerned for the growth and education of his own children and other young people in the community. His own experience taught him that memorable experiences in a mountain setting would

enrich lives and build character. With this vision John R. began his first cabin in 1932. At that time the U.S. Forest Service was encouraging visits to the mountains by issuing Free Use Permits for cabin building. After WWII the Forest Service suggested that the cabin be rebuilt. This occurred between 1949 and 1950 a short distance from the original site, but in a more secluded setting of the Manti-LaSal National Forest. involved his whole family in these two cabin projects, as well as many friends and community members who quickly recognized the benefits. For the second cabin, John R. and his children designed and drew up plans for an 18’ by 33’ building. The new structure would consist of a single open room, four sleeping rooms, lofts on both ends, and as many remnants as could be salvaged from the original cabin. The centerpiece would be a large stone fireplace. Aspen poles were chosen as the main building material. Trees were located, hand cut, peeled, and cured to meet the rustic specifications befitting a cabin situated in such a beautiful mountain environment. Rocks for the foundation and fireplace were carried by hand, wheelbarrow or wagon, and concrete was hand mixed for the floor and fireplace. Unfortunately, John R. never lived to see the completion of his second cabin teaching tool. Instead his wife and seven children continued his legacy by completing the project. After John R. passed away in 1951 the cabin permit was transferred to his son, John Henrie, and remained solvent until his death in 1999. In January 2001, the status of the cabin became the subject of intense discussions between the Forest Service and the Nielson family. The Forest Service wished to demolish the cabin in order to comply with its “removal of isolated cabin policy.” The family believed that the community deserved a voice in the cabin’s final outcome. The controversy highlights the decades-old relationship (marked by both cooperation and tension) between federal oversight of public lands and local citizens. The descendants of John R. concluded that since the Cabins had been such a valuable means of learning in the past many important lessons remained for future generations. Thus they embarked on a new adventure. People from all over the world who had stayed in the cabin were contacted and enlisted to help. A Web Site was designed and provided both a voice to educate and a means to collect support. Mayors from across the state, county commissioners, state senators and congressmen were solicited, and lent their support. Radio, newspaper, and television stations carried stories as the “save the cabin” campaign became news worthy. While the momentum was growing to rescue the cabin the Forest Service continued to preach their removal policy. The Nielson family endured many political maneuvers. They dealt with a number of changes in Forest Service personnel, etc. Finally, after three years of persistence and despite attempts by certain Forest Service employees to block the nomination, the cabin became listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a resilient attitude and by building a relationship with five U.S. Congressional Staff Members, the family entered negotiations with the Forest Service for a new permit. Through persistence, resourcefulness and compromise the Nelson family was able to reach an agreement that served the needs of their family and community and fit in with the evolving priorities and strictures of the Forest Service. On Feb. 1, 2005, the Nielson family was able to secure a new permit for the cabin. They established a non-profit entity to manage and maintain the John R. Cabin center of learning that remains open to the public. This partnership with the Forest Service has prompted one of the most extensive compilations of documents, correspondence, remembrances and historic photographs of historic cabins in the country. One of the added benefits, as John R. would have hoped, are some important lessons of life that have been learned along the way. Proof of lessons learned:
“In my mind, this cabin is an institution of learning, love, tradition, and friendship. I will never forget the influence this structure has had on my life.”
- Susan Shand, Ephraim UT –

“The absolute most cherished place on the mountain is the cabin. Here in I have been tutored, laughed, cried, struggled, and triumphed. Some of the most vivid memories and lessons have been learned here.”
- Royal Smith, Bountiful UT –

“Sometimes history is best learned by living it. When we destroy our children’s history before it is lived, we take away irreplaceable knowledge.”
- Julia Lea, Shelbyville KY –

07/09/2016

Cabin clean up Sat. July 30th beginning about 10 a.m. Mara and Lynette are making a queen size quilt for the raffle. Each family are invited to bring one nice item for raffle. Dinner will be served at Ruby's house 484 east 300 north at 6:00 p.m. Main meal will be provided but you are invited to bring a side dish. Please join us this year and have a reunion too.

07/09/2016

For the clean up, each family should bring a NICE item to
give away for the raffle. Mara and Lynette are making a nice queen size quilt for the grand prize.

07/09/2016

We are a bit behind this year. Sorry for the delay in this information. Our annual donations (these go toward the liability insurance, taxes and other minor incidental costs that involved with the cabin each year) can be submitted through the below methods.

Make checks out to: Cabin of the Manti North Fork
Mail to Jessa Layton
776 Durham Dr
North Salt Lake, UT 84054

To donate right away using a Credit Card or PayPal, click on the link below. If you have trouble with the link - please let me know via [email protected]... (This is a secure link created through PayPal.)
http://bit.ly/1uxUZPo

Also see post below regarding our annual cabin clean up coming the last Saturday in July. Mark your calendars and we hope to see you there!

Thank you for your consideration!
Erin and Jessa

Online Payment, Merchant Account - PayPal PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay online without revealing your credit card number.

07/09/2016

From Ruby Stull: Ok. I'm not as organized as Marla was last year. Reminder last Saturday in July is our cleanup. We will clean and come back to Ruby's home for lunch. Meat will be provided. Bring a side dish. Contact me at [email protected] to send money for raffles. More to come

06/27/2016

The Swein's Spring sign has gone missing. Has anyone seen it? or know what happened? It's a piece of history. Let us know.

07/27/2015

We had such a successful turn out this last weekend for our annual Cabin CleanUp and Family Reunion! Just wanted to let all those know, who were not able to make it, that we would still love any donations (these go toward the liability insurance, taxes and other minor incidental costs that involved with the cabin each year). In the coming months we will be discussing the extension of our lease with the powers that be.
Make checks out to: Cabin of the Manti North Fork
Mail to Jessa Layton
776 Durham Dr
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
To donate right away using a Credit Card or PayPal, click on the link below. If you have trouble with the link - please let me know via [email protected]... (This is a secure link created through PayPal.)
http://bit.ly/1uxUZPo

Thank you for your consideration!
Erin and Jessa

Online Payment, Merchant Account - PayPal PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay online without revealing your credit card number.

07/21/2015

Two more raffle prizes! Super cute handbags. Mail your donations to Russell today!!

07/07/2015

Dear Cousins
great news!
if you buy your raffle tickets before July 25th, you can get TWO tickets for the price of ONE
so $1 buys you TWO chances to win these useful egg poaching cups or camping mugs
you can mail a check payable to:
John R. North Fork Cabin Foundation, LLC
c/o RUSS NIELSON
814 GREEN VISTA CT
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84107
tell your friends and neighbors
only 23 days left
can't wait to see you all
thank you
2015 MCC&E Committee

06/15/2015

Dear Cousins:
You could WIN this nearly new rabbit hutch... your bunny will love it! OR it can be enjoyed as a trendy end table for a leporidae-themed family room OR an alternative doll house OR kids with allergies could keep stuffed animals in it with no need to adhere to a feeding or grooming schedule.

You could also be the lucky raffle prize winner of this handy dandy sewing machine.

Buy your tickets today - $1 buys THREE raffle tickets during the month of June.

You can mail a check payable to: John R North Fork Cabin Foundation

and mail to:

Russell Nielson
814 Green Vista Court
Salt Lake City Utah 84107

see you in July,
the 2015 MCC&E Committee

05/15/2015

Here are a few things for the raffle: A whole case of XP-3 could be yours...
fuel additive in individual bullets
buy your raffle tickets today
please mail a check to:
John R. North Fork Cabin Foundation, LLC
c/o RUSS NIELSON

814 GREEN VISTA CT

SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84107

05/05/2015

Here is the 2015 quilt for our raffle this July 25th. If you didn't see the email that was sent out, I've attached it below. We are offering 4 for the price of 1 raffle ticket during the month of May!! You need not be present to win the fabulous 2015 quilt or other unique and amazing prizes... Please make checks payable to: John R. North Fork Cabin Foundation, LLC. (Russell has the raffle tickets). Thank you!

05/05/2015

Dear Relatives of the 3rd Generation

the 10 year lease for the Manti Cabin will expire in December 2015 so the future of the cabin is uncertain. This July 25th might be the last Manti Cabin Cleanup/Reunion unless someone from the 3rd generation volunteers to negotiate with the forest service for a renewal of the lease. The cabin has played an important role in all our lives and we hope the next generations will be able to experience a taste of that.

"Secluded near the top of North Fork in Manti Canyon, the Nielson Cabin is extraordinary. Unique in its history and profound in its setting; the cabin offers life changing experiences.

A day at the cabin may; redirect a life goal; open eyes to the lessons and beauty of nature; inspire those who seek answers; turn worry into joy; nurture friendships, and strengthen family bonds.

My earliest memory of being in the mountains is happily playing around the cabin wearing a bell on a necklace made by my mother. Thinking back I now realize this simple necklace with its ringing bell was to keep me close and safe.

I treasure many wonderful cabin memories; feeding “chattery” chipmunks; surviving grueling hikes; studying Orion and the Big Dipper; discovering hidden deer beds and mountain-lion tracks; climbing a tall tree to reach the “fantasy tree-chair”; coaxing a porcupine out of the cabin at 2:00 a.m.; hearing the spine-tingling howl of a coyete; the haunting “skree” of an eagle, and the majestic bugle of an elk. Cradled within breath-taking views countless magical moments enrich the memories.

My last deer-hunt was exciting also tender. My brother Jack grasped my hand and dragged me up the last third of the steep mountain following a deer we had startled. At the crest of the climb the deer was nowhere in sight; however Jacks eagerness to make this hunt perfect for me is a cherished memory of my caring and deeply loved brother!

Embraced by magnificent mountains the cabin charm distills an aura of peace and love, letting whispers of eternity lace the wind with gentle breath."

-VeLois Nielson Carbine, November 2012

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Manti Canyon
Manti, UT
84642

John R. Nielson Family Cabin

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