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Builders of the Cabin in Maine Woods

The plot of land that the cabin in the Maine woods sits on was purchased by Chaya’s mother, father, aunt, uncle, and a few other stranglers in 1971. They were hippies. They were moving back to the land. They built one hell of a cabin. Construction of the cabin began in 1973 and continued for [...]

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The plot of land that the cabin in the Maine woods sits on was purchased by Chaya’s mother, father, aunt, uncle, and a few other stranglers in 1971.

They were hippies.

They were moving back to the land.

They built one hell of a cabin.

Construction of the cabin began in 1973 and continued for a few years after. Chaya’s family lived in a large tent as they constructed the cabin during the spring and summer months. Upon completion, they moved onto the land full time and stayed for two years.

The following photographs are from Chaya’s family album, and show the cabin being built and its early years of being inhabited full time.

Chaya’s father and uncle building the cabin around 1973.

Building the cabin in the Maine woods.

The wood from the cabin came from an old barn in the nearby town. The builders found out about a farmer who wanted his barn torn down, so they offered their services in exchange for the wood and a truck to haul it. Hence, the cabin in the Maine woods was reincarnated from the ruin of an old barn.

Freshly put together cabin.

The cabin in the process of being built.

The completed cabin in the late 1970’s or early 80’s.

The cabin today – June, 2009.

Living in the Maine Woods Project

  1. Cabin in the Maine Woods Introduction
  2. Initial Inspection of Cabin — What needs to be done?
  3. Cleaning Cabin
Filed under: Back Country Travel, Maine, USA

About the Author:

I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 91 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. has written 3694 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

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VBJ is currently in: New York City

5 comments… add one

Leave a Comment

  • Bob L July 8, 2009, 8:32 pm

    So far so good. Still some work to do, but looks like it will work in the long run.

    Hope to see that cabin soon.

    Link Reply
  • admin July 10, 2009, 7:22 pm

    Thanks Bob!

    Talk to you soon.

    Link Reply
  • Jamie July 21, 2009, 7:29 pm

    I really love the old photos. Reminds me of my childhood. Great looking cabin and great history behind it. Something to cherish for sure.

    Link Reply
    • admin July 21, 2009, 8:34 pm

      Thank you. Yes, the cabin in the woods is an amazing place.

      Link Reply
  • GALI September 13, 2009, 11:39 am

    Such a wonderful post ! GREAT JOB !!!

    Link Reply

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