Chateau Waubesa

Livingroom

2009-06-19T09:34:00.007-05:00

So we've been working on the place for almost 3 weeks (we moved in June 1.) We've gotten a lot done. Thought I'd post some pics of the new floor in the livingroom:

Living room before / Living room after flooring put in

Also, I have just received an offer for a new job and so I'm not sure how much I will be able to update. Still, I'll try to keep some of the major things posted. Next stop-the roof!

Time Warp

2009-06-08T08:03:00.005-05:00

This was the kitchen when we moved in-welcome to "That 70s Show":

I figured out the answer to this question. The stove has what is called "solid elements"-cast iron burners that heat up. We also found the owner's manual and a special mail in slip for a cleaning solution! This stove and it's associated documentation will be on Craigslist soon.

The fridge is already there.

The Titanic

2009-06-08T07:59:00.003-05:00

I have never lived in a place with a crawl space.
I don't think I ever will again.

It is spooky. No floor? What do you mean! I snapped this pic of an abandoned water heater that looked to me like it was lying at the bottom of the ocean.

Sunrise

2009-06-05T10:37:00.003-05:00

I have lots I need to update (just realized I spelled "Waubesa" incorrectly. Whoops!)
Here is an image I captured with my cellphone:

Stove / range

2009-05-25T08:50:00.004-05:00

So I am wondering if anyone has ever seen an electric stove or range with this type of burner? They look like 45 rpm records: circular with ridges. I haven't been able to look too closely at the back of the stove so I can't even tell you want the brand is. It looks to be 1970s vintage and the only words I can read are "Special Edition" on the backsplash. Not even sure how to clean it...

ADVICE REQUESTED:
What kind of stove is this and how do you clean it?

Humorous clip art

2009-05-22T09:34:00.004-05:00

While looking for an icon to put on my main website to link back to this blog, I have found the amount of decrepitude depends on what you call the place:

House

Cottage

Cabin

Shack

Shanty

Cottage Living site

2009-05-22T09:09:00.003-05:00

Cottage Living was a really cool magazine that was around for about 4 years. I purchased a copy that had info on refurbishing cabins and modernizing them. I'm glad I did, because the magazine isn't around anymore.

One thing I really wanted to look up on their site was info on crawlspaces (aka dirt basements, dugout foundation etc.) I have always had either no basement or a full basement (finished or unfinished). This will be my first time living with a crawl space and I'm interested to know what I'm suppose to do. Also, there are cracks in the foundation that are allowing leakage. Is there any way to patch this without replacing the entire foundation?

ADVICE REQUESTED:

What should I do about cracks in the foundation? Anything? Currently they are filled with GreatStuff.

What does Wabesa mean?

2009-05-22T09:06:00.002-05:00

I looked a few places to discover what "Wabesa" means. It is a corrupted Ojibwe (Chippewa) word which translates to "Swan" or "white bird flies past." Therefore, lake Wabesa, on of the 4 lakes in Madison connected by the Yahara rive, is "Swan Lake!"

I also looked up home or cabin in the Ojibwe language and found it was "weegwam." Chateau sounds better and it harkens back to the first whites-French fur traders-that explored Wisconsin. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

SUMMER PROJECT!

2009-05-21T09:01:00.003-05:00

Greetings everyone!

I am asking for your help with my newest endeavor. I am living on the South shore of Lake Wabesa in a small cabin built in the late 1920s. The structure needs some work, which I am willing to do, but what I need is advice! Yes, your pontifications, experiences and way-cool ideas will help me stay true to the history of this place and insure it will continue to be a summer fishing destination, a relaxing escape and a year-round home for residents to come.

Thank you in advance!

P.S. I am starting this blog on the very day that this cabin was finished-81 years later. According to the current owner, who's parent's built it, the roof was put on "The Day Lindberg Landed"- May 21, 1928!