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‘Little House’ books inspire log playhouse
Published 12:00pm Monday, June 30, 2008With plans to install window boxes and a tiny wood burner, you won’t find this three-season cabin for sale on real estate listings.
The log cabin playhouse in David Stoddard’s backyard was built for his 9-year-old daughter, Emily, as a birthday present last year, attracting the attention of more than just the neighborhood children.
“Emily is a big fan of “Little House On The Prairie” books, and since we’ve never had a playhouse before, we thought it would be a great birthday gift to build her a log cabin,” Stoddard said. “The playhouse gets lots of attention as people drive past.”
Stoddard built the playhouse with the help of family friend Jake Wasson, who supplied the materials and expertise for its construction.
“Jake has a saw mill and supplied all the logs, plus he’s built a log cabin or two in his time, so the playhouse is also a showcase structure,” Stoddard said. “Jake does this sort of thing so well, and people should know what he’s up to because he can build these and houses for them, too.”
Stoddard and Wasson, both of Fergus Falls, built the playhouse to fit with the existing landscape around the Stoddards’ house. Set off at an angle behind the property, the cabin sits on top of a little hill, surrounded by a wooden fence around the corner.
Although the project took longer than Stoddard expected, he is proud of the time and craftsmanship it took to create the cabin.
“I always recommend using supplies to build your own things instead of buying something that’s cheap and mass produced,” Stoddard said. “Build something that’s real and authentic.”
A local folk musician and featured performer at the latest Concert in the Park, Stoddard and his family moved to Fergus Falls in 2005 after his wife, Molly, accepted an environmental educator position at Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.
Once Emily grows out of using the playhouse, Stoddard said the family will use it as a storage shed. While he said choosing whether or not a log cabin playhouse is right for their family should be based on personal preference, Stoddard encourages families to look into the project.
“The playhouse becomes a home to neighborhood children, and the kids just love it,” Stoddard said. “And dads love it too because it’s a great project, way easier than I thought it would be.”
For Stoddard, the playhouse represents a worthwhile investment in his daughter’s childhood, something he values for his only child.
“Emily plays in it a lot and brings other kids over to play, too,” Stoddard said. “It is fun to see children using those great imaginations.”
