Back to the Kuykendall Genealogy IndexMy Father’s Cabin
I would like to tell you about my father’s cabin. In the spring of 1965 my parents began looking for a lake cabin or river property. After much looking my father decided to buy some logged over property in Northern Wisconsin along the banks of the Namekogan River with some friends.
At first my family camped up at the river; bringing tents, pots and pans, and getting water from the pump at the Webb Lake Town Hall. They talked about building a cabin and eventually chose a spot close to the road in case the Namekogan became a "Wild River". In 1976 they had a basement built where they could have a modular home placed. This became "the cabin".
The cabin has many birch trees around it and my mother named it Birchwood Court. My father, being a judge, liked the name. The cabin is 120 miles from St. Paul. Over the years the red pines and white pines have grown back. Many different birds live in the trees. Most noticeable is the whippoorwill that begins its song at dusk.
There are different rooms in the cabin. The kitchen has all of the modern conveniences of home: refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave and dishwasher. My mother has a complete set of cooking and eating utensils. Preparation of breakfast has become quite a time of fellowship as a group effort has gone into picking wild blueberries to go into Jean’s famous buttermilk pancakes. Able assistants (usually called grandchildren) have helped Jean to make the pancakes. Others have set the table and poured juice or made coffee.
Another "room" in the cabin is the screen porch. It is 25x12 and projects out toward the woods. There is a comfortable couch to sit on or take a nap or to be used for a bed for those wanting to sleep outside. Folding chairs are available to sit in and enjoy the summer breezes. A large table is there for the family and friends to gather around and enjoy meals together. On the side is a table that is often used as a buffet.
The living room has comfortable furniture. There is a table with a red and white tablecloth for dining when it is cool, playing games or writing letters. Chairs are scattered around to sit and relax. A couch in the living room can be used to nap on during the day or folded out at night to make room for more guests. Games, books and magazines are available to enjoy.
There are two bedrooms. One has a Polynesian fabric for the curtains and bedspread. It has a large picture of my father’s crew from World War II. There are magazines and books my parents enjoy. They keep comfortable clothes there as well. The other bedroom has a bright yellow and white check bedspread on a double bed. There is also a bunk bed in this same room.
A bathroom complete with towels is also on the first floor. A linen closet is filled with sheets and towels ready to be used.
The basement has extra beds that are especially enjoyed when it is hot. It is very cool down there. It has room to play on a rainy day and room to store things for the activities enjoyed at the cabin.
Although the cabin is not on the river it is very close to it. One can hike down and see it winding its way around the bend. Canoeing down the Namekogan is a favorite pastime. One can see the sand, little fish and branches under the water. Turtles come out to sun themselves along the banks on fallen logs. Occasionally a bald eagle can be seen.
Swimming is another favorite activity at the river. Some like to float with the current in the cool refreshing water, or take a splash into a deeper part of the river and swim along.
Hiking through the woods or down the road may be enjoyed. There are many wildflowers, berries and plants. If one goes quietly they may see a deer or other animal. The sun filters through the trees highlighting different parts of the woods. Dragonflies and butterflies flit around.
One of the most enjoyable things about the cabin is sharing in the delights with my father. We enjoy hearing the old stories around the campfire near the cabin or his favorite songs. Many friends have come to stay and share but it is always because they know my father or his family.
As I have the privilege of going to my father’s cabin, I am also very thankful that my father and I can go to our Heavenly Father’s home some day because of the promises found in the Bible.
Jesus tells us of His Father’s house in John 14:2 "In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
The apostle John was given a revelation from the Lord on the Isle of Patmos. He tells of things he saw of heaven. Revelation 21:18 "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones." Revelation 21:23 "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." Revelation 22:1-5 "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and the Lamb of God shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord their God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever."
Jesus said in Matthew 7:11 "If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" How did we get to know the Son then? In Romans 6:23 it says "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." How did we receive the gift? In Romans 10:9-13 we see how. "That if thou shalt confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."