Introduction

The Russel Acton Folk Recreation Center, where the Folk Circle Association resides, is an octagonal-plan building that has a footprint of 3,600 square feet. The walls are constructed of 10-inch hewn pine logs from North Carolina, and the front entry is built of local sandstone. Because of Berea’s connection to Denmark, the building was modeled after a similar building in Denmark. The building was built as a dance hall, so the interior features a large vaulted ceiling and a sturdy hardwood floor, but it us also used for by the community on a reservation basis. In order to support traveling musicians and other artists featured at the center, several guest rooms and a kitchen were built adjacent to the dance hall, also from logs.

The building was built in 1987 by Peter Gott, an internationally known log builder. Gott was chosen as the builder because his work is known for its quality and originality. He loved traditional hewn-log construction, and so he has made it his life. The building today is a landmark in Berea. It is known for both its rustic-style beauty and its utility as a community recreation center.

Here are some pictures of the construction process:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the traditional nature of the hewn-log construction, the Acton Folk Center was built on a solid, modern foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The facade on the building is built of local sandstone and limestone. The mason work was done by local Berea craftsmen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above you can see the rough nature of the hand-hewn logs that make up the Folk Center. As you can see, the chinking has not yet been applied. Also, the massive structural supports were manufactured using high pressure lamination processes, and so they are covered in plastic until the roof is put on. These supports would be severely damaged by water at this point.