The following content is archived, and is being kept for reference, research, or recordkeeping.
The William Hawk Cabin was built in the period between 1848 and 1852. Family tradition has suggested that it was built in 1848 within the falls of the fort that sheltered the original settlement of Great Salt Lake City. Later the cabin was moved onto the property distributed to William Hawk as his “inheritance in Zion.” Multiple use of cabins in the early settlement period in Utah seems to have been a common economy practiced by Mormon pioneers. Whatever its origins, the cabin is most closely associated with William Hawk who lived there between 1852 and his death in 1883. The property then descended through his heirs, one of whom briefly used the cabin as a milk house.
The William Hawk Cabin, previously listed (NRHP# 78002671), was relocated to a new location on the same property beginning in 2017. A rehabilitation project was undertaken which included rebuilding the log structure and building an addition. Work was completed at the end of 2018.
The Hawk Cabin is a rectangular single pen log structure measuring approximately 24’ by 16’. The facade (the west face) has a three opening “window-window-door” pattern. A simple gable roof covers the building, and a fireplace was located on the south gable end.
The Hawk dwelling is constructed of horizontal log timbering joined flush at the corners with half dovetail notch. Logs were cataloged and disassembled then reassembled on a new concrete foundation at a new location on the same lot. Windows and doors were not salvageable and were replaced with new custom ones. The roof was not salvageable and was reframed with new shingles. There was evidence of a chimney, but none remained and replaced with a new free standing rock masonry chimney. There was evidence of an addition, but none remained. A new addition was recreated to house the kitchen and bath. Interior plaster and lath no longer remained. Interior was updated with 2x4s and seismic updates and smooth finish gypsum. All new HVAC, plumbing and electricity were provided.
