Rainey-Skarland Cabin Explained

Rainey-Skarland Cabin
Location:University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, College, Alaska
Coordinates:64.8589°N -147.8317°W
Builder:T.S. Batchelder; Froelich Rainey
Architecture:log cabin
Added:November 20, 1975
Refnum:75002158
Designated Other1:Alaska Heritage Resources Survey
Designated Other1 Name:Alaska Heritage Resources Survey
Designated Other1 Color:
  1. A8EDEF
Designated Other1 Abbr:AHRS
Designated Other1 Number:FAI-084
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom

Rainey-Skarland Cabin, also known as Rainey's Cabin, Skarland's Cabin and Ivar's Cabin, is a historic log cabin on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in College, Alaska.[1] A single-story three-room log structure with massive stone fireplace on one gable end, it is used today as extended lodging for a permanent or visiting anthropology faculty member or student.[1]

History

The cabin was built in 1936 on a ridge overlooking the school for Froelich Rainey, the first professor of the university's Anthropology Department. During his tenure the cabin played a significant role as a social center of the university, hosting a number of pioneering archaeologists and anthropologists, including J. Louis Giddings and Frederica de Laguna. When Rainey left in 1942 the university bought the cabin to use as faculty housing.[1]

Beginning in the late 1940s it was occupied by a successor as department chairman, former student Ivar Skarland, who continued Rainey's social practices.[2]

Upon Skarland's sudden death in 1965, university students requested that the cabin, ski trails, and a residence hall be named in his memory, resulting in the Rainey-Skarland Cabin. Today, a permanent or visiting anthropology faculty member or student lives there.[1]

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.[2] A major 1982 renovation was highlighted by roof replacement, insulation, and installation of an alarm system.[1]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Building Profile: Rainey's Cabin. University of Alaska Fairbanks. 2015-03-17.
  2. Web site: [{{NRHP url|id=75002158}} NRHP nomination for Rainey's Cabin]. National Park Service. 2015-03-17.