Alice Beck Cabin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Beck, Alice, Cabin
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 Location in Montana
Location in the United States
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| Location | S. of Kelly's Camp Rd., E. of McDonald Creek., Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald, Montana |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1910 |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | Recreational Camps on Lake McDonald, MT |
| NRHP reference No. | 08001219 |
| Added to NRHP | December 26, 2008 |
The Alice Beck Cabin, also called the John T. Robinson Cabin, is a historic cabin. It sits on the eastern shore of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. This park is located in Montana.
The cabin was built around 1910. Many other summer camps were also built at this time. This was even before Glacier National Park was officially created. After the park was formed, the cabin remained a private property.
Contents
History of the Alice Beck Cabin
Early Days and Original Owners
The land where the Beck Cabin stands was once part of a larger homestead. Denis and Lydia Comeau started this homestead in the 1890s. They owned about 164 acres near the top of Lake McDonald. Denis Comeau worked as a sawyer in the winter.
In 1905, the Comeaus sold a piece of their land to John Robinson. This is the parcel where the Beck camp would later be built. A few years later, Denis and Lydia divorced. Denis Comeau then moved to British Columbia. Lydia divided more of her land into smaller pieces.
Building the Cabin and Its Nickname
The cabin on John Robinson's property was built around 1910. It might have been built by Edward Cruger. He built other similar cabins in the area.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the cabin was empty. Children from nearby camps started calling it the "haunted cabin."
Changing Hands and Modern Ownership
The National Park Service bought many properties on the lake. They wanted these lands for the park. However, they did not buy the Robinson property.
In 1941, John Robinson's heir sold the cabin to O.M. Junkind. Later, it was sold to Alice Beck. She then sold it to Eugene and Luella Fox in 1950. Today, the Fox family's descendants still own this special property.
What the Beck Cabin Looks Like
Cabin Structure and Features
The Beck Cabin is a 1-1/2 story building. It is made of peeled logs. It has a screened porch that faces the lake. This porch is under the extended front roof.
The cabin was made larger with wooden additions in 1965 and 1975. Inside, there is a main room that looks out at the lake. Above this room, along the back wall, is a sleeping loft. The kitchen is located at the back of the cabin. The newer additions contain extra bedrooms.
National Recognition
The Beck Cabin is an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 26, 2008. This means it is recognized for its historical value and is protected.
