Lon Chaney Cabin

Lon Chaney Cabin
The building's front in 2007
Location within California Show map of California Lon Chaney Cabin (the United States) Show map of the United States
General information
Architectural style	Rustic
Location	Inyo County, California
Coordinates	37°08′09″N118°27′57″W / 37.1357°N 118.4657°W / 37.1357; -118.4657
Elevation	9,200 ft (2,800 m) [1]
Named for	Lon Chaney
Year(s) built	1929-1930
Cost	$12,000 (equivalent to $219,744in 2024)
Owner	United States Forest Service
Technical details
Material	Granite and lodgepole pine
Floor area	1,288 sq ft (119.7 m2) [2]
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Paul R. Williams

The Lon Chaney Cabin is a historic building in Inyo County, California. Constructed in 1930 as a retreat for the early 20th-century actor Lon Chaney by Paul R. Williams, it was used as a retreat by Chaney. As of 2024, the rustic-style cabin is closed to the public and is currently being used as a ranger station. It is in Cienega Mirth near the Big Pine Creek, known for its trout. ^[a]

History

The cabin was built from 1929 to 1930, costing $12,000 (equivalent to $219,744in 2024). It was designed by Paul R. Williams, who designed other buildings for celebrities such as Frank Sinatra. It was the only alpine structure he ever worked on. ^{[1] [2]}

Chaney rarely used the cabin, as he died of lung cancer in 1930. It was sold in 1932 and 1955. In 1964, the Wilderness Act was passed, slating the cabin for destruction until it was realized that the dynamite that was to be used to destroy the building would also damage the surrounding forest. ^{[1] [2]}

Features

The building is made from granite and lodgepole pine. It is rectangular and has a gable roof and 2 ft (0.61 m) thick rock walls. It has a tongue and groove floor with a rock fireplace. Light was provided by a hanging kerosene lamp. ^{[1] [2]}

No money is provided to maintain the cabin's interior, but volunteer groups routinely maintain the exterior. ^{[1] [2]}

Notes

1. Chaney was a devoted fisherman and one of the first promoters of the catch-and-release method. ^{[1] [2]}

References

1. Carlson, Leslie (June 7, 2003). "Actor Lon Chaney's Phantom of the Forest". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
2. Giacomazzi, Sharon (2009). Exploring Eastern Sierra Canyons: Bishop to Lone Pine. Bored Feet Press. pp. 99–100. ISBN   9780939431366.