Residents urge city to fund stain for historic cabin ahead of June dedication

Claudia, a local resident and preservation volunteer, told the Gunnison City Council the community is eager to preserve a pioneer-era cabin that serves as a visual landmark for the city and is preparing a June dedication. She said donations of artifacts and community interest — including about 200 signatures collected on July 4 — demonstrate local support for restoring the structure.

"There is a real interest in this cabin," Claudia said, and recommended using an oil-based product rather than a water-based stain. She provided an estimate for Sashco Oil — "probably 4 to 5 gallons and it would be about 500" — and relayed bids for an iron railing to protect the cabin that varied substantially by vendor.

Council members discussed options for covering the immediate preservation work and whether volunteers could help. The presiding council member indicated the council could identify approximately $500 for the staining and process a purchase order so the work could be completed before the planned dedication.

Denise, a volunteer connected to the museum, and others described donated artifacts that would support a modest exhibition alongside the cabin. Volunteers and councilors also discussed possible fundraising through the city’s Fourth of July events or an auction of themed items.

The council did not adopt a formal ordinance tied to the work during the meeting, but members approved covering the immediate staining cost as a small capital or operating expenditure and directed staff to prepare procurement paperwork so the preservative could be purchased and applied before the dedication event.

The next steps are for staff to issue a purchase order for the oil-based stain and for volunteers and museum staff to coordinate rail/railing design and any additional fundraising needed for protective fencing.