I can still see the structure’s shape in my mind.
From the road, the massive log configuration perched among the glowing red rock mountains reminded me of a mining head frame, or maybe some sort of church, or a castle, even. “What is that?” my friend, Brenda, and I asked in unison. We both leaned forward towards the windshield and cranked our heads up and back to get a better look. We’d been driving all day through Yellowstone National Park and were headed to Cody, Wyoming when we came across the bizarre edifice overlooking the tiny community of Wapiti.
The log construction appeared to be abandoned. It didn’t look “done,” yet it’s dark, aged wood gave off the impression that this building would be evolving into nothing more than what it is now. Just looking at the structure reminded me of the feeling you get when you sit alone inside of a church, or on top of a mountain, or on the edge of the ocean. There was a peaceful presence to the dwelling.
It was obvious - at one time, someone really cared about this place.
Brenda and I decided to stop and spend the night at a small hotel right below the log tower. Inside our room, we found a short write-up from the “The Log Home Book” sitting on top of our television. We weren’t the only ones wanting to know what was up with the peculiar and lofty domicile.
Francis Lee Smith assumed it would take at least 20 years to finish his extraordinary home made of logs and recycled materials.
“Everything from foundation excavation to horse logging was done without the use of heavy machinery,” I read the information out loud to Brenda. “Even the beams, logs, rafters, and trusses were lifted onto the structure by hand.”
Smith’s home was to be a monument to the surrounding mountains and the landscape he loved. He worked full-time in Cody as an engineer, but devoted all of his weekends, vacations, and evenings to his creation.
Unfortunately, Smith would never reach his personal goal.
“On April 25, 1992, Francis Lee Smith was killed in a fall while working on his home outside of Cody, Wyoming,” I continued to read. “His death brought an end to his dreams and to eighteen years of strenuous labor.”
“It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home” – an old saying goes.
When you spot Smith’s dormant home standing tall alongside the majestic mountains, you witness one man’s heart turned inside out. Smith’s home was obviously his entire life, and unfortunately the scene of his passing. No one lives in the structure now, but it remains as a solitary memorial to the things one man once cherished – mountains, hard work, and a home.
George Washington said it well - “I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.”
As Smith admired the view of Yellowstone country from his log castle, I’m sure he felt like a king.
For more information on the restoration of Francis Lee Smith's creation go to: http://smithmansion.webnode.com//
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