The Power Family Cabin, located in East Cobb County on a 2˝ acre site, was built by George Abner Power (1821-1914). The character of the cabin’s construction suggests that is was built not long after his marriage in 1843 to Winifred Copeland (1821-1898). George Power was the son of some of the earliest settlers in the area, who first arrived in Cobb County around 1832. George and Winifred Power established a 200+ acre farm, which stretched for more than a mile along the northwest bank of the Chattahoochee River. They raised their twelve children in the house and remained there for most of their lives. The Power descendants continued to own the property until 1996, when George and Virginia Wing Power conveyed the cabin and what remained of the farm to The Trust for Public Land. The land and the cabin are to be preserved for future generations.
The Power Cabin is a particularly significant example of the type of housing that was typical of the early settlers of the region. Many log houses were built in the first half of the 19th century, but most of the earlier ones have either been demolished or completely remodeled. The Power Cabin retains much of its original historic fabric. Additionally, much of the self-sufficient character of the historic residency on the site has been maintained, including well-drawn water and wood-fire heating. For both architectural and historical reasons, the Power Cabin has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Power Cabin was donated to Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, Inc. by The Trust for Public Land in January 1999.
With the donation came an endowment, a donation agreement, a lease agreement with the
property's tenant, and protective covenants. The donation agreement required that Cobb Landmarks stabilize and
preserve the cabin. Rehabilitation was undertaken after a Historic Structures Report and a Preservation Plan were developed for the property.
A dedication ceremony was held in September 2002 celebrating the project
completion.
The Power Cabin during preservation efforts
A tenant has made the cabin home for the past 30+ years. The donation agreement required that
this resident have life tenancy as long as the tenant could continue to properly
maintain the building and site. Although the cabin is the tenant's home, Cobb Landmarks uses the site as an educational resource for area educators and other groups with a special interest in the history of the property. In addition, Landmarks members can visit the site on “Power Cabin Days”, held
periodically, which allow visitors to experience the property's charm.
