BNR rehabilitates historic landmark

Last week, Buffalo National River took the first steps towards stabilizing and rehabilitating the Beaver Jim Villines’ Boyhood home in Ponca. In 2022, a tree fell and damaged the roof of the Beaver Jim Villines’ Boyhood Home in Ponca. The damage to the roof compromised the integrity of the historic structure built in 1850 and made the log building unsafe to enter.
“Buffalo National River is excited to begin the first round of stabilizing and rehabilitating historic structures that capture the essence of our Ozark heritage,” stated Superintendent Angela Boyers. “The Beaver Jim Villines’ Boyhood Home will be the first structure to be rehabilitated with numerous other projects to follow, including the Granny Henderson Cabin and the Buffalo Point historic cabins.”

Buffalo National River has removed the damaged roof and adjoining lean-to sections of the cabin, leaving the log portion of the building and chimney remaining in place. In the coming weeks, the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) will complete an assessment of the structure. Rehabilitation work by the HPTC is expected to begin this winter, making the cabin safe and accessible to the public again.