Changes afoot for historic log cabins

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Two historic log cabins, each dating from the 19th century, are poised for major restoration work.

In Lakeway, an 1869 cabin, built by German immigrant August Liebelt, was moved from a nearby ranch to a spot alongside the Lakeway city hall. Lakeway Heritage Commission archivist Mike Boston hopes to have the restoration project finished in time for the celebration of the city’s 50th birthday in early 2013.

Meanwhile, in Austin’s Zilker Botanical Gardens, a long-neglected 1838 vintage cabin, placed in the gardens after three earlier moves, is about to undergo significant repair and preservation.

Both cabins were profiled by KXAN News last week. Included was a comment from Gwendolyn Wunneburger, 81,who, along with her husband, Joe, once owned the land where the Liebelt cabin originally stood. The Wunneburgers sold the property just last April, after 55 years on the place.

Now, an extended interview with Gwendolyn is available on this page.

You can also watch our original story about the Liebelt cabin by clicking here and about the Zilker cabin by clicking here .