In 1949, the Long Trail Patrol undertook the construction of a new frame cabin designed to provide shelter and comfort to Long Trail hikers. The lodge was built with exceptional craftsmanship, featuring log siding and bunks to accommodate approximately twelve visitors. The structure was made possible by a generous gift from William O. Wiley of the New York Section who also contributed to a fund for its perpetual maintenance.
The lodge occupied a spectacular setting along the trail. This 12′ x 18′ structure was situated in a beauty spot on the edge of a deep ravine, with a pool at the foot of a cascade about fifteen feet long and deep enough for swimming. Adjacent Gleason Brook furnished water for drinking and swimming. The location, combined with its sturdy construction, made it one of the LT’s best structures.
The Wiley Fund and Financial Foundation
William O. Wiley’s commitment extended beyond the initial construction. The original construction cost was $600, with Wiley contributing $2,500, while the balance of $1,900 was deposited in a Wiley Lodge Fund that would provide for all maintenance and rebuilding whenever the original structure wore out. This endowment ensured the lodge’s long-term viability and maintenance.
Maintenance and Improvements
As the lodge aged, the Long Trail Patrol maintained its commitment to upkeep. In 1962, the floor was replaced, new stove pipe was installed, and new glass was put in.
Renaming: Honoring Roy Buchanan
In 1964, the lodge underwent a significant change in recognition. The cabin was renamed Buchanan Lodge in honor of Prof. Roy O. Buchanan, founder of the LT Patrol in 1931, and its active leader for 36 years, upon the completion of the new Wiley Lodge on the LT relocation between Gorham Lodge and Jonesville. The renaming was particularly fitting, as it honored the man whose vision and leadership had shaped the Long Trail system itself.
Celebration of Service: Roy Buchanan’s 89th Birthday
The lodge became a gathering place to celebrate Buchanan’s remarkable life and service. On December 12, 1969, 24 members of the Burlington section snowshoed to the lodge to celebrate Roy’s 89th birthday. Knowing his affinity for porcupines, the theme of the occasion revolved around these prickly creatures, with cupcakes covered with "quills" (toothpicks), and each having a bite taken out of it. A congratulatory birch-bark scroll was presented and signed by all present, with one person even forming a signature out of porky footprints.
A Tragic End: Fire of 1978
After nearly three decades of service, Buchanan Lodge met a devastating end. On April 17, 1978, the lodge was destroyed by fire. A stover at the lodge had been removed but a metal protective plate underneath it had remained. Two campers, apparently like others before them, had a campfire on the plate, resulting in this destructive fire that was caused by this thoughtless action
Sources
- "Long Trail News." 1949.
- Long Trail Guide Book. 14th Edition ed. Green Mountain Club, 1951.
- Long Trail Guide Book. 50th Anniversary Edition (16th) ed. Green Mountain Club, 1960.
- "Long Trail News." 1964.
- "Long Trail News." 1970.
- Long Trail Guide Book. 20th Edition ed. Green Mountain Club, 1971.
- "Long Trail News." 1978.
