This is a nice fireplace mantel made from an original settler log cabin dating back to the late 1800s. This beam was probably a 2nd floor plate. The notches are where the floor joist rested and supported the 2nd floor. (in fact, I think this beam might be the one at the top of the stacked wall in the picture where we are standing on the 2nd floor). The piece has beautiful graining and color. Elm has an almost iridescent quality as the grains are very twisty. As the grains come to the surface, their look changes depending on your perspective. The two notches have been filled. They could be placed up or down, it just depends on your taste and what side of your mantel will be seen more.

This beam also has a great history. It came from a old Norwegian log home near Lanesboro, Minnesota. The Nyhus family settled in Fillmore county in 1880s. The story goes that the house was originally further up the bluff. The farmer was tired of bringing his cows down from the top of the bluff to the river, so they moved the house down the bluff quite a ways. It was an unusual treat to get a picture of the original settler family. Note the family photo is that of the original Nyhus Family.

There is also little blog post on our site regarding the newspapers articles that we found insulating the walls of the old house.

This mantel is priced for 72 inches long at $115/LF. This length does not include the extra 6-7in original dovetail. We can leave that or remove it at no additional cost. We are happy to cut this mantel down even further to any length and reduce the price by $9.58 per inch, up to a $115 discount.