The restored McCune homestead resides in narrow
Crooked Run on the edge of the Bear Fork wilderness

By Bob Weaver 2011

Ken and Janet McCune of Orma have diligently restored the historic McCune homestead on Crooked Run, a log cabin likely built about 1858.

After about two years of work, they made it their home on Thanksgiving Day, 2010.

It is the oldest restored structure in the county, with new space added to the back of the structure for ample quarters.

The cabin, in the last 80 years or so, was occupied by the McCune "boys" who lived to be 89, described in Herald stories as the last of the old-time Calhoun farmers, clinging to their non-mechanized horses, equipment and tools, sustaining life from mother earth.

Retained is much of the flavor of the original house, with photographs, furniture and artifacts belonging to the original families on display.

Nephew Ken McCune (pictured left) after removing the outer coverings of the structure, discovered the well-preserved logs.

Bruce passed in 2006 and Norv died in 2008, descendants of Calhoun original Peter McCune (1748-1832) who was in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. He was the first permanent settler in Washington District.

Ken McCune says on many days he feels their presence.

"It's almost like they're here," he said. "If a house could talk, the stories it could tell, going back before the Civil War," with generations of McCunes.

The boys would surely be pleased with the chairs resting on the front porch for neighbors and friends to gather one more time, recalling times past, but more than likely, recalling them.

Ken and Janet McCune enjoying life in the historic house

"They were really good men, among the best," he said.

"They had a kind streak bigger than the mountain behind their house, and they knew how to work by the sweat of their brow and make a life on this land. If they had to, they could survive on a handful of beans a week," he said.

He repeated the oft-said statement about the men, "There will never be others like them."

Second story of cabin converted into two-bed bedrooms

Original McCune "Hoosier" cabinet; McCune family photo collection

McCune "boys" treasured mantle clock; Spring house
cooled with water used by several generations

See related stories MCCUNE HOMESTEAD BEING RESTORED - A Mighty Presence On Crooked Run

McCUNE "BOYS" RECALL OLE PETER - Bruce And Norville Remember

THE COUNTRY LIFE - Chet Dowell's Photos, Visiting Bruce And Norville

MOST WERE KILLED IN ACTION - Norville McCune Still Lives Up Orma Way

MC CUNE "BOY" PASSES ON - Calhoun Farmer: Bruce McCune 1916-2006

NORV DIED WITH HIS BOOTS ON YESTERDAY - "If I Live Long Enough"

THE WISDOM OF THE OLD WAYS - A Visit with the McCune Brothers