Avent Cabin
Built:1845 or earlier
Added to National Register of Historic Places: 1994
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one mile south of Elkmont and west of Jake's Creek Trail
Avent Cabin - Rear and Front View
Located on a quiet mountainside above a mountain stream, Avent Cabin is isolated from all but the most careful hiker and known to only a few, this wonderful example of early Appalachian mountain cabin building is truly a treasure for the ages. It is unique and unusual, yet it is at once a place where one can feel completely comfortable and safe.
Mayna Treanor Avent (1865 - 1959), the nationally known Tennessee artist whose work is in the collection of the Smithsonian Institute's National Portrait Gallery, used Avent Cabin as her summer studio retreat in the early 20th century. She is one of Tennessee’s most esteemed artists.
The following history of ownership of Avent Cabin was provided by Julie Brown:
The cabin was built in 1845 or earlier by Humphrey Ownby. As a wedding present, Sam Cook (who lived nearby) bought the cabin for his daughter, Eva, when she married Steve Ownby. Sam paid $500 for the cabin and 50 acres. In 1918 Frank and Mayna Avent bought the cabin and 18.5 acres for $200. Mayna Treanor Avent (1868 – 1959) began using the cabin as an art studio in 1919 and continued to do so for over 20 years."
In 1926, Frank and Mayna Avent gave the cabin to their son Jim Avent (who was on the original board of the Appalachian Club). In an effort to improve the cabin for his mother’s use, Jim made several alterations to the building. Windows were cut to see the apple orchard. There was no electricity, although they had permission.
Ownership of the cabin and its 18.5 acres was transferred to the National Park Service in 1932. A lifetime lease was given to James Avent and his wife Jeannette. He subsequently transferred the lease to his children, Jacqueline and James Avent, Jr.
In 1993 the National Park Service approved the request of the Tennessee Historical Commission that the Avent Cabin be placed in the National Register of Historic Places for two reasons. It was the summer studio of a noted regional artist, and also because it is a rare surviving mid-nineteenth century log structure representative of the pioneering architecture once prevalent in this mountain region. The Avent Cabin was owned by the family from 1916 to 1932 and leased from 1932 to 1992.
Avent Cabin is more than just a log structure in a mountainside clearing. It is the surviving and tangible evidence of the deep appreciation for the forest, the stream, the solitude and solace found in quiet places and unique settings. Today it has even more value for its history and the need to preserve our past. An excellent artifact of our past, it is also a present element of our heritage. The door is unlocked (a single stone propped up against the door bottom keeps it shut). The one room is open and refreshing with large windows on two sides, a door on the back wall and a fireplace on the remaining wall. The kitchen built on in the mid 20th century is small but adequate and holds a book of laminated pages containing the history of Avent Cabin.
Avent Cabin - single room and fireplace
Mayna Treanor Avent
