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Thanks to the efforts of 14-year-old Nick Rizzo, the Chestnut Log House on Washington Street, owned by the Mt. Pleasant Historical Society, may be in the borough even longer.

Nick has taken measures to preserve the house for his Eagle Scout project.

The teenager knew that, as a Boy Scout, he one day would need to find a worthy project to qualify as an Eagle Scout. With his interest in history, the notion of working on the circa-1820s log home seemed like the perfect fit. Nick previously helped with other projects related to the log house, so he was no stranger to the town's landmark.

"I've been here before and worked on other things," he said.

As part of his project, he acquired donations from Lowe's and Busy Beaver, then purchased the equipment and material needed. He was joined by his family, friends and several members of his Scout Troop 405 — all manned with brushes and sprayers — to apply a coat of sealant to the entire log structure and all its furnishings.

Dee Thomas, Nick's grandmother, has been an active member of the historical society for many years. She and other members of the organization were thrilled that he chose the work as his project.

"We think that it's just great that this is something that he wanted to do," Thomas said.

Nick and his crew worked on the house for several days. After applying the sealant, they moved on to landscaping.

Wheelbarrows filled with dirt were dumped in the area around the house, near a cabin that was added to the site and under porches, enabling the historical society to continue its plans for further landscaping.

"These boys are really doing a nice job here," said Richard Snyder, historical society board president and log house director. "We are very grateful that he (Nick) wanted to help us with the sealant for the house. With his help and his project, the log house may be preserved for even longer so more people — generations from now — can still enjoy it."

"I know now when I drive by that I was a part of preserving this house," Nick said. "It's something that I'll be able to appreciate years from now."

The historical society is pleased with the work, too.

"We are always pleased when someone from the community comes forward to help us in any way," said Cynthia Stevenson, historical society president. "We appreciate any support that we receive."

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