"Cottage in the Woods" has Uncertain Future

They call it the "Cottage in the Woods."

For the past three years, this cottage at 700 Zucksville Road has sat vacant, awaiting its future after serving as the home of an Easton machine shop owner in the 1940s.

"It's a cute little old building, one of those things you remember when you were kids," said Carl Miller, president of the Forks Township Historical Society.

Township officials are now trying to determine its fate.

Township Supervisor David Billings said the should receive some options about what to do with the property in the next month or two.

Miller said the historical society and the township's arts society are interested in using the property as either a home base, a meeting place or a location to showcase historical artifacts or artwork.

But work must be done first.

Public Works Director Mark Roberts is currently evaluating the property, which is located on Forks Township grounds next to the township's recreation offices.

Roberts said that the roof leaks and that the archway into the doorway needs to be redone for stabilization purposes.

"It needs to be cleaned up and painted inside," Roberts said.

Township Supervisor Bob Egolf believes the house could also have a mold problem and that it would need to be made handicap accessible.

Billings said the former Seitz family home could serve as a great place for meetings for non-profit groups.

Miller said the site should be saved and that his organization would use it for special occasions and to set up displays and show off antiques on a regular basis that only come out during Forks Community Days.

"The township has some possibilities for it," Miller said. "But they don't have a lot of money right now."

Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said township officials need to consider its value.

"We really should decide what to do with it," he said. "If we have the opportunity to display township history, then we should take a look at it. I drive by it every day and think what a waste."