From Richard Wood: Skip, I took your class in 1982 and I just took it again. Eric Anderson and I had to duck out after the Ridge Pole Lifting video and so we didn't get a chance to thank you personally. We didn't want to break up the flow of things. Both Eric and I are excited about the prospect of building somewhere down the line. We were talking and thinking that it would be good for our gang to start keeping an eye out for good deals on components such as car-decking and floor joists. Also we can start to gather the tools together. Then, once we have some of those things stockpiled, we will be ready to make a move on the logs. Our gang of friends has been camping and playing together for 20 years now and for many of those years we have talked of a communal club-house of some sort. I have always wanted to build a butt-and-pass log structure ever since I took your class in 1982. My wife and I had originally planned to build on 5 acres in Covington but those plans changed. Now a recreation cabin seems more likely. You really made a believer out of Eric and he was impressed with the simple elegance of your method and you really opened his eyes about the kit log houses. Skip, it's a great seminar and it was a pleasure to refresh my memory and fill in on the techniques. I need to scrounge around in the dresser drawer now and find my wife's membership card from 1982 so that I can bring her back out to see how your house turned out. Again, thanks so much for caring enough to come back and give this course. It was great.
From Barbara Madsen: Dear Skip, Thank you so much for restoring enthusiasm to my dream. I had placed the class Application in a little cup on my windowsill in November and by chance found it again only 4 days before the class. I could have missed it ! Your generosity in opening your home and sharing so much of your information and experience was certainly beyond my expectations. Now I know what to be doing today, to prepare for tomorrow, that will lead me to actual construction. I will be in contact with you to ask questions, express concerns and triumphs. Thank you again for a most valuable, informative, and friendly class in a wonderful setting. Warm regards,
From Dan LaFoe: Skip, Thanks so much for the informative Log Home Building Seminar. It was an invaluable learning experience. My preconceptions in coming into the seminar were blown away by the knowledge I acquired over the weekend. Now I know much more about methods of construction, misconceptions about log homes, and the log home building industry in general. I am confident I will be able to construct a log home with ease now that I have completed this seminar...I look forward to building a log home within the next year and am happy to know that a valuable resource is so close at hand... Thanks,
From Mavis Medeiros: Dear Skip, I just finished taking your log home building seminar and thought I should write you to thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us. I took your course so I could help my sister (single mother of 6) build a home and maybe a few cabins for rentals for myself. I now know how to do it from the ground up to the roof, thanks to you. I hope you continue doing this for a very long time because I'd like to send my kids and grandchildren to your class. And... oh what a wonderful house you have. I felt right at home because where I came from originally (a country called Hawaii) my parents had to hunt for food because that's all they had. The "now" generation is still hunting and fishing for food because it is too expensive to buy it. We have turtle shells (from before they became illegal) and wild boar tusks, and deer heads on our walls (just like yours) in our present house. Your class is taught in very comfortable surroundings. Please continue. Aloha,
From Bob Ruff: Dear Skip, I took your log house building seminar on the weekend of 3-6-99. I enjoyed the class, learned a lot, and got a deeper respect for humanity. It's nice to know that there are people out there who care so much for their fellow man such as yourself. Thanks again. I enjoyed meeting you.
From Charlie Ruff: Dear Skip, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed taking your log house building course on the weekend of March 6. Thank you for teaching the course in a very informative and professional manner. I will most definitely refer my friends and family to you. Thanks again,
From Paul Dillon: Skip, I want to thank you for holding the seminar on log house building this last weekend. I enjoyed the time spent with you in your home along with the hospitality that has been extended to me and my wife. We really were impressed with the vast collection of antique that you have collected over the years, including the collection of weapons that you display. The stories that you told of various items collected and their history was interesting and in my opinion add to the aesthetics of being inside a log home. The addition of background experience resulting in your collection of animals taken in times of need (survival) in the wilds of Alaska when you lived there shows me that your are proud of your heritage and experiences that have made you an individual who wants nothing more than to give away what you have been given. Thanks.
From Rachael Dillon: Dear Skip, Your house is the most beautiful house I think I have ever seen. It is a history and cultural lesson just to be inside of it. It is hard for me to contemplate letting twenty to thirty people into my home, with all of those valuable belongings and then treating them as graciously as you have treated us. I have also now learned how I can be free if I have the guts. This was more than worth my money and time. I look forward so spending every 1st Tuesday at your monthly party. Thank you,
From Jack Hayes: Skip, When I came to this seminar i had reservations that I would ever learn (or have the confidence) to build a log cabin. Just 2 days later, I have the knowledge to complete a dream. Your years of knowledge show with every comment you make. I'm very glad to have taken this class prior to purchasing any log house kit. I would, and will, recommend your seminar to all my friends that are looking to build their own log home... Thank you.
From Charles Mitchell: Skip, Thanks for the education on building a log home. This will help me attain home ownership much faster than I thought possible. You showed a real professional approach mixed with a caring for the individual. You opened your home to all of the classmates and made us all feel at home. Thank you,
From Kurt Lay: Skip, When friend asked me to come along with him to a log home building seminar I was reluctant. After taking the seminar I wonder why I was so hesitant. I just want to show my appreciation on the kindness you gave to all participants. You put my mind at ease. Thank you for all your years of knowledge. Thanks,
From Michael Voegtlin: Dear Skip, I just completed your Log Home Seminar offered through North Seattle Community College. I want to thank you for a very practical and useful course. I especially appreciate the historical perspective you presented on how the early American pioneers constructed their houses as they moved west. This is just something you can't learn from a textbook, and it helps us understand our heritage. I felt very comfortable in your beautiful log home, with all the rare antiques. It creates the right ambiance for the course. Thanks again,
From Kirk Madary: To Skip, I would like to thank you for your generous hospitality and the trust that you have shown in your students. Especially with your home filled with museum-like artifacts... Thanks for the good teachings, and I hope in the near future I can apply these great techniques to accomplish my goal, to build a log home for my family. Thanks,
From Sean Makela: Hi Skip, I wanted to thank you again for a wonderful, educational weekend at your place. I was truly surprised at how easy the principles of building a log house really are. Your seminar to say the least is very inspiring and I can hardly wait to try your techniques. Furthermore, I wanted to compliment you on the beautiful surroundings in which you instructed us. Your home is one of the most amazing visions I have ever seen. I have never seen such a large, uniquely decorated house before. The inside of your home is very comfortable and welcoming. All the antiques you have collected over the years are amazing. I felt as if I were in a museum. I appreciate the fact you have preserved all these items to share with future generations so they may better understand past cultures. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance and I look forward to being graced by your presence again someday. Sincerely,
From Patricia McGraw and Ron Meier: Dear Skip, I have read the pages and pages of thank you letters to you from your past students on your internet site. But I want to think of a way to say "thank you" in a very inventive and stand-out way. All that I can come up with is Thank You. But this isn't the polite or proper kind of thank you, it is a real THANK YOU. I still find it hard to believe that we were lucky enough to find a real human out there who is not motivated by money but by his convictions and dedication to helping others achieve their freedom. I realize that we have a long road ahead of us and lots and lots of work to do but I thank you for giving us the tools we need to succeed. Of the two of us I am the optimistic one and am always willing to try - knowing that things will always work out. Ron is always more pessimistic. When we drove away from the seminar on Sunday night, Ron said "I can do this." That is quite an achievement on your part. Our sons looked at him in disbelief when he told them the same thing. I am just sad that your seminar is over. Every minute was so interesting... I only wish we lived closer to be part of the monthly meetings. We do plan to bring our scale model for constructive criticism. We are going to flip for it, because we both want to make the trip. I want my two boys and some of my dear friends to make the trip. I really won't rest until they do. Also, I have a brother in law that I really want to meet you. The two of you are as close in looks, mannerisms and ideology than any two human beings ever. He is a builder. If he ever shows up at your door you will not believe it. It would be wild. I will send you a picture sometime, but a picture wouldn't do it justice because your manner of speaking and moving and everything is so similar ! Thanks so very much. We will always appreciate getting to meet you and being able to learn so much from you. Your friend, PS - I have put away all the log house books that I previously read over and over again only ending up more confused. Maybe we'll use them to light our first fire when our log home is finished.
From Mei-mei Bong: Hello there, Skip ! Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you tremendously for all the information you shared at the seminar this past weekend. You are a remarkable man, with endless information and a heart of gold for sharing with those of us that share the interest. I look forward to keeping in touch and working on some plans. Have a good tip to Southeast Asia.
From Bradley Smith: I attended the log house class this past weekend and I want to let you know that it was the best and most interesting class that I have taken in the past 10 years. My wife wants to come to the next class and that is why I am writing. When will the next class be? If you could let me know, I would appreciate it. Thanks,
From Paul Landendorf: Skip, I had to write right away and thank you for your hospitality and all you taught me this past weekend at the seminar. What I appreciate the most is your dedication to serving others and helping them break free of the shackles of 30 year mortgages and such. No doubt, if we had more people like you in this world it would be a better place. I was very impressed with your teaching techniques - how you really made things easy to understand and never balked at a question or lost your patience (I would have). I also appreciated the information you shared on the role of the government and politics as it effects our freedom to build a log house, etc. Thanks Skip, and keep up the good work.
From Joseph Dunaravich: Skip, I have just finished your course on log house building and the course was very informative and took all the mystery out of building a log house. Your instruction is very comprehensive. Having all the real things there to demonstrate and look at reinforced my understanding. I thank you for providing me this opportunity for economic freedom.
From Douglas W. Jackson: Mr. Ellsworth, Thank you for the seminar ! I had so many false preconceptions about log homes and log building techniques. I have never encountered an instructor so knowledgeable on their subject matter. I'm sure the University of Washington was sorry to lose you when you stopped teaching there. Your home is fascinating. It should be an art gallery for everyone to enjoy. I will highly recommend this course and feel free to use me as a reference for any purpose. Sincerely,
From Kevin Murch: Skip, I sure enjoyed your class. Your class is one of the best classes I've ever had. And I have to compliment you on being one of the best teachers I've ever had. Thank you for accepting me and all of the other students into your home and being so patient with all of our stupid questions. I especially enjoyed your antique collection. Your house is a veritable museum of American and Natural History. I can't imagine how this art would be passed on if it weren't for you. Keep up the good work.
From Page Tulloch to Skip: Dear Skip, I want to thank you for your extremely fascinating course in log house building ! It far exceeded all of my expectations. I have taken a lot of courses in my life (I'm 48 years old and have a graduate degree) and I have never gained so much knowledge in such a short time span. Having my own affordable home is a major goal for me. I never dreamt that I could build my house all by myself. You have given me the opportunity of a lifetime - and something I will never forget. You are an excellent teacher and I appreciated your very thoughtful presentations. I also appreciate your making me feel comfortable in your home where the class was held. It really added to the experience to see your masterfully built home. Once again, many thanks for your terrific class. I'll let you know when I start on my home. Yours sincerely
From Page Tulloch to the Director of Continuing Education at Shoreline Community College: Dear Mr. Reyes, I recently completed the log cabin building course (Catalog Course #6631) offered by the Shoreline Community College. I am writing to let you know what an absolutely wonderful class this was. Not only did I find the instructor, Skip Ellsworth Jr., to be a master of his craft but also an extremely capable and affable educator. His presentations were very clear and understandable as he patiently guided us through the course. He also related a number of personal experiences from his career as a log house builder that I found to be invaluable. Additionally, Mr. Ellsworth held the class in his expertly constructed log home. I was able to gain considerable insight and understanding about the construction process from seeing such a magnificent structure firsthand. In summary, this course has far exceeded my expectations. I am now planning to build my own log cabin. Something I never would have dreampt possible were it not for Mr. Ellsworth and this exceptional course offered through the continuing education department. Sincerely yours,
From Tom Battisti: Skip, Thanks so much for the class. I not only learned how to set my family free form the tyranny of a 30 year mortgage, but I feel that I have made friends with an aware, independent minded and generous human being. I appreciate what you are doing with the intelligence you were endowed with - and not the least of all your common sense and humor.
From Jason Mauldin: Hi Skip, Becky and I wanted to take a moment to let you know how much we enjoyed the log home building seminar last week. We have already shared with friends and family members that we believe you are probably the most gifted and knowledgeable teacher that we will ever meet. Your seminar covers all aspects of the log home building process and yet it is simple and to the point. We particularly liked that you included helpful insights on dealing with local government codes and inspectors. I like knowing that the house we are building will be constructed to higher standards than they will expect. We really appreciate that you make yourself available to answer questions... Construction of our model begins tomorrow... Anyway, thanks again for the invaluable information. Our lives have taken a significant turn toward a life that is free from the bondage of debt. We intend to use that freedom to deal with the world from a position of strength.
From David Acuna, M.D.: Skip, I just want to thank you for your log building seminar. It has truly been a life changing experience. It is great to learn that with a little time and elbow grease one can still make a home that is not only beautiful but also very valuable. You have definitely shown me the "way." Your home is gorgeous ! Thank you for preserving some of our world's culture (as well as our native American culture) and creating a "museum" that so many can enjoy... If you ever get to Port Townsend, please look me up. I could never repay you for all that you have taught me, but I could start by serving you dinner. Please accept the enclosed gift as a token of our friendship. Sincerely,
From Marc Schillinger: To whom it may concern: I attended the Log Home Building Seminar taught by Mr. Skip Ellsworth. By the end of the first day I feel that I have received everything that I came for. And, we have a whole day left ... My wife attended the January seminar and she insisted that I also attend so that we can speak the same language as we begin building our first log home when I return to my home state of Michigan. I am very impressed with the valuable knowledge gained here at this one-of-a-kind seminar. It is rare that an individual who becomes successful to the point that they are compelled to "help" others. Skip is that kind of a person, and we are forever grateful... I recommend Skip and the seminar to anyone who is truly interested in gaining financial independence and freedom from the infamous 30-year mortgage. Skip's contribution is truly valuable and generous to anyone who is willing to listen and learn. Sincerely,
From Rich Dixon-Infred, J.D., M.S., M.B.A.: Skip, Just a note of thanks for the log home building seminar. I'm excited about getting started building a log home. I have taken many classes in various fields over the years. This is one of the best, and useful ever. I also appreciate the support that you have offered to all of your students as we begin building houses. Here are a couple of things you should know: 1.) Your home and collections are magnificent. I could spend a year just learning about all of the things that have been important in your life. It is easy to understand why you have been featured in so many publications and are a well known expert in the field of log home building. 2.) Your website was one of the most thorough sites that I have ever visited. After reading it I was well prepared for the class and had a vast understanding of your background. Thank you for that. I look forward to working with you in the future. Thanks again for an exciting weekend. Sincerely,
From Rocky Hill: Dear Skip, Thank you for a valuable life-changing seminar. It was everything I expected and more ! Special thanks for the way you handled the diverse abilities and interests of your students... Nice work !
From Bryce Poulson: Hi Skip ! The class was awesome... Thanks for your fellowship and for helping spread the word...
From Leland D. Fox; "I enjoyed the class presented by Skip Ellsworth, not only because he taught me how to build a log house, but also as a renewal of my appreciation for the remaining freedom in America. I now have a workable plan to regain some of my freedoms that were lost to me due to the framework of the "normal" employment/mortgage syndrome. I expect to build my own log home soon -- and not suffer from the normal thirty year mortgage."
From Rod Campbell; "I just completed a two day course in log home building with Skip Ellsworth. Although I’m a carpenter by trade, I soon found out that I had accumulated a lot of misinformation about log construction. The techniques that Skip teaches showed me how easy and practical it is to build a log home. I’m excited, and I can’t wait to get started."
From Rob Schippers; "Skip refers to himself as an eccentric jokingly, and that was my first thought when I was first introduced to him. However, as the class progressed I found out that this guy really has his shit together. I came to this class with my brother to learn how to build a log home. Our initial intent was to build a kit log home but my mind was quickly changed when I saw the ease, the cost, and the strength of a REAL log home – built using the Skip Ellsworth methods. I know that I will have no problems whatsoever building a log home. It is so simple. To me that class was clear and all the information needed to build a log home was made available. I can’t wait to build my first log home."
From Lisa Frogel; Dear Skip, I found this poem in a book of poetry that was published in 1883. I thought of you immediately as I was reading it.
There are four things a man must do
If he is to keep his record true
To think without confusion, clearly
To love his fellow man, sincerely
To act from honest motives purely
To trust in God and Heaven securely
From Martin Schippers; "Log homes help me feel closer and more in tune with nature and the world around me. For me, this type of feeling can not be achieved in a standard frame home because of its synthetic properties. I feel privileged to have taken this course from Skip. He brings a certain philosophical dignity to the simplicity of log home construction."