T
he Teton County Historic Preservation Board has completed its latest survey of Jackson's historic structures, focusing on the Wort Cabin, a 570-square-foot log building at 55 S. Glenwood Street. The cabin, built in 1928 as a commercial structure, continues to serve that purpose today, making it one of the few historic buildings with a continuous use over nearly a century.

    The survey, which spans 14 pages, reveals the Wort Cabin's humble origins and its evolution into various businesses over the years. Initially used as a bakery, it later became a rental property with multiple restaurants. The cabin has moved twice since its construction to accommodate growing enterprises in Jackson's booming community. Today, it houses the Shari Brownfield Fine Art Gallery.

    Kathy Boyer Sanford, a former owner of the Wort Cabin, shared her experiences and memories of the structure. She described it as "very rustic" but charming, with old windows and minimal insulation. Kathy learned about the cabin's history from customers and passersby who shared stories of its past uses, including a flower shop, video store, and more.

    The survey doesn't offer protection for the historic structure, but it may be enough to save the Wort Cabin if it's ever threatened by Jackson's skyrocketing real estate values. The Teton County Historic Preservation Board hopes that researching and documenting Jackson's historic buildings will increase advocacy and awareness among community members and private owners.

    A plaque was added to the Wort Cabin in recognition of its preservation, which Kathy attributes to her family's determination to keep it unchanged. She believes that part of the reason the cabin has survived this long is due to her mother's reluctance to develop the property. The board's survey doesn't assign monetary value to properties but aims to provide a historic resource for the community.

    As luxury apartment complexes continue to rise in Jackson, Kathy hopes there will always be a place for the Wort Cabin, a unique piece of history for her family and the community.