POULSBO — Any fears of a burning discussion about the opening of the Martinson Cabin were quickly extinguished by the city council at its Aug. 16 meeting.

“I compliment the Poulsbo Historical Society for its diligence and patience in this matter,” Councilman Mike Regis said as the council gave its unanimous approval to the lease agreement.

Under the terms of the lease, the city will maintain the exterior of the cabin, pay for the electricity and install and maintain a monitored security system.

“We’ve been working with the historical society, and everything has been going very well,” said Public Works Director Jeff Bauman, whose department will serve as the main link between the city and the historical society.

For Bight of Poulsbo founder Bill Austin the agreement’s approval marked the end of a journey that began even before the cabin was moved to Nelson Park in 2003.

“I feel pretty good about it,” Austin said. “That’s where we were headed from the beginning.”

Instead of just being a visual asset to the park, the cabin will now serve as an educational tool, he said.

“I think it’s very important to let future generations and today’s generations know how hard it was back then,” he said.

The Martinsons and other early settlers had to cut down their own trees, hew their own logs and put everything together, he said, noting this past is often forgotten.

“I’m proud that people can go inside, which what I wanted from the beginning,” Austin said.

PHS curator Erica Varga said the entire process of working with the city to open the cabin to the public has been a positive experience.

“The council recognizes the importance of historical preservation, and there are signs all over town saying, ‘Welcome to historic Poulsbo,’” Varga said. “Now we have the opportunity to illustrate what’s historical about it.”

Once the cabin opens in late September, not only will longtime residents help keep it open for 15-20 hours a week, but local students will be pitching in as well, she said.

The Bight of Poulsbo and the Poulsbo-North Kitsap Rotary Club along with numerous community members have played a role in making the cabin project happen, she said.

“It’s great to be a part of a community project, and the only thing we’re needing is period era furnishings,” Varga said. “The one thing we don’t have is seating.”

Anyone wishing to loan the society furnishings from the 1890s are asked to call Varga at (360) 440-7354.