HARMONY — A historical preservation group might reconstruct a log cabin off Route 68 as an information kiosk for tourists coming to the borough.

The structure also would help newcomers identify the entrance to Harmony, which is easily missed by people unfamiliar with the area, according to Historic Harmony President John Ruch.

The structure would be placed on the triangle across from the former Kasing Dodge property on Route 68. The small plot of land, owned by the borough, will either be leased or donated to Historic Harmony for the information kiosk.

The project is designed to stimulate tourism, Ruch said, as well as to promote businesses in the borough. The log cabin would have brochures and walking maps available on its porch.

The cabin would provide travelers with an easy landmark to identify the town, Ruch said, as well as simultaneously promote the borough as a historical hamlet.

"Some people drive right by and never know the entrance to Harmony is even there if they're unfamiliar with it," he said. "Business people I've talked to are very enthusiastic. They all like the idea and think it's a terrific opportunity to help attract attention to the main entrance to town. I haven't really heard any negatives so far."

Ruch said the cabin dates back to the early 1800s, although its exact history is unknown. He said it used to be on Textor School Road but was donated several years ago to Historic Harmony by the Carothers family.

Ruch said the cabin was then dismantled log by log and placed in storage. He said it will be reconstructed by volunteers.

The borough won't incur any significant costs for the project since it will be paid for by donations to Historic Harmony, Ruch said. He said he is not sure what the next step will be or when it could happen, although he has to work out the final details of the plan with borough officials.

The only part of the log cabin that will be used by tourists will be the cabin's porch. The inside of the cabin, Ruch said, will be for storage and won't be made available to the public.

Ruch said the idea for the information kiosk isn't new. He said it is more than 10 years old but previously was impossible because Kasing Dodge used the triangle to park cars there. But the business isn't there anymore, which freed up the space for the kiosk.

He also said he doesn't see any large roadblocks for the project.

"This is a project that is a community benefit and (borough) council sees it the same way, so I don't know of any real complications that would come up," Ruch said. "We just have to work out the details."

Council President John Rice said the recent huge snowfall has hindered all parties involved because they can't survey the property and make final arrangements for the kiosk. He also tabled the motion at last month's council meeting because the new owner of the former Kasing property voiced concerns about being left out of the loop regarding the triangle of land.

Rice said he still hasn't heard from that property owner but expects there will be a conversation regarding the kiosk at the next council meeting.

Rice remains hopeful if the project goes through, the kiosk will help spur tourism and bring more activity to Main Street businesses.