By the late 1950s the John Ware cabin had deteriorated. Members of the Brooks Kinsmen Club stepped in to save it, relocating it to the former day-use area. Volunteers made repairs and local ranching families furnished it to create a 'turn-of-the-century' setting.

John Ware's Cabin

In 1993 the cabin was moved again, but was again in need of major repairs. Estimates for bringing the cabin up to standard ranged from $30,000 to $80,000. Undaunted, the Dinosaur Natural History Association (DNHA) started a John Ware Cabin Restoration Fund that eventually collected over $4500 in public donations. Park staff also continued their efforts to seek funding from various sources.

In 1997 $40,000 was raised: $10,000 from Alberta Environmental Protection; $10,000 from Alberta Historical Resources Foundation; and $20,000 donated by Old Bones Productions of Los Angeles.

In February 1998 Parks Canada was selected to restore the cabin because of their extensive knowledge in repairing historical log structures. The logs were laid by the end of April and left to dry and shrink for one year before the spaces between them could be filled in, a process called "chinking." Finally the cabin was completed in Aprill 2000. New interpretive displays were installed in mid-August 2000, and the cabin was re-opened to visitors in June 2001.

Anyone interested in providing assistance for the maintenance or operations of the John Ware cabin or other park facilities are encouraged to contact the park office.

Restored John Ware Cabin Unveiled in Parks Day Ceremony

Parks Day, July 20 2002 was celebrated at Dinosaur Provincial Park with a special ceremony unveiling the restored John Ware cabin.

Attending as honoured guests were surviving members of John Ware's family, who travelled from their homes in the U.S. to participate. Alberta government representatives included Mara Nesbitt, Executive Assistant to the Honorable Lyle Oberg and John Kristensen, the Assistant Deputy Minister for Parks and Protected Areas.

John Ware's family members as well as John Kristensen and
other park visitors take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony

The event marked the completion of a three-year project that received financial support from the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation and the Dinosaur Natural History Association.

This opening coincides with the15th anniversary of the Dinosaur Natural History Association and the 70th anniversary of the Parks and Protected Areas network.

A highly respected rancher in his time, John Ware's story, his accomplishments and his family's struggle on the land, represents the day to day hardships and rewards that shaped the lives of many Alberta pioneers.

At Dinosaur Provincial Park, in John Ware's cabin, a unique piece of Alberta's history is shared with Albertans and visitors from all over the world.