At Orchard Canyon we have 17 beautiful cabins that each have their own unique story. Have you ever thought to yourself during your stay, “I wonder what these walls would say if they could talk”? We’re excited to paint a picture of what we believe the answer might be.
In part two of our three-part cabin history blog series, we share the information we collected from former owners, Gary and Mary Garland as well as MaryLou Todd (Young), granddaughter of original homesteader, Frank Todd. We are grateful to them for sharing their rich family history and the stories behind our seventeen cabins located just outside of Sedona, Arizona.
Cabins 6 & 7
Original Homesteader, Frank Todd, built cabins 6 and 7 after World War II. Former owner, Gary Garland, says that his favorite cabins are 6 and 7. Gary loves the uniqueness of the way the logs are chinked with quarter round pieces of wood cut by hand by Frank Todd. Frank Todd always built in twos, so cabins 6 & 7 mirror each other. Cabin 7 is special for many reasons, but Gary and Mary Garland are particularly fond of it because when they came back from their honeymoon, they spent the first week or so in Cabin 7.
The original four cabins were small and built for two people. As couples who loved staying at Orchard Canyon began to have children and returned over the years, Frank and Bill Todd began to build larger cabins to accommodate families. These large cabins built by the Todds are cabins 6 & 7 and 8 & 9. Cabins 10 & 11 are also larger, but these were built by the second owners, Gary and Mary Garland.
Cabins 8 & 9
As mentioned above, Cabins 8 & 9 were built while the Todds owned the property. Cabin 8 was built by Bill Todd in 1953 after Frank, his father, died. MaryLou Todd, daughter of Bill Todd, would have sleepovers with her friends in cabin 8. For the children, cabin 8 was the perfect location because it was just far away from the main lodge where their parents and grandparents stayed.
When Gary and Mary Garland purchased the property in 1972, they began to install porches on each of the cabins, as you will find in 8 & 9 and 10 & 11. The Garlands came to find that everyone wanted their own space. They wanted a quiet, private place to relax and unwind. We can’t say we blame them. That is what Orchard Canyon is all about!
Cabins 10 & 11
Gary and Mary Garland built the duplex that makes up cabins 10 & 11. Gary adopted the log cabin design and copied cabins 8 & 9 that Frank and Bill Todd built. The cabins have been on property for almost 50 years. Gary put in the retaining wall and it along with the foundations for cabins 10 & 11 were dug by hand. When Gary first built 10 & 11, there was a sliding door that allowed a family to have access to the entire duplex. This door has since been removed but it is still a great choice for families in need of two cabins that wish to be directly next to each other.
We hope you are enjoying the history of our cabins in Sedona! In our next history post, you will learn why Gary Garland chose to “plant” cabins rather than more peach trees and just who the special five women are that the cabins in the upper orchard are named after.
Need a recommendation for an amazing Sedona resort? Check out Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek for your next Sedona vacation!
If you’ve never been to Sedona or if you are coming back to the area for your next vacation, we have to recommend you come and stay with us here at Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek. We have the luxury you’d expect from an indulgent weekend away but the rustic charm of an off the grid camping trip.
There are 17 cabins to choose from, each one is outfitted with all the luxury amenities you could want while being secluded enough to allow you all the privacy you could want.
Below are some more posts that we think you’ll enjoy if you are new to the area or visiting for a Sedona vacation or business trip!
Sedona Activities For Locals and Visitors Alike:
There is always something new and exciting happening in Sedona. If you are new to the area, coming into town on business, or staying with us for a wonderful Sedona vacation or honeymoon, you may want some activities to keep you busy. These posts will help guide you as you plan your perfect trip. You can get out and enjoy the outdoors, do some shopping, or take in all the natural beauty this region has to offer!
