Irene Heitz Mauzy and Hobart (Hobe) Mauzy owned a 60-acre farm on Cabin Mountain that is the original site of "Driftland". The Mauzys signed an agreement with the Ski Club of Washington, DC, on October 14, 1951. The agreement allowed the Club to access the property and erect facilities needed to operate the ski area. The area was eventually called Cabin Mountain Ski Area. The Mauzys and the Club signed a new agreement on July 3, 1954, giving the club access to the property for ten years. The Mauzys received $100 a year and 15% of the Club's annual net income.

 

In the late 1960s, the State of West Virginia began acquiring property for a state park. Unfortunately, in many cases, the State used its power of Eminent Domain to obtain several tracks. The State consistently offered the owners a price far below market value. In 1967, the Mauzys sued the State. Twelve jurors ruled in favor of the Mauzy family, requiring the State to pay $32,000 for the property.