Thanks all for the input. I will post the results when completed.
The corrugated fasteners are intruding. A few of the pre 50's travel trailers that we have owned had screen doors held together with these. It will add to the charm for me.
I'll take a list of the suggested woods to the lumber store to make my decision based on availability and cost.
Regarding cottonwood: I have only used it for carving spoons and scoops many of which we have used in our kitchen for several years with good results. I have also turned a very nice vessel from cottonwood crotch that sits on our mantel up at our northern Arizona cabin.
Thanks again,
Craig McCormick