Open house planned at the Log Cabin Village Sunday to showcase 19th century log cabins

QUINCY — The Friends of the Log Cabins will be the host of an open house at the Log Cabin Village on Quinsippi Island from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Interpretive guides will explain the history and importance of these 19^th century log cabins, which feature original logs from structures built in this area.

These local cabins have all been donated by area families to preserve for posterity the heritage of an era when they served as the primary structures of households and public buildings. This village includes a corn crib, a smokehouse, a chapel known as the “Lord’s Barn” built by the Quincy Knights of Columbus Council #583 (the site of several recent weddings), a general store, an herb garden and other cabins which show how people lived and conducted their lives.

Work on the village is conducted by the Friends of the Log Cabin, a non-profit organization founded in 2017 after the Quincy Park District signed a lease with them to assume care and preservation of these historic cabins. From 1968 to 1972, the village was part of an entertainment complex run by the Park District which included a sky ride and tram.

The FLC has been refurbishing the Fraser Cabin and raising it above flood level. This work included a week-long chinking and daubing workshop conducted by nationally-recognized log cabin restorer Joe Gallager of Idaho. PBS featured this workshop in a recent show on “Illinois Stories.”

The FLC also holds periodic work days and always is looking for help. Several local Eagle Boy Scout projects have enhanced the village over the years, reflecting the community’s ongoing involvement in this endeavor.

The FLC will celebrate its 15^th anniversary at the village on June 9. Current members and former board members are invited.

The Log Cabin Village is available for visitors to take self-guided tours whenever the park is open. Contact the FLC for guided tours.