Hewn Log Farmhouse

  Local dirt farmers were poor and often built their homes using the trees on their farms.  The village's log home was built by Christian Dettweiler about 1883. Dettweiler was a farmer and a carpenter, as well as a Mennonite minister. He helped others build their homes as well as the church, which has also been moved to Heritage Village.  One of his daughters told how, as children, they would lay the floorboards in place in their new home for their father to nail when he returned from work in the evening. Originally this house had only an extended stovepipe through the roof to serve as a chimney. This often caused fires. There was always a ladder and pails kept near for the family's protection.  In case of fire, the children were taught to draw water from the well with the ever-ready buckets, and carry them up the ladder to their mother waiting above. She always succeeded in putting out the fire with their help.

The farmhouse was moved from Brutus, 13 miles south of the village.

Society members started work on the exterior in 2009 and expect to finish it during this summer (2011). Finding logs to replace the huge timbers of the original logs was difficult, but finally boards were found of the proper width to face a stud wall that will support the house. After finishing the exterior, work will begin on the interior.