The Log Cabin, Eastern University (1915-2008)

Constructed in 1912 as part of the Walton Estate, this large building was designed to resemble a log cabin. It included spaces for entertaining along with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an apartment for the caretaker. The Log Cabin later became part of the Eastern Baptist College campus and became a hub for student life, complete with a books store, barbershop, and other student essentials. A beloved memory for students of Eastern Baptist College (later Eastern University), the once-iconic building suffered neglect and was demolished in 2008. A plaque remains on the spot where it stood.

Construction on the Log Cabin began in 1912, under noted architect David Knickerbacker. Besides being a staple of Eastern University culture for years, it was one of the first clubhouses built on American soil. In Europe, it was common for affluent families to build clubhouses so they could escape the demands of their daily lives and pretend to live a more rustic, down-to-earth life.  

When construction was completed in 1915, the Log Cabin stood larger than most houses at the time. It was built in an L shape, with a lounge for relaxing and entertaining, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an apartment for the caretaker. When the property was obtained by Eastern Baptist College, it became a sort of hub for student life. It housed a barber shop, a book shop, and a snack bar. Students began to carve their names into the log mantle above the fireplace. When the first yearbook was published in 1953, it was titled The Log, in honor of this little rite of passage.

Of course, change occurs. The snack bar was removed, perhaps to make room for the music annex. Students continued to use the area to socialize until the 1980s, when the Log Cabin was officially closed down due to concerns about the deteriorating condition and a bug infestation.  

No one wanted to see the Log Cabin go, and there were multiple investigations from individuals on and off campus to see what could be done about restoring it to its former glory. The Radnor Conservancy had a structural engineer visit and do his own inspection in 2006. The National Trust for Historical Preservation donated $2,000 to help pay specialists - such as an entomologist and a structural analyst.  

Despite the love for the Log Cabin, it was torn down in December of 2009. Former Vice President of Student Development Bettie Ann Brigham is quoted as saying “I was very sad watching it come down. When I was a student, I had class there.” Since that time, a plaque has been added to commemorate the location.  

Baird, J. (1984). Great House

Denton, O. (2010). Beloved log cabin leveled unexpectedly. The Waltonian https://waltonian.eastern.edu/archive/beloved-log-cabin-leveled-unexpectedly/

Weiderman, J. (2006). Potential ways to preserve log cabin are explored. The Waltonian https://waltonian.eastern.edu/archive/potential-ways-to-preserve-log-cabin-are-explored/