The Old Settlers' Log Cabin
In the early part of 1894 an idea to build a lasting
tribute to the early settlers of the Rock River Valley area was
conceived. The Old Settlers" Association which was founded in 1871 by
W. H. Haskell, Editor of the Amboy News and had among them many
prominent citizens of Dixon and Lee County that would take charge of
the project.
At the request of John L. Lord, President of the Lee County Old
Settlers' Association at the time, members of the organization were
asked to cut a tree growing on their property, initial it, and haul
it to a site northeast of Dixon which was selected for the
construction of what would become known as the "Old Settlers'
Memorial Log Cabin." The site of the cabin would be in what was known
then as Lloyd's Park as it was decided the location would be an
appropriate one because it was here that Indian Chief Black Hawk and
his people once hunted and fished, and made one of the last struggles
to retain possession of the beautiful Rock River country. It was to
be situated on ground high over the nearby Rock River.
The cabin was constructed with white oak and black walnut logs,
many of which were over 100 years old at the time of their cutting
and were taken from farms throughout the county. The structure at the
time measured 18 by 24 feet and the inside height measured 7 1/2 feet
from the floor and it was reported to be "nicely dressed in pine to
the rafters." This was a structure built more vigorous than by early
day pioneers and built to withstand the ravages of time and weather
for generations to come. A building and a view that many who visited
the area always appreciated.
The cabin at the time was decorated with an old shotgun, a fly
trap, a hatchet, and a hammer. Also a spinning wheel occupied one
side of the fireplace and a hickory chair covered with a bedspread
the other side.
An old fashioned Bible, candle sticks, a candle mould, and a
unique and priceless collection of books.
By August of 1894, the Log cabin was completed and on August 14th
dedication ceremonies were held. Judge John D. Crabtree was the
principal speaker and stated, "That Old Log Cabin is a worthy
memorial to the pioneer spirit, personified in its best and greatest
degree in the immortal Abraham Lincoln." In years to follow it was
the scene of many gatherings from the Rock River assembly and would
be in the shadows of the famous Chataugua Park Auditorium.
When the Assembly was disbanded the grounds around the cabin were
purchased by Mabel D. Shaw and the Log Cabin was then said to be on
property known as "Shaw"s Park", a title which remained until Mrs.
Shaw"s death. It was in the early 1940"s that the kitchen area was
added to the cabin and was rented out. The heirs of Mrs. Shaw
eventually sold the property to Harry D. Newcomer.
It was during 1967, that Mr. and Mrs. Newcomer offered the Log
Cabin which had fallen into a state of general disrepair, to the Lee
County Historical Society providing that the group remove the wooden
structure from the property. Permission was received from the
Illinois Department of Conservation and Department of State Parks and
Memorials to place the Log Cabin on state owned property that was
formerly the site of the old Fort Dixon.
Now the task of securing the necessary financial resources,
labor, and materials to make the dream of preserving the Log Cabin a
reality began. Not only had Mr. and Mrs. Newcomer donated the cabin
but were one of the early contributors of a great many civic and
historically minded individuals that made it possible for future
generations to take a step back in time.
It was on March 4, 1969 that the Log Cabin was moved from its
location of 75 years to its permanent home in Lincoln Statue Park.
The great task of moving the cabin from its location over some two
miles of city streets was accomplished in one day. It was moved fully
intact, with the exception of the fireplace. Once the cabin was
on-site the fireplace was reconstructed exactly as it had been at the
old site.
On August 17, 1969 the Rededication of the Old Settlers' Memorial
Log Cabin was held with an afternoon long program of events. Since
then it has become a well known tourist stop and a constant reminder
to all who visit of the proud heritage passed on by the early day
pioneer and their families.
Today there are antiques and articles that belonged to early day
settlers families, including the John Dixons', which are on display.
The Settlers' Cabin is maintained by the Lee County Historical
Society, which staffs the small museum for tours when it is open.
Guides are also made available to groups during the week.
Appointments for these tours may be made through the Lee County
Historical Society by calling (815) 284-1134. The cabin is open for
tours from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial
Day through the Labor Day weekend.
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the Lee County Historical Society. They are not to be reproduced,
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and education. These pictures may not be used without the expressed
written permission of the Lee County Historical Society.