Looking for a new home

**The Bell Log Cabin at Washington Park has not been used in many years and is showing serious signs of deterioration.** Photos by Dan Mundt

The Denison Parks & Rec Commission met with members of the Crawford County Historic Preservation Commission (CCHPC) on Monday to discuss the future of the Bell Log Cabin located at Washington Park in Denison.

The cabin was built in 1857 by Sandlandes Bell about a mile north of Dow City.

In 1926, the Old Settlers Association moved the cabin to Washington Park for use during the county’s annual Old Settlers Picnic.

The cabin has been unused for decades and is deteriorating.

CCHPC member Christy Rickers, an archaeologist from Vail, said a company that specializes in the restoration of old structures will evaluate the cabin next week; she hopes they will be able to provide an estimate of the cost of restoration and a determination of whether moving the cabin is a viable option.

Sam Ellis, the new Denison Parks & Rec director, noted that CCHPC hopes to move the cabin to a location where it could be used for educational purposes.

In the past, the Neal Moeller Environmental Education Center at Yellow Smoke Park in Denison and the Dow House in Dow City have been discussed as possible future locations for the Bell Log Cabin.

Rickers said CCHPC started looking into options for the cabin after learning that it doesn’t fit into the city’s future plans for Washington Park.

Parks & Rec Commission member Jake Segebart asked if the purpose of Monday’s meeting was to make a decision to let CCHPC decide the fate of the cabin.

Ellis said the meeting was a chance to discuss the issue.

He noted that Rickers and Amy Pieper, who was also present, had been in contact with him about the cabin and had also visted Crawford County Conservation Board meetings to discuss options for the cabin at county locations.

Ellis asked the CCHPC members if they wanted the cabin to become something more than it is right now.

Rickers said CCHPC hasn’t received a yes or no from the county.

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**The chimney is no longer connected to the structure and is one of many places where animals can enter.**

The members of the Parks & Rec Commission expressed general agreement that the commission no longer wants the cabin.

Denison City Council Member Dustin Logan said that for the cost of restoring the cabin, Washington Park could instead be enhanced to be usable for more people in the area.

Segebart said the cabin should go to a location where it will be used and not neglected.

Ellis asked if CCHPC would look for grant funds if the decision is made to give CCHPC control of the cabin.

Rickers said the legal aspects of the cabin’s ownership would have to be considered.

Logan said that would be a good question for City Clerk Jodie Flaherty.

Pieper, a deputy in the Crawford County Auditor’s Office, said that office had looked for a deed for the cabin and did not find one.

Denison Mayor Pam Soseman said the city could reach out to legal counsel to look into the question of ownership; Logan agreed with that course of action.

The Parks & Rec Commission members expressed interest in seeing the cabin relocated to a place where it will be used and where vandalism would be less likely; they noted that the vision for Washington Park is different today, and the Bell Log Cabin hasn't been used for anything in recent years, but they also don’t want to see it demolished.

Ellis said the cabin would be a good fit at the Dow House and the living history activities that take place there.

Rickers asked how long CCHPC would have to develop a plan for relocating the cabin.

Parks & Rec Commission member Janelle Brungardt said nothing need be done with the cabin until the new playground is installed at Washington Park, which will be at least next year.

Soseman asked if the cabin’s deteriorating roof should be covered for the winter.

Rickers said she would see what the restoration company recommends.

The writer is a member of the Crawford County Historic Preservation Commission.