Battle Creek in Madison County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Skala Timber House
The structure is a masterpiece of ancient Slavic carpentry skills so old they are rare even in Europe. This Czech technique is distinguished from similar methods by the use of thin planks set within a post-and-beam frame. Known as post-and-panel construction, this is the only example in Nebraska. The planks are so skillfully crafted that they rest perfectly upon each other. The unusual two-room arrangement is also an old Czech peasant cottage plan. Noteworthy interior features include the tie beams, and the diagonally-placed willow lathes with mud and straw plaster.
The present roof and porch were built following traditional Czech practice using old lumber donated by Mary Lucht, a descendant of the first pioneers. Window shutters were added for security.
Erected by Parks of Pride Foundation; and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 439.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.
Location. 41° 59.562′ N, 97° 36.016′ W. Marker is in Battle Creek, Nebraska, in Madison County. Marker can be reached from South 4th Street (State Highway 121) 0.1 miles south of West Park Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker and house are located near the northwest corner of Battle Creek City Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 901 South 4th Street, Battle Creek NE 68715, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Battle Creek (approx. 1.1 miles away); Meadow Grove (approx. 7.4 miles away); St. Paul's Lutheran Church (approx. 9.8 miles away); Verges Park (approx. 9.8 miles away); The Meridian Highway: From Canada to Mexico (approx. 12.6 miles away); Barnes Reserve Cemetery (approx. 13.8 miles away).
Also see . . . Post-and-plank Construction.
The method of building wooden buildings with a traditional timber frame with horizontal plank or log infill. This carpentry was widely used from parts of Scandinavia to Switzerland to western Russia.(Submitted on December 31, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 244 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 31, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.