The “Donnelly” Log Cabin

The “Donnelly” Log Cabin. . , The log cabin was purchased by the Lucan and Area Heritage Society to enhance the Donnelly Exhibit. It was moved from lot 33, concession 4 in Bruce Township to this location in August 1998., Due to the solid construction of the building, the moving process was easier than many historic buildings. The roof was removed, flipped upside down, and tucked inside the second floor in order to avoid hitting any power lines during transportation. Otherwise it was moved in one piece. In the fall of 1999, Heritage volunteers added a summer kitchen to better match the floorplan of the original Donnelly cabin. Somewhat controversially, a porch was also added to serve as an event stage despite the lack of a front porch on the Donnelly home., The log cabin was likely built in the summer or fall of 1870. The logs are white pine and several rafters still have the original wooden pegs. New cedar shingles replaced the original cedar shingles. Arnold Guse was the last resident to rent the house in the early 1960's., The log cabin has many characteristics similar to the Donnelly family home, which was destroyed by fire during the massacre that occurred in the early morning hours of February 4, 1880. It is here to serve as an analog, to give visitors an idea of what the Donnelly home might have been like., We continue to try and furnish the home as an authentic 19th century farmers cabin, as the Donnelly Family may have had it. Buildings like this one, our barn, and museum building were achieved through the endless hard work of heritage volunteers and the generosity of our community. We remain eternally grateful for their work and support.