Picture this a sturdy log cabin nestled among the trees. This is the Anita Willets Burnham Log House. It’s the oldest log structure in Cook County Illinois. Built around 1837 it boasts a rich history. The Schmidt family German immigrants first owned it from 1841 to 1870. They raised their family within its walls adding clapboard siding and a wood floor.
Then in 1917 artist Anita Willets Burnham discovered the house. She fell in love with its charm. For a mere $25 she bought it. However the land wasn’t included. She spent $100 more to have it moved by horse-drawn wagon to 1407 Tower Road in Winnetka. This wasn’t the end of its travels.
Anita added onto the log house. She used it as her home and art studio. She taught art classes there too. The Willets Burnham family lived there until 2001. They donated it to the Winnetka Historical Society. The house moved again. Its new home is Crow Island Woods. This move was a massive undertaking. Joan Evanich and the Historical Society’s team worked tirelessly. They carefully moved and restored it. The log house opened to the public in 2006. It’s now a museum.
The Anita Willets Burnham Log House is a testament to perseverance. It’s also a window into the past. Visitors can explore its unique architecture. They can learn about the families who lived there. They can experience life in 19th-century Winnetka. The house shows how much has changed. It also demonstrates how much remains the same. The log house stands as a symbol of community. It’s a place where history comes alive. The story of this remarkable house continues to inspire us. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our heritage. So take a moment to appreciate this piece of living history.