One of Wayne's most interesting and least appreciated architectural works is the log cabin found on the campus of Eastern University. Built in 1912 by Jonathan Lengel and designed by David K. Boyd, the cabin was part of the Walmarthon estate, an idyllic property with lakes and sprawling grounds. The cabin was one of the most interesting parts of the whole estate, and it was featured with photos and plans in several nationally published architectural journals of the time.

The logs used to construct the cabin were shipped from New England, brought to St. Davids by train and assembled on the site. The complex architecture of the building involved a log in the center of the structure that was chopped away leaving only the top suspended in the roof. The building was a marvel of craftsmanship, as well as the various furnishings, antler chandeliers, etc., which adorned the interior.

When the property was converted into a school in the 1950's, the cabin performed several uses, including boat house and school store. For some reason the building was abandoned some time later, and has sat rotting ever since. Now, the University plans to demolish the cabin on Monday. A group consisting of members of the Radnor Historical Society and the Radnor Conservancy oppose the idea, but it is unclear if their persuasiveness will be enough to delay the demolition.

It was wonderful that Eastern bought the Walmarthon property when it did in the 1950's, as the property would have surely been subdivided by developers if given the chance. The College, and later the University, has preserved much of the character of the Walton's home and grounds, boasting magnificent architecture such as the main house, now Walton Hall, the water wheel and the many beautiful lakes throughout the campus. Unfortunately, the school has neglected one of the most fascinating remnants of the Walton's estate, the unusual log cabin that is unique to this area, and indeed, the country.

Eastern claims that the building is too far in disrepair to be restored, and the blame for this is only theirs. They could have restored the cabin to its original condition and used it for a variety of purposes. It could have become a focal point of the school, even a symbol of its unique history. But instead, they let it rot. They let termites destroy the rare and huge logs that make the structure. They let it sit for so long that now they can use the pitiful excuse that demolition is the only way to go.

Surely an individual or institution should be allowed to do what they wish with buildings and other property under their ownership. What they lose, however, is far greater than an old building. They lose the respect and support of neighbors and anyone who cares about what is being lost.

Update 10/15 : Thanks to the efforts of people including Historical Society president Ted Pollard and Radnor Conservancy member Beverlee Barnes, the University has been convinced to save the cabin and adapt it for re-use. If all goes well, the Eastern adminisration will find a new purpose for the long neglected building, and it will be saved from demolition. According to Pollard, a meeting with architects will be held on Monday, October 16th, the original date of demolition, to discuss possible ways to restore the structure. They will tour the interior, including the basement. Pollard says that resins and other materials could be used to reinforce and restore the logs, which have been damaged by beetles, termites and water over the years. This is truly a great solution, and we can all be thankful that the Walton's cabin will not become the next Sullivan Hall!

Update 12/4 : Eastern has made known its intention to once again attempt to demolish the cabin, on the week of December 11. Much progress had been made since the initial announcement, as members of the Radnor Conservancy and Radnor Historical Society worked diligently to save the historic structure. They were able to get publicity (National Trust for Historic Preservation Online, The Philadelphia Inquirer), yet the high cost of renovating the structure became more apparent throughout this process. Eastern University has given its support to these groups to find a new home for the building, assuming one can be found before the scheduled demolition, and locations such as The Willows are being considered. The complexity of moving such a fragile and unstable structure will surely be an obstacle if this project were undertaken.

So here it is: after much outcry, publicity, hopefullness and a seemingly positive resolution, the fate of the cabin is (once again) in the hands of fate.


Further Reading:

More about the Walmarton estate and the cabin

Eastern's website about the cabin

Suburban & Wayne Times: Residents: Don't axe log cabin

Philadelphia Inquirer: Historic cabin gets a stay of demolition

National Trust for Historic Preservation article