Kemper Log House facts for kids
The Kemper Log House is a very old and special house in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was built way back in 1804 by a man named Reverend James Kemper. This house is a "double pen" log house, which means it has two main rooms on the ground floor. It was first built on Kemper Lane in the Walnut Hills neighborhood.
Members of the Kemper family lived in this house for a long time, until 1897. It is one of the oldest houses still standing in Cincinnati today! Over the years, the house has moved a few times. In 1912, it was moved to the Cincinnati Zoo. Later, it found its current home at the Heritage Village Museum in Sharon Woods. Today, it is looked after by Historic Southwest Ohio, which helps run the village.
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Discovering the Kemper Log House
The Kemper Log House is more than just an old building. It's a window into the past. It shows us how people lived over 200 years ago. This house helps us understand the early days of Cincinnati.
What is a Log House?
A log house is a building made from logs. These logs are usually stacked horizontally. The corners are often notched to fit together. This creates strong walls. Log houses were common in early American settlements. They were built using materials found nearby.
The Kemper Log House is a "double pen" design. This means it has two main sections or "pens." These sections are joined together. This design offered more space than a single-room cabin. It was a practical home for a family in the early 1800s.
Who Was James Kemper?
Reverend James Kemper was an important person in early Cincinnati. He was a Presbyterian minister. He moved to the Ohio area in the late 1700s. He helped establish churches and communities.
Building this log house in 1804 showed his commitment. It was a place for his family to live. It also represented the growth of the new settlement. People like James Kemper helped shape the future of Cincinnati.
A House on the Move: Its Journey Through Time
The Kemper Log House has had quite an adventure. It didn't stay in its original spot. Over the years, it was moved twice. Each move helped preserve this historic building.
From Walnut Hills to the Zoo
The house was first built in the Walnut Hills area. This was a growing neighborhood in Cincinnati. It stayed there for many years. But as the city grew, things changed.
In 1912, the house was moved. Its new location was the Cincinnati Zoo. This might seem like a strange place for a house! But it was moved there to save it. It became a historical exhibit at the zoo. People could visit it and learn about early pioneer life.
Finding a New Home at Heritage Village
The house stayed at the zoo for several decades. Then, it was decided that it needed another new home. This time, it moved to the Heritage Village Museum. This museum is located in Sharon Woods.
Heritage Village is a special place. It's like a living history museum. It has several historic buildings. They were all moved there to be preserved. The Kemper Log House fits right in. It helps tell the story of early life in Southwest Ohio.
Why is This House Important?
The Kemper Log House is very important for several reasons:
- Age: It's one of the oldest buildings still standing in Cincinnati. This makes it a rare survivor.
- History: It shows us how early settlers lived. It helps us understand the challenges and daily life of pioneers.
- Preservation: Its moves show how much people cared about saving history. It's a great example of historic preservation efforts.
- Education: Today, it serves as a museum. Visitors, especially students, can learn about Ohio's past. They can see what a log house looked like inside.
Visiting the Kemper Log House is like stepping back in time. It helps us connect with the people who built Cincinnati.
