The Wetzel Christian Log Cabin, built in 1857. Read the history of this log cabin below the pictures.

Our Director, Diana Hermann recently checked out the Wetzel Cabin in Junction City, Kansas. This cabin was built in 1857 and was moved in the last few years to the Spring Valley Historic Site. Along with the cabin, there was a one-room school house. This was a fun evening excursion and provided a great photo op, even though the cabin and school house was not open. It is necessary to call ahead of time for a tour.

The Christian Wetzel Cabin, which was built on the banks of Clark's creek southeast of Junction City in 1857, was constructed for Louis Kettlass by Isaac H. Loder at a cost of $225.00. After Kettlass died, Wetzel purchased the cabin on November 13, 1860, and his family moved into the house shortly thereafter.

The Wetzels lived in the cabin for approximately four years, and during that time the first services in Kansas of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod were held in their home. The Rev. F. Wingen Lange was sent as a missionary to the Clark's Creek settlement and preached his first sermon in the Wetzel cabin on August 13, 1861. He reportedly made his home in the upstairs room of the cabin until 1863.

In June, 1864, the cabin was sold to Samuel E. Turner for $750.00, and until 1925 it was used as a residence by various families. The Kansas District Lutheran_Laymenis League decided to restore the structure in 1955. It was moved to a new location at the K-57 and 1-70 interchange east of Junction City and was established as a Lutheran historical site and museum.

Although the structure also has significance to the religious heritage of Kansas, it is being nominated to the Register as a build¬ing of architectural importance. As far as log cabin architecture is concerned, the Wetzel Cabin is unique. Most cabins are simple rec¬tangular structures, but it features a central open passage completely through the building. As far as can be determined, this was an un¬usual type of log cabin construction for Kansas. The state-wide sur¬vey has not yet located any other cabins of comparable design.

Wetzel Cabin moved at least 3 times in it's history.  The last in 2003.

It has been difficult for the Lutheran Historical Society to maintain and protect the cabin at the roadside location and for several years efforts have been made to transfer the structure to the Geary County Historical Society, with the objective of having the cabin moved nearer the GCHS museums. This transfer occurred on the 31St of January 2003. Part of the understanding that preceded the transfer was that the cabin would be relocated to the GCHS' s rural Spring Valley Heritage Site and placed on adjacent land that had been donated for this purpose by descendants of a member of the original Lutheran parish. It was felt by all that this rural location would reflect more accurately the original setting and environment of the cabin, as well as generate greater visitation and use. It will also be easier to protect and maintain the structure and minimize vandalism when we own the property where it is located.

The Spring Valley site, three miles west of Junction City is a popular destination for school groups, tours and local visitors and the history and interpretation of the log cabin church would be an added attraction here. Though this would be the fourth move for this historic little building, it is believed it will be its salvation in terms of protection, preservation, restoration, and public access. At its present location the structure is totally out of context. There is no historical association with the site or the neighborhood, especially as it has developed. The cabin was originally built in the early months of 1857 on the banks of Clarks Creek, approximately 4 miles south of its present location. Some of the trees and timber that lined the banks of the stream were cut down to build the cabin, which faced the road that ran to east of it. Later the route of the road was changed so that it ran along the west or back of the house, which had no windows on that side.

Russell Bradley, who was born in the cabin in 1874 described in a letter the environs of the homestead during the time his mother lived in the cabin. (From 1865 to 1888) "When we lived there, there was a wide porch the full length of the east side...Mother made a very pretty east yard and she had a lot of trees, mostly box elder and cherry and a gooseberry hedge around the yard...There was a very good well—the best water on Clarks Creek—on the west side. Travelers used to stop and water their horses there and have a drink of that good water."

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