It doesn’t look like a log cabin, you say, but in fact it is a common style log cabin of the early part of the 19th century. Logs were “squared” and placed one upon another. Then clapboard was placed on the outside to protect the logs from weather and to provide additional insulation. In this case walnut siding was used with a linseed oil applied for protection. Lathe and plaster were often added to the inside walls.
This is the only structure the Friends of Arrow Rock has moved to the village. Originally built in 1838, it was located southeast of Marshall,
Missouri, and was known as the “old Shelby place.” A portion of the original house and one chimney were disassembled piece by piece, numbered and reconstructed in Arrow Rock, which took nearly five years. The work was done by J. Logan Buntin of Napton; he was 92 at the time of dedication.
You’re likely to hear this log cabin referred to as the “Doctor’s Museum.” That’s because from 1976 to 1998 it was the home of a collection of medical equipment gathered by the late Dr. John Lawrence. In 1998 the collection was divided, with 20th century medical items donated to Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, Missouri, and 19th century medical items used in new exhibits at the Sappington Museum.
While the shop is shown regularly on tour, to see gunsmiths at work, attend the Annual Heritage Craft Festival the second weekend of October.
The Friends of Arrow Rock are also proud to own the Christopher Collection of Early Missouri Firearms on display throughout the year in their Main Street Office. The collection is the gift of Byron Christopher Shutz.
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