	Van Wert County Historical Society 602 N. Washington Street Van Wert OH 45891 Phone 419 771-9851 Open on Sundays from 2-4:30 p.m. March through November Special group tours by appointment
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Log House

The LOG HOUSE was a gift from Harold and Janet Merkle in 1997. It was originally built in Harrison Township during the 1860s and bought by William and Walter Merkle in 1925. Harold Merkle grew up in this house. It is an unusual design--the corner posts are vertical and the logs are dovetailed into the corner logs. The restoration project, funded by a group of individuals and businesses who appreciated the value of such an addition to the museum, was completed in the Fall of 1998. The first floor has an old black Germania stove, an old cupboard, a mammy’s bench, as well as other furnishings. The upstairs has three wonderful old rope beds with quilts, a cradle, and a loom.

	The big wood/coal cookstove.

	The wedding suit and dress worn by Julius Friedly and Ida P. Oechsle who were married in this house in 1909.

	The Lord's Prayer in German, which hangs in the cabin's main room.

	Interior of log house built in 1860's, Germania Cook Stove positioned in center of picture

	Wooden Washing Machine

	Rope-beds in the upstairs

	Double Harness Loom located upstairs

Van Wert County Historical Society
P.O. Box 621
602 N. Washington Street
Van Wert OH 45891

Phone 419 771-9851

Email