Sanilac County Historical Museum

The Banner Log Cabin

This settler's cabin was built in 1882 by Henry Patten and his sons.  A forest fire had destroyed the entire area in September 1881 and most of the pioneers had to build rough cabins for their families.  The Pattens cut the trees that had been partly burned and built the walls of logs which still show the charred scars of the fire.  Elias and Mary Patten were the first to live in this house and later other members of Henry Pattens' family lived in it.  Henry Patten, the father, sold the farm and the houses to William Medcoff and family.  Five genreations of Medcoffs have lived on the farm since then.  Donald Medcoff, great-grandson of William, gave the cabin to the Sanilac County Historical Society in 1973 in order that it could be restored and preserved as a Bicentennial Project.  The building was moved to the Museum at Port Sanilac and restored as a typical settlers home of the 1880's in Sanilac County.

Cabins, such as this, were common throughout Sanilac county in the 1800's.  Many of them were "fixed-up" a few years after being built.  Plaster walls, woodwork and better furnishings were added as the family could afford the improvements. Cast iron stoves were the main source of heat for the homes of the era in this area rather than the earlier fireplaces.  Many of the cabins were covered with siding and rooms were added in later years.

This log cabin home, small and simple, is a striking contrast to the style of the large Loop House.

Museum Open June 7 - August 31 Wed-Fri 11-4 p.m. -- Sat-Sun 12-4 p.m.
Our Victorian Decorated Mansion available for Private Holiday Parties.  Call 1-810-622-9946
Village Church Available for Wedding Rentals, Memorial Services and other events 810-622-9633 or 810-622-9946