New addition to Baker Block Museum's village

The Baker Block Museum will soon add an authentic log cabin for exhibit and living history programs thanks to the generous donation of previous owner, Danny Hall of Pensacola. Hall is a descendant of several Okaloosa pioneer families and wanted to see the cabin preserved.

Myrick House Movers of Baker moved the cabin from its original site on Old River Road, just north of Shockley Springs Road to the museum grounds on August 12th. The project was made possible with funding provided by Okaloosa County and the assistances of Chelco crews and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

Hall’s cousin Marinell Hutto Turner of Baker has help provide a portion of the cabin’s history. According to Turner, her father, Orbie Hutto was born in the cabin in March 1913 and her great grandfather, Will Helms, built it. Although the exact date of construction is unknown, it is believed to have been in the 1870’s and land records are still being researched to determine as many details about cabin’s origin as possible. “The house holds so much history for many north Okaloosa families including, Barrows, Helms, Cooks, Maddens, Huttos and Halls,” stated Turner.
The single pen cabin is 15 feet by 20 feet with a loft sleeping area and made of split pine logs. The cantilever style construction includes two eight-foot porches on both the front and back of the cabin.

The North Okaloosa Historical Association is planning a Heritage/Folk Day at the Baker Block Museum for Saturday, November 5th and will honor Mr. Hall and his family during the day’s activities. Events will include a variety of demonstrations, such as quilt making and shingle splitting, music, food, and activities for the entire family. More details and a schedule of events will be announced in the near future.

Dedication of the building will be during this Festival to be held 9am til 3pm with: three gospel groups, bluegrass/folk band, solo fiddle player, (music & stage area on back porch) Civil War camp (Walton Guard), native American display, flint knappers, shingle making, turpentine tool display, quilter, antique cars, horse & buggy rides, children's activites--shelling & grinding corn. Looking for a spinner and/or weaver, soap and candle maker.

Plans are to sell barbque sandwich plates & hotdogs, also boiled peanuts--the teachers credit union will have a booth and popcorn maker. We plan to reconize the Hall family for the log cabin donation, also others that gave Othitae Post Office and Laurel Hill tool building with plaques for each building.

Mrs Johnson (Daisy's antique store) will be open & taking part.







Note the half round logs and the overlapped boards used instead of chinking.

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