Who hasn't heard of a needle-in-a-haystack?  Even in this day and age, they can be found.  One particular example dots the landscape at 1110 Chestnut Street, Lebanon.  Plucked from the Path of the bulldozer in 1975, and stripped of 200 years and fourteen truckloads of modernizations, this three-bay, 1-1/2 story Germanic log house is indeed a needle in a haystack of more modern structures.  Pre-Revolutionary in origin, the Chestnut Street Log House dates to the time of George Steitz, when Lebanon was called Steitztown.

Most of the original logs and enough of the remaining fabric have made possible an authentic restoration.  The fireplace has been rebuilt, a more authentic roof has been installed, and the interior stairway leading to the loft was reconstructed along period lines. Interior walls have been replaced, effectively showcasing the typical three-room floorplan of kitchen, stube (living area), and kammer (parent's bedroom).

Donors are now being sought to underwrite individual room restorations. Naming contributions are available. Please call 273-1716 for specifics.

The Chestnut Street Log House is open-to-view on Wednesday afternoons during July and August and at other times by appointment or event. Refer to our ad in this guide.

We do do do tours!  Call 273-1716 for fee schedule.  Memberships in the Friends of the Chestnut Street Log House can be had for only $5.00 per year. Join now and become a part of the rescue operation for this needle-in-a-haystack!