Nancy Dever, director of the Madison County Historical Society Museum, stands in front of the Kitchen House, one of the first log homes built in London, now preserved on the Historical Society grounds. Dever portrayed the house’s original owner, Betsy Kitchen, at a recent event to raise funds for repairs to the structure.
(Posted May 18, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The Kitchen House, one of the first log homes in London, needs some tender loving care.
Built in 1824, the two-story structure originally stood on North Union Street, near the county courthouse. In 1993, the Madison County Historical Society moved the building to its museum grounds, where it underwent a thorough restoration.
While the home’s interior remains sound, time and the elements have once again taken a toll on the exterior. Some logs need to be replaced and all need to be re-chinked. The estimated cost is $15,000.
To help raise money for the project, the Historical Society hosted a dinner on May 21 at the museum. As a special treat for dinner goers, museum director Nancy Dever will portray Elizabeth “Betsy” Kitchen, the home’s original owner.
“Betsy Kitchen was a courageous pioneer. She was acclaimed by her family as quite the entrepreneur,” Dever said.
Born in 1790 in Virginia, Betsy and her first husband, Robert Shanklin, had five children. Widowed at age 30, Betsy moved to Madison County, Ohio, and later married Stephen Kitchen. Records show that at one time she owned two lots on Union Street. She eventually sold both to a local weaver. She died in 1850.
“Widowed at 30 with five children to raise, she sought out our town. She left her familiar home to make a very dangerous journey, traveling near 500 miles through hostile country for that chance to better herself and to survive. Her home, now ‘our’ home, is a tribute to that outstanding woman,” Dever said.
Most of the home’s logs are original. The furnishings are not, but are period appropriate and from museum collections. Among the home’s adornments are photos of Betsy and one of her sons. The home was donated to the Historical Society by London resident Geraldine Henry.
“What a precious gift to Madison County,” Dever said.
As for the importance of investing in the preservation of such history, Dever added, “By venturing into the lives of our pioneers, we grasp a pioneering spirit in our own life.”
To make a donation toward the Kitchen House restoration project, make checks out to “Madison County Historical Society” and mail them to 260 E. High St., London, OH 43140.
For more information about the Madison County Historical Society, call (740) 852-2977.
