LOG CABIN, DIXON, ILLINOIS ?

[Cliff Krainik]

LOG CABIN AT DIXON, ILLINOIS?

We recently acquired an original 1860s photograph identified in pencil on the verso as "J.M. He(a)ckman, Dixon, Ill."

The 4 by 2 1/2 inch wet-plate albumen photographic print is on a paper mount and dates from the early 1860s. This format is generally refereed to as a carte de visite - that is, a visiting card photograph.

images.andale.com/f2/116/104/7566189/1057246657611_CDVcabinFULL.jpg [/img]


Can anyone provide information about J.M. He(a)ckman of Dixon, Ill. ? I would also appreciate any comments regarding the architectural style and construction of the cabin.

images.andale.com/f2/116/104/7566189/1056391767476_CDVcabinDT2.jpg[/img]


Thank you.

Cliff

[Greg Carter]

Cliff,

I may be mistaken but that appears to be the same cabin currently sitting at the Lincoln memorial in Dixon (without a repaired roof and added veranda), judging by the height of the building above the door and the placement of the window. I am going down that way on Sunday and I will look and see.

GMC

[Cliff Krainik]

Wow. I really appreciate your instant reply and keen observations, Greg.

Are you referring to the log cabin in Dixon, Illinois right near the river and adjacent to the full length statue of Captain Lincoln with Civil War era sword?

Good luck with your investigation and thanks for taking on this research.

Cliff

[Greg Carter]

Cliff,

Excuses to travel for research? ANYTIME!

The reason I took the cabin in your photograph is because it has many of the same features on the tavern/cabin down at the riverfront in Dixon, where the Lincoln statue is. I initially thought the cabin to be a farce, (even though it is quite old in construction regardless of actual age) thinking that it was similar to the "cabin" located at the Kellogg's Grove monument near Kent, IL, which is said to be an original cabin from the time period. (but dare I question how the cabin became build of railroad ties in the 1830's?)

Anyhow, I am happy to go down and have a look and see what I can find out for you. If I can do it on one of my days off I will make an appointment with the Ogle County Historical Society and seek their input also.

As a side bonus I can drive by and poke fun at the "Nearly Nude Black Hawk Escapes the Crypt Keeper" statue in Oregon at Mix Park.

GMC

[Greg Carter]

Dissapointing news. the cabin at Dixon's ferry is not the same as the one depicted above. I will be returning for more research on the subject.

GMC