Open house, fundraiser planned for historic log cabin house

By Dave Fidlin | SDUN Reporter

For years, it sat derelict and abandoned: a victim of vandalism and neglect.

But a great deal of tender loving care, imagination and hard work has brought the James A. Creelman house – more commonly known as the Historic Log Cabin House – back to life. It is one of University Heights’ oldest landmarks.

Organizers are holding a commemorative event Aug. 18, as a culmination of the neighborhood’s 125th anniversary gala, to celebrate five years of restorative efforts and to look to the future of the dwelling’s place in the community.

In 2008 – coincidentally, the centennial anniversary of the log cabin house – Daniel Ramirez purchased the property. Ramirez, who divides his time between San Diego and Los Angeles, has a history of purchasing distressed homes and restoring them to their former glory.

A number of local organizations, including the University Heights Historical Society and Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO), have lauded Ramirez for his efforts. To date, restoration within the log cabin house has been done at Ramirez’s expense. SOHO honored Ramirez for his work at this year’s People in Preservation Awards, held May 23.

“This was something that was just sitting there, rotting away,” said Kristin Harms, chair of the Historical Society. “But it was also historically designated.”

Since Ramirez acquired the house, he has worked with the historical society and other groups to bring the dwelling back to life. His efforts have included removing the back portion of the structure, which had been in a severe state of decay and was not part of the original 1908 building footprint.

While the original portion of the log cabin was not in as bad of condition, it had problems of its own, including foundational issues that caused it to lean on one side. A number of techniques – including the use of pulleys – have corrected the problem.

“This is something that required quite a bit of patience,” Harms said. “There have been a lot of man hours that have gone into fixing the place up.”

Other structural and cosmetic improvements have included new log siding, cedar shingles, new corbels and trim pieces, decking and the installation of new windows.

At the same time, efforts have been made to restore some of the building’s original artifacts, including a grandiose stairwell, antique glass, doorknobs, door hinges and a front door knocker.

While the property is a gleaming reminder of its past heritage, restorative work continues. The Historical Society is teaming up with Ramirez at the upcoming commemorative event to bring attention to a historic wood railing atop a cobblestone wall along Adams Avenue. The railing is in need of significant work.

“That wood railing is more than 100 years old,” Harms said. “It is literally falling apart, and we are working with a craftsman who is working to restore, and possible replace, portions of it.”

Visitors are asked to pay a $20 admission fee to tour the log cabin, and refreshments will be served. All proceeds will go toward the wood railing restoration.

Originally used by the San Diego Electric Railway Company, the log cabin is immersed within an area of University Heights that has historical significance. The structure is directly across the street from the former Mission Cliff Gardens and Bentley Ostrich Farm.

“This was the Balboa Park of its day,” Harms said of the gardens and ostrich farm. “It was a very popular spot. It drew people from all over.”

The railway company had occupied the log cabin house as recognition of University Heights’ growth. At the time of the cabin’s completion, the railway company completed its expansion of its streetcar system into the area.

Harms, who has lived in San Diego for 20 years, said research and advocacy behind the log cabin’s restoration has given her a newfound appreciation of University Heights.

“It’s very interesting to see how things have changed,” she said. “You look at these old photos and get a glimpse into the craftsman houses that were built in that era. [The upcoming event] is an opportunity for people to take notice. It should be a fun day.”

Ramirez, who deems the log cabin a “jewel” in University Heights, said he is looking forward to giving visitors a glimpse into the historic structure.

“What a great reason to get together with friends and neighbors, and to help restore one of the few remains of Mission Cliff Gardens,” he said.

For more information on events scheduled, visit logcabinparty.com.

AT A GLANCE
WHO: University Heights Historical Society
WHAT: Historic Log Cabin House open house and fundraiser
WHEN: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
WHERE: 4656 North Ave.
TICKETS: $20, includes refreshments; register online at logcabinparty.com; people paying in advance receive walking guide day of event
INFORMATION: email [email protected]