Walker-Ewing Log House

By Leepaxton at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Location:

1355 Noblestown Rd, Oakdale, PA 15071

Description:

The Walker-Ewing Log House, located in Collier Township near Rennerdale, Pennsylvania, is a significant example of 18th-century frontier architecture. Constructed between 1762 and 1790, this log house was originally built by Gabriel Walker, a Scots-Irish immigrant who settled in the area with his brother Isaac. The property was part of a 437-acre tract granted to Gabriel Walker for his service in the American Revolution. The house remained in the Walker family for over two centuries, with ownership passing to the Ewing family through marriage, and later to the Glass family.

Architecturally, the house features hand-hewn log construction with squared-off timbers and traditional notching techniques. It includes a distinctive single chimney serving six fireplaces, arranged in a herringbone pattern across two floors and a basement. The structure also originally featured an attic space, accessible via a steep ship's ladder, where children would sleep in a loft area. The house is furnished with period-appropriate pieces, providing a glimpse into the living conditions of early American settlers.

In 1973, the house was donated to the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) and was later transferred to the Pioneers West Historical Society in 1998. In 2020, ownership was assumed by the Allegheny Land Trust, with a conservation easement held by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, ensuring the long-term preservation of the property.

The Walker-Ewing Log House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and designated a Historic Landmark by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation in 1970. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's early settlement history and is preserved for public education and appreciation.