Some things we save because they’re unique, others because they may be valued in the future, though we’re not sure when or why.
Bill Graham
The Dorothy Day log cabin at the Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve fits the unique and hard-to-replace criteria. In late November, myself and others received an email from the Platte County Parks and Recreation asking for ideas to get more citizen usage. A web link led to a survey page to provide inputs, titled Dorothy Day Cabin Activation Ideas.
“The county parks department owns an 1850’s log cabin in southern Platte County,” the lead paragraph said. “It is unused. A renewed effort has started to activate this park asset.”
My lead suggestion is more publicity that the cabin “is available for children’s events, small groups, book clubs and tours. Reserve the Day Log Cabin online below or call 816-858-3419,” according to the county’s website.
I didn’t know that. I doubt that my bluegrass and folk music friends knew that. They would enjoy a small group gathering on a scenic hillside near a log cabin. One that has a bathroom inside for that necessity.
I once visited artist Dorothy Day when she was still living there, and I took a tour after her death when the county was managing the property.
The small cabin is unique. But increasingly in growing Platte County, so is the view from her front porch and yard to the wooded wildlife preserve on the hill across the valley. Day loved nature. People who do would enjoy a visit to this cabin.
The cabin with squared logs sits on a hillside above North Green Hills Road, just north of Missouri 9, in between Riverside and Parkville. Much of the park’s 48 acres are on the hill across the road. Two large, graveled pull-in spots for parking are on that side. A limestone topped path is accessible to the hilltop.
There is also a dirt path on the hillside that leads to a nice nature class area with benches. It is an Eagle Scout project supported by the county and businesses.
Some things that make the cabin and preserve unique also pose challenges. The cabin feels comfortable and interesting when you’re inside. But it is quite small. It is not a pristine pioneer example. Owners including Day’s family made adaptations over the years, adding a garage and some interior spaces. The cabin is both old and adapted to be livable in current times. Part of its charms are shady stone outdoor walkways and a patio. But it’s not built for large tours and gatherings.
Still, how many log cabins do you know of that are still standing in the county? I’ve heard of one disassembled long ago in Weston. A cabin that was inside a frame house at the county’s Platte Ridge Park was disassembled and logs were stored inside the stone shed Day built on the property.
If you know of more log cabins, let me know. Historian W.M. Paxton wrote in his county history about cabin raisings in the 1840s. Saving the small pieces we have left of this history seems like a sensible and conservative approach.
It would help if Platte County had a more dedicated historical aspect of its parks program. Some summer nature and history interpretive programs for youths held on the cabin lawn and in the nearby shed would be nice. But citizens need to step forward, too. Embrace and use this property.
The nature preserve hillside across the valley from the cabin could use more help from Scouts, 4-H clubs, and community groups. High on the list would be invasive species control, especially bush honeysuckle. Getting more acorn-bearing oaks started would be good. The hilltop in the preserve is an old quarry site that was given a first-class makeover with native plants and trails.
I was there on Monday and noticed lots of footprints in the snow and gravel. People are using the trails. Since the county once had much prairie and now has none, the prairie grass there has teaching value.
Parks and historic sites in America are investments for today and for generations long beyond our time. Abraham Lincoln created the now over-crowded Yosemite Park in 1864. By 2064, Platte Countians will be glad someone saved a place in the Missouri River hills charmed by nature and history.
Bill Graham is a long-time commentator on Platte County and its history. He lives in the Platte City area and can be reached at editor@plattecountycitizen.com.