Our "Log Home " was built circa 1840 and stood for almost fifty years on what is now the corner of West Main and Walnut Street. Tradition says it was first occupied by a family named Ryan. Shortly thereafter, it became the residence of Dr. Robert Chamberlain and his wife, the former Rebecca Taggart. Born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Robert Chamberlain came to fairfield County, Ohio as a boy, and to Columbiana County at age twenty.
He read medicine as was the custom then, under Dr. Town, and subsequently graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He established a practice in East Palestine as the first resident physician. His practice lasted 30 years. In addition, he served as a surveyor for the Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad, helping lay out the line from the Ohio River to Salem. He established the first store of any consequence and the only one of any importance for many years.
When the post office was established in 1836, as one of the town's dominating citizens he became the first postmaster.
He also found time to serve as township trustee in 1834, township clerk in 1839 and county surveyor in 1844.
After Dr. Chamberlain's death in 1876 and prior to 1886, the Log House was moved to what is now 36 North Walnut Street.
Old records show that the new site was made up of property purchased from Mrs. Chamberlain and George Renshaw by George Young in 1896 and sold by him in 1903 to David and Emma Cassiday.
In 1908, it was purchased by L.L. Wilson who sold it in April of the same year to John (or Johan) and Maria Spieler.
Mr. and Mrs. Speiler sold it in turn to John and Mary Chuck who lived there for 17 years.
The Chucks then sold the property to Mr. Chuck's sister and her husband, John and Mary Bozick who lived in the house longer than any of the others - 51 years. In 1978, Mary Bozick, a daughter of John and Mary gave the house to the East Palestine Area Historical Society. Once more it was moved, this time to its present location at 555 Bacon Avenue on property owned by the City Park.
It has been restored as closely as possible to its original appearance.
Notice of Meetings
Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at the log house on Bacon Avenue, 7:00 pm for Trustees, 7:30 for regular meeting.
Monetary contributions or artifacts can be sent to :
The East Palestine Area Historical Society
P.O. Box 176
East Palestine, OH 44413Books on Local History:
Books on Local History the parks/churches and cemeteries are available. Call 330-426-2898 or 330-426-2788 to purchase them.