Log Cabin Open House
University Heights, one of San Diego’s oldest communities, is celebrating its 125th anniversary all summer long, culminating in an open house on Sunday, August 18th from 1 to 5 pm at the historic James A. and Agnes Creelman House, 4656 North Avenue in University Heights, better known as the Log Cabin House for its unique log cabin style architecture.
Built in 1908, the Log Cabin House is one of the oldest homes in University Heights and derives its name from the unique use of log cabin slab siding. The property was first owned in 1908 by the San Diego Electric Railway Company and is located across from the former Mission Cliff Gardens and Bentley Ostrich Farm. Daniel Ramirez purchased the abandoned and ravaged property in 2008 and then spent several years restoring it to its former glory. His efforts were recently recognized with a People in Preservation Award from San Diego’s Save Our Heritage Organisation.
BBQ and soft drinks will be served and admission to the party is $20, which is payable by PayPal, check, or cash, in advance or at the door. Those registering and paying in advance will recieve a free Cable Cars and Ostrich Feathers Self-Guided Walking Tour of University Heights. All proceeds will help to restore the historically designated wood railing atop the cobblestone wall along Adams Avenue which used to front the former Mission Cliffs Garden, a 20-acre botanical garden developed in 1904 by John D. Spreckels.
People familiar with the condition of the property before its transformation will be delighted at the improvements. New log siding, cedar shingles, milled new corbels and trim pieces, decking, and windows have been installed on the front of the house along with the lodge pole pine poles that support the front balcony. Inside, the original wainscoting and stairwell have been painstakingly refinished and restored, and much of the original antique “wavy” glass remains along with original doorknobs, door hinges, and even the front door knocker.
Ramirez encourages the community to join the celebration of the restoration of the Log Cabin House and the 125th anniversary of University Heights. “What a great reason to get together with friends and neighbors,” says Dan, “and to help restore one of the few remains of Mission Cliff Gardens, the ‘Jewel of University Heights.’”
The University Heights Historical Society (UHHS) was established in 1997 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy. The UHHS is a subcommittee of the University Heights Community Development Corporation (UHCDC), a California Tax-Exempt Non-Profit Corporation Under IRS 501 (c) (3). All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by the law.