The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors joined the Atlantic Rotary Club on Thursday, November 12th, to celebrate and rededicate Santa’s Cabin in City Park, marking 50 years since the historic log cabin found its home in Atlantic.
Rotary members shared the cabin’s history, which dates back to 1863, when it was built on a farm northeast of Atlantic as a home for an early settler and his family. It later served as a school before additions were built around it, concealing the original log structure. Years later, property owner Charlie Gipple discovered the cabin hidden inside while removing the house.
In 1976, the Atlantic Rotary Club took on the project of relocating and restoring the cabin. Rotarian Everett Britson numbered each log before the structure was dismantled and moved to Atlantic. Damaged timbers were replaced, Rex Moorman completed the tuckpointing, and glacial rock from northern Iowa was used to build the fireplace. With countless volunteer hours, the project cost just $1,180.
The restoration didn’t come without a little excitement! While the logs were stored behind Hawkeye Electric Company downtown, 13 mysteriously disappeared. The Rotary Club turned to KJAN and the Atlantic News Telegraph, asking for their return with a promise that no questions would be asked. Thankfully, all 13 logs were returned, and the restoration continued.
Over the past five decades, the Rotary Club has continued preserving the cabin through restoration projects and improvements. Recent additions include programmable exterior lighting, outdoor heaters and a fireplace insert, made possible with help from community partners.
Today, Santa’s Cabin welcomes approximately 700 children each Christmas season, along with their families. Volunteers help create the magic, from serving hot chocolate to making sure Santa knows a child’s name or even a little something about their Elf on the Shelf.
For the past six years, Ann Johnk of Farmhouse & Flowers has transformed the cabin’s interior into a cozy Christmas wonderland. Her creativity, along with the dedication of the Rotary Club, local businesses and countless volunteers, has helped keep this tradition special for generations.
What began as an effort to preserve a piece of Cass County history has become one of Atlantic’s most beloved Christmas traditions. Fifty years later, Santa’s Cabin continues to bring families together and create lasting memories.
Santa’s Cabin is located in City Park at 10 W. 7th Street in Atlantic. For Santa’s Cabin hours and more information about holiday festivities, visit www.atlanticiowa.com/christmas-in-atlantic.
Pictured Left to Right:
Ann Johnk, Kelsey Beschorner, Steve Andersen, Chris Parks, Emily Kennedy, Dan Haynes, Steve Tjepkes, Ruth Sears, Becky Schroeder, Maggie Robinson, Brianna, Elaine Otte, Jen McEntaffer, Kate Olson, Julie Waters, Kathie Hockenberry, Jeremy Butler, Janet Cappel, Dolly Bergmann
