Missouri Germans Consortium

The Essen Family log cabin in Wildwood Missouri built by Gerhardt Rudolph Essen in the 1870’s, was stolen over this past Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend;

The loss of this rare “last of its’ kind” intact and preserved 19th Century homestead is a tragedy to the St. Louis region and to our Nation; The costs to move and restore the home were estimated in the five to six digit area, but the value of this historical heritage to our community and to the Essen family was priceless.

I am hoping that everyone involved in the construction business, wood-working business, furniture-making business, residential/commercial interior or exterior design fields ( fireplace hearths and great room rafters) will be alert to listings on Craigs List and be alert to not so obvious poachers peddling rare log cabin wood for quick money before Christmas;

I believe that they will be caught, and that the wood and materials will be returned to the City of Wildwood for the preservation of this wonderful historical example of 19th Century home building.

I will greatly appreciate it if you will activate your networks to be alert to suspicious activities, and to contact the County Police immediately!

Time is critical now!!!

In Faith,

Dr. Joanie Essen,

Great-Great Granddaughter of G.R. Essen