On September 10, the Allegheny Land Trust announced it has assumed ownership of the historic Walker-Ewing Log House and surrounding grounds in Collier Township, Allegheny County.
The Trust and former owner, the Pioneers West Historical Society, said the transfer of this landmark was initiated to ensure the long-term preservation of the iconic structure and land it rests upon.
Located on Noblestown Road and alongside Pinkerton Run near its confluence with Robinson Run, the home was built c. 1762 – 1790 by one of Western Pennsylvania’s original pioneer families. It has a rich and multi-generational history as an active homestead with descendants of the original pioneers living in the home until 1973.
It has been maintained largely in its original state over the centuries, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The log home has been owned and cared for by the Pioneer’s West Historical Society (PWHS), a non-profit private foundation, since 1998.)
“We believe that the long-term interest of the Walker-Ewing Log House will be best served by entrusting it to a reputable, stable and well established organization that is rooted in the conservation of Western Pennsylvania,” said PWHS Treasurer Frank A. Petrich. “ALT is just that kind of group.”
PWHS donated the cabin and a stewardship fund to help defray the cabin’s long-term maintenance costs to ALT in August.
The protection of the cabin and land will not only preserve an important piece of the region’s history, but also contribute to its future by permanently protecting critical green space between Settler’s Cabin Park, Robinson Run, and the nearby Panhandle Trail.
“We are honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of caring for this historic home and unique land,” ALT President & CEO Chris Beichner said. “This is an important corridor for both historic and environmental conservation as the surrounding area continues to face development pressures.”
ALT will own and care for the house and land in perpetuity, preserving it in its historical condition, and plans to offer periodic historic and environmental programming on site in the future.
An added layer of conservation protection has been placed on the property in the form of a conservation easement that will be held by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. This easement will serve as a back-up layer of protection in the unlikely event that ALT would be unable to fulfill its commitment at some point in the future.
“We’re pleased to partner with ALT to ensure a forever-preserved future of this historic cabin and green space,” WPC President & CEO Tom Saunders said.
For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Allegheny Land Trust website.
[Posted: Sept. 10, 2020] PA Environment Digest
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