Nothnagle Log House - The oldest Log Home in the States, Gibbstown, New Jersey

“A log cabin symbolized the embrace between civilization and nature, humans literally wrapping the trees around them as they might draw on a coat and hat.”

Gene Logsdon

How would you like to visit or even buy a part of our country's history? Now is your chance with the  C. A. Nothnagle Log House, also known as Braman-Nothnagle Log House that is sitting on the side of Swedesboro-Paulsboro Road in Gibbstown, New Jersey. This log home has been passed by many people who never knew the story of this home nor gave it any notice. Only when you stop, can you notice the sign outside the log home stating it is the oldest surviving log cabin in the United States and the possibly the oldest log cabin that was kept in place in the world. Impressive for a small town like Gibbstown to have such an amazing historic relic in their midst.

The quaint 16’ x 22’, 352 square foot log home was built back around 1638 by a Finnish settler named Antti Niilonpoika (Anthony Neilson was his Americanized name) who came to settle in the New Sweden Colony along the Delaware River. It appears he was doing pretty well financially since most homes were not as large as his home. Can you imagine that most homes were only 12’ x 12’? At one time, there was a least six people living in this home. Each night, they would have to roll out their bed rolls so they could sleep most likely in the loft and then in the morning put them away to have extra room.

When Anthony built this home, he used no nails and only used hardwood pegs as fasteners. He used full dovetail joints to keep the logs together and put in a couple removable logs for air circulation when it was needed. He built a lovely brick fireplace in the corner of the home from bricks that were most likely brought over by ship. At the time, his floors were just dirt floors and were not converted to a wooden pine floor until around 1730. Can you imagine the dust and what it was like during a heavy rain or snow. They used this room for making dairy products and cutting meat.   

The historic log home was lived in until 1918. Now this home is owned by Harry and Doris Rink who bought this home in 1968 and were married on this property. Harry Rink lived nearby as a child in the 1940’s and would come over to help the owner take care of this property. Harry, who is 88 and counting, and Doris still maintain this property and do everything by hand including, Harry getting clay from Salem County and filling the cracks of the log home meticulously as it was done when the home was first built.

The Rink’s have added a two story home with three bedrooms and a bath to the home which is where  they live. They do give tours for free to show people how people lived in the 1600’s. Inside this log home are many artifacts including a spinning wheel, an antique 300 year old pair of shoes, an ax, an antique hat, and over the fireplace is hung ironware from Scandinavia from the 1590’s. Everything is in great shape.

This home is currently for sale, so now is your chance to live in history. It is up for sale for 2.9 million dollars and will only be sold if it will be maintained as it has been and people allowed in for tours. Harry and Doris come with the deal until they pass and will maintain the home and will give the tours. UPDATE:   Harry Rink passed away in 2018.  Here is a link to his obituary.   It now sits on 1.3 acres and also includes a 16’ well, garden, and barn. It may seem a little steeply priced but the home comes with all the antiques and heirlooms.

I wish this home was open the day we stopped by but it was a Sunday and it was not open. If you contact them, they will give you a tour. They can be contacted at 856-423-0916 or if you just want to see the home, it is located at 406 Swedesboro Road, Gibbstown, New Jersey.  They are proud of this place and rightly so. It is a true gem. Stop by and sit a spell. Bye for now.