Wilcox Cabin

BY CINDY A. JONES

It’s probably not too big of a surprise to learn that there’s an 1880’s log cabin that you can visit today; after all, Utah is rich with pioneer history, and a few structures are still standing around the state as a testament to the era.

Did you know there’s a furnished, 1880’s traveling cabin right here in Syracuse?

The 255-square-foot cabin was originally built in Kaysville by pioneer William Kay, who arrived in the area around 1849. In 1885, James Wilcox purchased the cabin from Christopher Layton for just $1800 and moved it to 3000 west that same year. In 1905, James deeded the home to his son and daughter-in-law, William and Emily Wilcox. In addition to the home, James gifted William and Emily 160 farmable acres around the home. William and Emily had 10 children, two of which were born in the cabin.

William and Emily moved out in 1911, and in 1912, the cabin was moved from its original site about a half-mile east, to Delbert Wilcox’s property. Delbert built some partitions inside the cabin and used the structure as a granary on his farmstead. In 1971, William’s son decided the cabin should be preserved, and Delbert’s son-in-law, Lawrence Briggs, who was farming the land at that time, agreed. The Wilcox family also decided the cabin should be moved back to as near its original Syracuse (and secondary) location as possible. Due to an early thaw that winter, the ground was muddy, and the project was put on hold. Finally, in February 1972. the cabin was moved back to its secondary location at 3000 west using a large flatbed trailer.

Wilcox family members pitched in to help restore the cabin. They added mortar between the structural timbers and painted the interior walls fresh white. A floorboard under the front door that was decaying due to years of Northern Utah winters was replaced. Furnishings, rugs, and other staples from the late 1800s and early 1900s were added to the cabin, such as a pantry cupboard, a wooden wash bench, a china cupboard, a cast iron bed, and even an antique organ. The Wilcox family’s descendants continued to restore and preserve the cabin for many years and even held family reunions at the sweet and humble home.

In 2006, Milton and Joyce Wilcox donated the cabin to the Syracuse Regional Museum, and the cabin was moved a final time from the Wilcox farm to its final home on 1700 South, or Antelope Drive, in Syracuse. The structure was moved carefully, using large trucks and air bags and never had to be disassembled.

Because of the Wilcox family’s care and dedication in restoring this log home, visitors can see the cabin and give a nod of appreciation to our pioneer predecessors at the Syracuse Museum today.

Looking back, history stories are fun to read. If you have an idea for a great article, please contact cindy@connectionpub.com

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