Structure

The Shelter House is a two-story, eight room log cabin in a state of preservation that exhibits remarkable detail in colonial log cabin features. It is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited structure in the Lehigh Valley . The Shelter House is recorded in the State and National Register of Historic places.

The original one-story homestead was built in 1734. It was a primitive oak and chestnut log cabin with no foundation below its base logs. The term “continental log house” characterizes the original structure with widely similar Germanic cabins built before the middle of the 18^th century. There exists a three room floor plan with a long, narrow kitchen (Küche) on the west façade with opposing doors. The great room (Stube) east of the central fireplace probably contained a bedroom (Kammer) along the north façade.

As early as 1741 a three room second story was added above the original homestead, along with a two story annex adjoining the west end. These additions incorporated more technically demanding (and structurally superior) saddle bench, or Dutch notch log cabin style.  Chinking between the logs throughout most of the cabin was mud with straw catalyst. Horse hair replaced straw in a small section along the west façade. A basement was dug below the west annex and its interior stairwell imposed upon the original kitchen. The roof above the entire structure as it exists today is supported by the span of 16 hand-hewed, pegged triangular joists, constructed when the addition was built. Some of the beams display distinct characteristics indicating they were used under the previous roof.

Name

The structure was not originally called the Shelter House; that name is of recent origin. It is a rather free English translation of the original German name, ZUFLUCHTSHAUS, which literally means “house or structure to which to flee” in times of danger. The settlers in this area were predominantly German. It was erected as a place of refuge or shelter in case of Indian attack, which never materialized as far as we know. It is assumed that this building was also used for social gatherings and as a temporary shelter for early travelers and new pioneers in search of home sites.

Site Selection

There were two springs and an old Indian trail in close proximity along the northern slope of Lehigh Mountain . A spring was considered the best source of water, essential for any home site. Before roads were built - - often several decades - - Indian trails were used for travel and communications. The trails were too narrow and rough for wagons so the only alternative was horseback or foot - -usually the latter because horses were expensive and were saved for hard farm work. As a result, walking long distances was common. This trail eastward was heavly traveled after Bethlehem , the first town in this area, was founded in 1741. It became a road open to vehicles in 1769.

History

The pioneers of this area were predominantly of Lutheran and Reformed denominations. The ZUFLUCHTSHAUS existed before Moravians arrived in Bethlehem or anywhere in the American colonies. The first log church, a multidenominational community church was erected in 1742, at a site that is now Third and Adrian Streets. This later became a Moravian Church when the Moravian congregation was established in Emmaus in 1747. Then in 1758 the Moravians planned a village here, wherein the first house was built in 1759. The village was named Emmaus in 1761. Previously referred to as Salzburg or Maguntsche about 100 acres of land were donated for this purpose to the Church by two men, Jacob Ehrenhardt and Sebastian Knauss. In other words, the Church owned all the real estate.

It is impossible ot pinpoint or name the individual or group of individuals wheo erected the ZUFLUCHTSHAUS.  They were too busy making history to record it. It is not even certain on whose land it was built. The builder may very well have been a squatter - - one who came and took prsession of the land without bothering to get any legal right or title. So, it cannot be stated categorically just when the first settlers arrived. Only when one applied for a warrant (i.e. land survey and title) were tecords made of name and date of application, often made years after possession was taken of the land. Authorities claim that much of the early settlement in the Lehigh Valley occurred at dates prior to those recorded for issuance of warrants. Two or three decades after the Shelter House was built we know who owned the land in this general area, which was now the southeastern part of town.

After the community no longer had need for the ZUFLUCHTSHAUS it fell into private hands and remained so for over tow centuries. Earliest owners of record were Jacob Ehrenhardt and Philip Kratzer, wo in 1765 sold his holdings to Andreas Goering (Giering). In 1952 Marcus Iobst, in whose family the ZUFLUCHTSHAUS had been for fifty seven years died. It was at the public sate of his assets that these premises were then purchased by a group of foresighted and historical minded individuals interested in restoring and preserving this historical log structure. Henry L. Snyder, Sara Fritch Henry, Oscar T. Iobst, Howard K. Diescher, Peter W. Leisenring, Mary Herbert and Mr. and MRs. Harry Shimer initiated public interest and laid the foundation for the Shelter House Society. Approximately $35,000 were raised in donations and loans for restoring the structure and grounds and building a picnic pavilion.

The name and date of erection were established by the late Judge Richard W. Iobst, a native and lifelong resident of Emmaus and President Judge of the Lehigh County Courts. The acquisition and restoration of this structure was his dream child. He spoke frequently and enthusiastically about its origin and instilled interest and enthusiasm in his neighbor, the late Senator Henry L. Snyder. Although Judge Iobst didn not live to see his dream realized, Senator Snyder, with his drive and expertise, took up the torch and brought the dream to fruition.

In 1963, by mutual agreement, the Borough of Emmaus assumed ownership of the property while the Shelter House Society continues the responsibility for its maintenance and preservation.

Restoration

Extensive structural deterioration necessitated major repair and restoration of the cabin. Accordingly, in 1991, needed repairs were accomplished under the direction of Col. John Yakshe whose expertise with such a complex and ever evolving challenge resulted in a job well done. Hidden deterioration was so extensive that only the timing, scope and quality of the attention given the project saved the cabin from collapse. A state-of-th-art foundation was placed under the original section and preservative was applied to the original logs.

The picnic pavilion was officially dedicated to Emmanuel P. Yeakel in 1992 in commemoration of his generous endowment to the Society. A bridge leading to it had been dedicated decades earlier to Senator Snyder.

Purpose

The Shelter House Society aims to shelter and preserve this historical landmark, its records and lore, and the principles and ideals of the founders of the Republic. We want to remember and show gratitude to our ancestors who laid the foundations and opened so many paths for us. It is also our purpose to nurture interest in our local history.

Membership

Anyone is eligible for membership who believes in and subscribes to the wholesome ideals and fundamental truths taught by our pioneer forefathers, the builders of this Republic. Your support will continue the preservation of this rare, original-condition, log cabin museum for future generations.

Membership entitles you to the Society’s annual publication, the HEARTHSTONE magazine, filled with historical articles and occasional features on the cabin’s colorful background.

The patriots’ Day Dinner in the Spring and the Annual Meeting and Picnic in late summer for members and friends are the two events the Society holds regularly.

Annual dues are quite modest.

Tours

Tours are available by appointment.

Phone: (610) 965-9258