SPRINGBORO — The Null House is believed to be the oldest log cabin in Warren County, if not the senior structure still standing in Springboro.
On Monday, Aug. 8, the Springboro Architectural Review Board will consider what to do with the historical building.
“The history of Springboro is important,” David Vomacka, Springboro City Council’s representative to the board, said. “Let’s fix what needs to be and let’s set up a plan.”
At the 6 p.m. meeting, Tim Raberding, a board member, is expected to present a report before a discussion. Maintenance issues include the replacement of chinking between logs used to build a home for Christian Null in 1798.
Null and his brother Charles built the cabin on land given to them in recognition of their father’s service in the Revolutionary War. A hiding place for escaping slaves was built in the cellar.
At the commission meeting, the board is expected to make a recommendation to city council.
“We are hoping the council will approve it and the city will take on this very necessary work,” said Helen Sproat, secretary of the Springboro Area Historical Society. “Old buildings need a lot of maintenance. This has gotten very little of it,” Sproat said.
Vomacka wants a decision, including a cost estimate, in time for submission during the city’s annual budget process in the fall.
“I think the city is going to have to make a substantial portion of the repair. I hope we can locate some other funding sources,” Vomacka, 1st Ward councilman, said.
The meeting is at the city building, 320 W. Central. For information, call (937) 784-4343.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2261 or lbudd@DaytonDailyNews.com.