The Cabin the Walkers Built

During the first six months the weathr was exceptionally bad - snowing and freezing continually until March lst.  It was one of the worst winter ever recorded in that part of Missouri, yet the first white cabin (besides George and Mary home) was finished.

The cabin was actually two cabins connected with a open passage between called a dog run. Anyone familiar with the early Florida settlers will recognize this type of home - the dog run provided air circulation in the steamy Florida summers before central air conditioning.

One cabin was used for sleeping and one for storage, or in the case of the Florida Cracker, one was used for cooking.  Walkers did their cooking in the open passage way between the cabins.

When the snows finally stopped, corn and apples seeds brought from Tennessee were planted, and the smithy's shop was built.  All was ready for the family settlement...and time for the two elder Walkers - Joel and Joseph to head out and get a look at the far West.

Next time - on to New Mexico...