One of the jewels of Detroit, Palmer Park is filled with history and abundant beauty, in both its land and the residences of Palmer Woods that surround it. The 296-acre park holds within it lawns, woodlands, a public golf course, tennis courts, splash park, hiking and biking trails, Lake Frances, and one historic log cabin.

This Sunday, September 10, the People for Palmer Park will hold “Light Up the Cabin,” a fundraiser and summer garden party to maintain and continue to preserve not only Palmer Park but Senator Palmer’s Font Hill Log House—now commonly referred to as the Log Cabin—the historic residence of Senator Thomas W. and Elizabeth Palmer and their four adopted children. The cabin, dating from 1885, is the only surviving log cabin in Detroit and was built as a balloon-framed Victorian house wrapped in logs. The home was constructed by noted architects George D. Mason and Zachariah Rice, the latter of whom later married the Palmer’s daughter Grace.

Recent restoration has helped to preserve the home’s stained-glass windows; funds from this event will continue work on the home’s staircase, lights, electric, plasterwork, and chimneys. The People for Palmer Park are devoted to the preservation, recreation, and revitalization of the park,and especially of the Log Cabin, now a treasured landmark which had stood vacant for many years. Plans are for the cabin to be a gathering place for art shows, music, spoken word and educational events, and celebrations and parties of all kinds by the public.

Light Up the Cabin will be held at the 1929 Tudor mansion and garden facing the Detroit Golf Club. The event will kick off at 3:00 p.m., ending at 6:00 p.m., and will include performances by a jazz vocalist and guitarist, local catering by Genet Barthwell Gourmet Catering along with a selection of wines, a silent auction,and a tour of the mansion.

Tickets are still available. For more information, go to peopleforpalmerpark.org or contact Barbara Barefield directly at 313.891.2514 or at barbara@peopleforpalmerpark.org.

  Light Up the Cabin, People for Palmer Park