Overland Log House

2404 Gass Avenue
Overland, MO 53114
314-426-7027

Admission:  Adults are $3 and children are free. Free street parking

overlandhistorical society.org

Opened in ?

The Overland Historical Society moved this log house to Overland from Wildwood where it had overlooked the Missouri River and stood since the mid-1800's. It was dismantled at its original site and rebuilt by society members on the Overland site. It is a two-story log house built in the dog-trot design (two log cabins connected). 

On the day we visited there were fires burning in the two first-floor fireplaces filling the house with the smell and smoke of burning logs. These next three pictures are of the parlor. 

We were able to hear the pump organ played. 

Also on the first floor is a kitchen. 

The second floor has two rooms with this one set up as a bedroom. 

The bed quilt is filled with sewn names of different families in Wildwood that were friends of the home owners - the Links. 

Quilts and clothing on display. 

Antique hair-care items. 

The second upstairs room is filled with items associated with sewing and other handmade items and equipment. 

Signs inform you that you are looking at a spinning wheel, a spool winder, and a spool rack. 

The dress in the corner was created by a volunteer by sewing many, many buttons on the outfit. 

The quilts on display were also all labeled. 

The house was decorated for Christmas including this period tree in the parlor. 

The tree chain is constructed with fabric as opposed to paper. 

Dried apples are strung as are spools and beads. 

This cute Christmas tree sits on the mantle in the kitchen. 

Notice how low the front door handle is.  

Next to the house is a large barn that was also constructed using wood from old buildings.  

The walls are covered with period tools. 

A man demonstrated old tools including this turning saw. 

A long antique sled leans against the barn door. 

A covered wagon is also on the grounds. 

This buggy has a sign inviting guests to sit in it for picture taking! 

Comments: Several things were done on our visit here to make one feel that they were having an experience from the past!  From the wood-burning fireplaces heating and lighting the rooms to the display of several items from the 1800's, one is taken back to that period. We have toured 13 historical houses in the St. Louis area and this is the only one that is made of actual logs so that was fun. 

There were several docents that answered questions and performed demonstrations. They were very friendly. 

The sad thing is that no one directed us to the museum building and the gift shop building so we totally missed going through them.  The museum features exhibits of Overland, the Overland Trail, and Ritenour School District history.  There is also an office for the society on the grounds as well as a storage building. 

Also neither their website, Facebook page, nor brochure refer to the house or museum being open for tours at any regularly scheduled time. I wonder if you contacted one of the people listed if you could arrange for a tour.