Jacksonville Review – June 2026

IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK, it would have a lot to say…. According to a copper plaque on a wall inside the house, Chester R. Pursell built the home for Alphonse and Gertrude Boone (reportedly related to Daniel Boone). However, not long after completion, Chester married Boone’s daughter, Virginia, and the cabin was sold to him for just $10.00. The Boone and Pursell families lived in the cabin for 66 years. In fact, a few of Jacksonville’s current residents remember knowing Chester’s widow, Virginia.

Chester R. Pursell’s skills as a contractor show in the quality of the construction of this solidly built log home. He, with the help of a variety of subcontractors, built the one and one-half story log cabin during the summer of 1930. The house was constructed of large-diameter peeled logs that were brought to Jacksonville all the way from Butte Falls. All log homes need to be chinked properly to provide insulation and protection against air and moisture. Log homes are commonly chinked with mud, sand, and often straw. The Pursell house logs are “split chinked” with small wedge-shaped wooden segments which still have their bark. This is a rare and pretty difficult process, but it is worth it. Split chinking provides superior durability and stability. This explains why the Pursell log cabin has stood the test of time for almost 100 years.

Life in 1930’s-Jacksonville was very different from the boom town of 1851-52 when gold was discovered. The 1930’s was considered Jacksonville’s second gold rush. It was during the Great Depression and as an alternative to putting residents on the “dole,” the County gave out mining permits, allowing residents to dig for any residual gold. Some miners got lucky, but most only found enough gold to live from day to day. Just about every inch of Jacksonville was “undermined.” Most mining shafts were dug in backyards, but some miners dared to burrow under commercial buildings. The result was periodic sink holes opening over old mine shafts under historic buildings around town.

The C.R. Pursell Log Cabin is in a perfect location, right on East California St. It is close and walkable to everything Jacksonville has to offer: fine dining, charming shops, art galleries, live music venues, and wine tasting, not to mention our places of historic interest—the Jacksonville Historic Cemetery and the many original homes and commercial buildings which still house the businesses in town. If you like wine, there are 18+ wineries within 25 miles. Best of all, enjoy the renowned Britt Festival, the summer outdoor concert series which includes famous, popular entertainment as well as performances by a world-class symphony orchestra.

Today, the C.R. Pursell Log Cabin stands proudly as an important example of Jacksonville’s past. It continues to be an amazing private residence, situated on a large third of an acre attractively-landscaped lot with mature trees. Of course, it’s been well-maintained and updated over the years for modern conveniences and comfort, but the historic charm and character of the home have been preserved. There is a good-sized covered front porch on which to relax. Upon entering, you are greeted by an open floor plan connecting a spacious living room and dining room and a wonderfully updated kitchen with custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and its original farmhouse sink. The focal point of the living room is the original fireplace with carefully chosen stones, including beautiful crystals, fossils, and river rock. The wood-framed windows let in lots of natural light. The main floor also offers two bedrooms, one of which is a suite, with French doors opening out to a deck shaded by an electric awning. The primary bedroom upstairs is like a retreat. A finished basement provides a separate living space with its own entrance, laundry, bath, and bonus room—ideal for guests or other potential uses. The gardens are lovely, with beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees, and a seating area shaded by a grapevine. If future owners love growing their own vegetables, there are raised planter boxes in a fenced area awaiting you!

Own a piece of Jacksonville history where the quality of life is unsurpassed!

The current owner of this home is Nadine Chisholm. For more information, please contact Marcy McQuillan, Real Estate Broker with Windermere Van Vleet in Jacksonville, at 541-621-2605 or marcymcq@windermere.com.