Beaver Jim Villines Homestead

Beaver Jim's cabin under a starry sky

Charlton McDaniel

Quick Facts

Location:

Across from Ponca low water bridge

Significance:

19th century homestead

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Trailhead

James A. Villines, born in 1854, grew up to be a fur trapper known as “Beaver Jim”. He married Sarah Arbaugh and built this homestead in 1882. The cabin and a variety of outbuildings remain, built by Beaver Jim or added or changed by succeeding owners. For instance, Beaver Jim had a stone and log cellar as early as 1898 that was used to store fruits and vegetables. The concrete version in place today replaced his cellar. The concrete outhouse, built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) replaced an earlier version. Exhibit panels describe the buildings and life on the farm.