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Small towns in Michigan evolve. Back in the 1900s, a small town provided all the services one needed, which was merely a horseback or buggy ride away. General stores, liveries, blacksmiths, hardware stores, hotels, and restaurants were all part of the makeup of even the tiniest burg in Michigan. However, much of that changed after the introduction of the assembly line-produced automobile.
After about 1910, a person’s world expanded from approximately 10 miles to three times that distance. Sebewaing was part of that change, and one entrepreneur saw it as an opportunity to get into the restaurant business in a town that attracted new auto owners as steady clients.
Built in 1934
The Old Log Cabin restaurant was constructed in 1934 by Elmer Krauss, a prominent local businessman. It opened during the Great Depression as a casual eatery offering hearty meals, and quickly became a fixture on Center Street in downtown Sebewaing.
Known for Classic Fare
The restaurant specialized in chicken, fish, and steak dinners, along with regional favorites such as turtle soup. Ads from the mid-20th century promoted “like-home” eating and community events like the Santa Claus Party, where turkey dinners were served for 35 cents and fried perch for 29 cents—a sign of its Depression-era roots and community focus.
Ownership Timeline
- 1934–c.1949: Operated by Elmer Krauss, who established the restaurant and marketed it heavily in local papers.
- c.1949–1965: Sold to Fred Arrold and his wife, who continued operations.
- 1965: The Arrolds sold the business to Dan and Mrs. Schafer, who ran the Log Cabin for 16 years.
- 1981: Ownership passed to John and Mrs. Linzner, residents of Unionville, with a celebration held for the outgoing Schafer family.
- Mid-1980s: The Hacker family of Bad Axe took over management, bringing 18 years of restaurant experience to the business.
Expansion into Theater Space
In 1967, then-owners Wallace and Mrs. Ranke purchased the adjoining Lincoln Theater and neighboring vacant storefronts. The theater, which had closed in 1959, was stripped of its projectors and seats. The Rankes planned to:
- Convert the theater into additional dining space and kitchen expansion.
- Remodel adjacent storefronts for office and apartment space.
- Create a new banquet area capable of seating 200 people.
This move reflected the restaurant’s continued popularity and ambitions to serve as both a dining hall and social venue.
Fire and Preservation
A major fire (unconfirmed date, but possibly February 1960) caused significant damage to the building, as seen in one of the photos. The Log Cabin signage remains visible during firefighting efforts, indicating its operational status at the time.
Final Act of the Old Log Cabin Restaurant in Sebewaing
The Old Log Cabin was more than a restaurant—it was a longtime Sebewaing institution with deep ties to the town’s commercial and social fabric. From Elmer Krauss’s original construction to its mid-century popularity and expansions, it evolved to meet the needs of a growing community, changing hands multiple times while retaining its name and core identity. It stood as a symbol of small-town enterprise and local flavor in Michigan’s Thumb.
