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Did you know that New Jersey is home to the oldest cabin in the United States!
Yep, Nothnagle Cabin takes the record for oldest standing log cabin in the country and I was so excited to be able to include it in this project.
This wonderful historic home has been listed on both the National and State historic registers.
Back in 2021 I met with Doris to do a photo shoot for a special pet adoption campaign called “Abandoned Beauty”. This campaign matched adopted pets with historic buildings to showcase that abandoned is still beautiful. Doris was excited to give us a tour of her property – which served both as a museum and her residence.
She would sell the property in 2023 when it became too much for her to handle.
Below is more on the cabin – and our photo shoot!
Where Is The Nothnagle Log Cabin Located?
Nothnagle is located at 406 Swedesboro Road in the Gibbstown section of Greenwich Township, not too far from Swedesboro.
When Was Nothnagle Built?
The original part of the building is estimated to have been built between 1638 and 1643 – like America was not even a thing yet!
The home is simple of course, but the decor is almost all true to the time! It is quite a showcase of historic relics.
Historians believe the builders of the cabin may have been considered rich since the home was a whopping 16’ x 22′ which was about 4 feet bigger than other homes of its time.
The History of Nothnagle
The cabin was believed to have been built by either Finnish or Swedish settlers. At the time the area was known as the New Sweden Colony. The territory was taken over by the Dutch in 1655, but the beautiful cabin remained!
It is believed that even George Washington had walked along the property since it is located near Fort Billings.
The Construction
The construction of this cabin is what kind of makes me giddy! What stands out the most is the amazing fireplace. It is not your normal in the wall fireplace but is asymmetrical – which was actually common for Scandinavian homes from that period of time.
The bricks that were used to build the fireplace are believed to be ballast that arrived here with the immigrants that came.
What is really interesting is the use of logs on the outside. Oak logs were used to build the home – these were square hewn oak logs that had dovetail joints allowing them to sit tight against each other. No nails were used at all!
The current owners were very adamant that the home be as true to its origin as possible. This required them to do what is called “chinking” the logs to keep them sealed from the weather. This hard work would take place every 20 years or so and a special clay was used that is very hard to find.
The original floor was just earth – a pine floor was added around 1730.
In the early 18th century a large addition was added.
The Owners of Nothnagle
Nothnagle was owned by Harry Rink since 1968! A few years later he and his new bride Doris would be married there.
Sadly, Harry passed away in 2018, but Doris continued to reside in the home until it was sold in 2023.
Harry Rink was a relative of Charles Nothnagle and spent his teen years helping with this home and enjoying the dairy farm that it once was. It was a no-brainer that he would one day purchase it!
The Rink’s spent many hours researching the time period and the styles that existed to ensure everything in the cabin remains as authentic as possible. This dedication has resulted in visits from Ambassadors, Congressmen, Governors and more!
Since 1973, they offered tours of the cabin and provided important history about the time period. From school age children to history buffs, they have always enjoyed sharing the fascinating history the home has to offer.
The Rinks put a lot of love into the home including reinforcing the floor, fixing bowed logs and removing ivy.
Because of them, the cabin is still here. Without them, it may have become abandoned and fell into disrepair.
The cabin was originally listed for sale for $2.9 million, but ultimately sold years later for a much lower price. Reports vary reporting the sale price from $135k to $262K. It looks like it was sold again in 2025 for $320K.
There is no updates regarding the status of the home and whether tours will be happening again. For the sake of history – we hope it is in good hands and others can enjoy the history again in the future!
Pippa, the Rescued German Shorthaired Pointer
Below are some of the images of Pippa, a German Shorthaired Pointer enjoying her day out at the cabin.
Pippa was rescued by the German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue of NJ and then adopted by a wonderful couple who already had a pointer and was familiar with the breed. She had a few medical issues – one being severe hip dysplasia and required a complex surgery. She was still a pup at the time and the rescue worked hard on her behalf so she could have a fulfilling life.
And that she does.
Her parents have worked with her to ensure she is the healthiest she can be! As an active – and smart breed, issues like dysplasia can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Breeders would often put a dog down or abandon them for having issues like this.
But not rescues – they work hard every day to save dogs like Pippa – because they are worth it!
No matter what you do or how you do it – get involved – whether with animal rescues or historic venues! Donate, volunteer, share stories – but your interaction can help secure our history – and give animals a better life!
So, what do you think of Nothnagle and of Pippa? Share your comments below!
