Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
The story of Kimball's Log Cabin, now the E-Free Church, begins with veterans.
Today known as the E-Free Church, the Log Cabin building was constructed in 1946 for veterans but has served many valuable purposes for the city of Kimball.
Located at 101 S Walnut St., the building known as the Log Cabin was built for such veterans as the American War Dads and those in the American Legion. It was a recreational place for servicemen.
In 1946, the 105-foot-long and 65-foot-wide building was estimated to cost $20,000, with $12,000 raised "by popular subscription." The facility had 12-foot ceilings and an L-shaped basement with 7-foot ceilings.
Within a few short years, the center experienced financial difficulties. It was used as a roller skating rink, and restaurants occupied the building. Other local organizations used the facility.
The American War Dads were formed in Kimball County in 1945. The Kimball chapter was named "The Robert Bickel Chapter of American War Dads."
Robert Bickel was the county's first casualty of World War II. He lost his life at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
