June 13, 2009: After our guests departed this morning, I joined the "cleaning detail" at the Shinn House. I am happy to announce that after a hiatus of several years, the Gillum House is once again able to take interested guests for a tour of the Shinn Log House.This 2-story log house was built by Levi Shinn (founder of Shinnston) circa 1778. It is the original structure (not a re-creation) on the original site. It has 2 rooms downstairs and 2 rooms on the second floor.  It is unusual in that it has 18th century "central heating" in addition to the fact it is 2-story and not a cabin with a loft. Most log houses or cabins were built with the fireplace at one of the outside walls and the chimney constructed on the outside in such way as to be able to knock it down when it caught fire - saving the cabin. The Shinn house has 2 back-to-back fireplaces that are built of stone, as is the chimney. When the stones of the chimney got hot, there was heat - albeit minimal - for the second story. It was more heat than was normally found on the econd floor.The Historical Association is hoping to have the house open to the Public on Sundays this Summer but our guests can have a personal tour with your host. Call for your reservastions or book online.