Historic Pella Trust has announced the purchase of the residence considered the birthplace of Pella.

The not-for-profit organization is now the owner of the Thomas Tuttle Log House on Lincoln Street.

Executive Director of Historic Pella Trust Lynn Branderhorst tells KNIA/KRLS News the landmark was the site for an important milestone in the eventual settlement of Pella in the 19th century.

“It’s the spot where Dominie Scholte and five Dutch immigrants came for a noon meal,” Branderhorst says. “That’s where the negotiations for the purchase of Pella by Dominie Scholte took place.

“That was basically birthplace of Pella, over that noon meal.”

She says they were able to acquire the property in part through a 10th Anniversary Marion County Community Foundation Grant. There are currently plans to restore the cabin. We have more about the Tuttle House on Let’s Talk Pella.