Zoar Village’s Bimeler Cabin restoration honored with state preservation award

Historic Zoar Village’s 1817 Bimeler Cabin Restoration Project recently received the Preservation Merit Award at the 2025 State Historic Preservation Office Awards. The honor recognizes outstanding efforts to preserve Ohio’s prehistory, history, architecture or culture.

“We are so honored to receive this recognition. This award is a testimony to our commitment to preserving Zoar Village’s unique history and cultural heritage,” said Tammi Shrum, site director of Historic Zoar Village.

The Zoar Community Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic village of Zoar, acquired the 1817 Bimeler Cabin in May 2024 from the family of Gus Ruetenik. The cabin is believed to be the village’s oldest structure, one of the oldest recorded buildings still standing in Tuscarawas County, and the original residence of Zoar’s leader, Joseph Bimeler. Elsie Weiss, Ruetenik’s aunt, purchased the property in 1929. The Ruetenik family cared for the cabin for more than 84 years, playing an integral role in Zoar’s history and community.

By August 2024, the exterior restoration was complete, including replacing logs, siding and tile roof, as well as rebuilding the window sashes, chinking between the logs, and stabilizing the garden wall behind the cabin. Interior work included installing a modern HVAC system, updating the electrical and plumbing systems, and adding a water closet with a wash basin.

Currently, the association is finalizing the cabin’s yard, landscaping and fencing. The project is expected to be fully complete by spring 2026, in time to be included in tours and events during Zoar’s 2026 season.

The Bimeler Cabin Restoration Project has been funded through private contributions and donations. Gifts can be sent to the Zoar Community Association, P.O. Box 621, Zoar, Ohio 44697, earmarked for the “Bimeler Cabin Project.” All proceeds support educational programming and preventative maintenance to preserve the building for future generations.