The Skala Timber House

The house stands in Battle Creek's Heritage Park, a park of moved buildings begun in the 1990s, near the furnished office of Dr. Edward Tanner, who came from New York as the town's first physician. The Norfolk Daily News calls Joseph Skala the town's second settler. After the park fell into disrepair and was opened only by appointment, four women, Jessica Fouts, Marcie Sextro, Donna Murphy and Ginger Howser, revived it for Battle Creek's 150th celebration with an 18-stand history walk, native grasses and a Three Sisters Garden reflecting Pawnee traditions.

What the plaque says

The Skala Timber House The Joseph and Katherine Severa Skala House, built near Battle Creek by 1869, is a rare product of Czech-American culture. Discovered inside a house being demolished in 1968, the remains were moved here. The timber rooms have been preserved as found, and, except for the roof and two later openings, reflect the original construction. The structure is a masterpiece of ancient Slavic carpentry skills so old they are rare even in Europe. This Czech technique is distinguished from similar methods by the use of thin planks set within a post-and-beam frame. Known as post-and-panel construction, this is the only example in Nebraska. The planks are so skillfully crafted that they rest perfectly upon each other. The unusual two-room arrangement is also an old Czech peasant cottage plan. Noteworthy interior features include the tie beams, and the diagonally-placed willow lathes with mud and straw plaster. The present roof and porch were built following traditional Czech practice using old lumber donated by Mary Lucht, a descendant of the first pioneers. Window shutters were added for security. Parks of Pride Foundation Nebraska State Historical Society

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Neligh Mill State Historic Site — 24 mi
  A brick flour mill on the Elkhorn, begun in 1873, that sold its flour as Gold Medal until 1940, ground until 1969, and still has its original 1880s equipment in place.

More markers nearby

• Battle Creek — 1.1 mi
• Meadow Grove — 7.4 mi
• St. Paul's Lutheran Church — 9.8 mi
• Verges Park (Norfolk Brick and Tile Company) — 9.8 mi