The historically significant Essen Log Cabin is finally slated for reconstruction almost a decade after it was shockingly stolen, piece by piece. Originally constructed in the 1870s by the pioneer Essen family, the cabin holds notable historical value for the Wildwood area. Now, with the recovered logs in hand, Wildwood is calling on contractors to help restore the structure to its former glory, with a public invitation for bids for the cabin's reconstruction being announced.

William and Clara Tegethoff, descendants of the early settlers, had initially offered the cabin to the City of Wildwood in 2015 just before its sudden disappearance during Thanksgiving week. The crime, though brazen, wasn't the end for the cabin's logs, which the police ultimately recovered. Nevertheless, the cabin's illegal disassembly inflicted serious delays on the reconstruction project, turning what might have been a straightforward donation into a nearly decade-long saga.

In a statement obtained by the City of Wildwood, excitement was expressed regarding the new phase in the cabin's history. The successful bidder will not only reconstruct the cabin but will also contribute to the retying of historical threads, that for nearly ten years, have laid frayed and disconnected.

Details regarding the bid, including scopes and expectations for the project, can be found within the bid invitation on the city's website. The City of Wildwood anticipates that the reconstructed cabin will stand as a testament to the city's rich history, and a recognition of the Essen family's role in shaping the local heritage.