THE CABIN THROUGH TIME

A WORK IN PROGRESS TIMELINE of THE CABIN’S STORY

May 11, 1742
Casper Reel is born in Frankfurt, Germany

March 2, 1784
Reel marries Elizabeth Wise
(1760-1843) in Lancaster, PA

~1795
Reel completes his second cabin and settles permanently in what is now 148 Georgetown Avenue, West View.

“So gathering all their belongings together, they packed them in a heavy wagon - precious bits of china and rare old pewter, the fine old four-poster and dresser, the carved parlor table and chairs, the spinning wheel and reel - for Elizabeth spun all her linen - all these things were securely packed for a long journey. Last of all, tucked in Elizabeth’s saddlebags were two brass candle sticks and some roots of her loved roses and peonies, to be planted in the home in the wilderness.” How Caspar Reel Pushed His Way Across the Mountains (The Pittsburgh Dispatch, April 24, 1910)

October 10, 1824
Reel dies

March 20, 1905
West View Borough is incorporated

1920
Almatia Reel sells Reel Hall to the Highland Country Club, which featured a golf course designed by Emil Loeffler. It was converted into a clubhouse.

1995
The Post-Gazette features the Waterson family who share their intention to sell the cabin.

Spring 2022
Our family purchases the Casper Reel cabin & established West View Urban Farm

1774
Reel settles at Fort Pitt and worked as a fur trader and store keeper.

1792
Reel purchases 727 acres of land after the passage of state legislation allowing for the sale land, specifically the “Depreciation Lands,” to compensate Revolutionary War soldiers. Reel built his first cabin (near 1701 Center Avenue; near Cornell & Center Avenues) in what was then considered Pine Township. He is the first known European settler in the West View/Ross area.

1813
The Reel family builds Reel Hall. According to the Borough website, the Reel family occupies the home for over 100 years.

August 20, 1843 Elizabeth dies

1917
Highland Country Club is formed.

1949
Albert and Laverne Waterson unknowingly buy the Reel cabin. “I didn’t even know it was historic. We had it all remodeled inside and outside.”

19th Century

2013
Developers demolish the Highland Country Club clubhouse to build Highland Estates.

Summer 2025
Rehabilitating the cabin exterior begins