Owner, Al Birnschein, has lived in West Jacksonport all of his 81 years, growing up on the "Iron Ore Farm" located around the corner from The Quilted Log. Currently his brother owns the homestead farm and all the fields surrounding the cabin. When Al desired a house of his own in the 60s, Al purchased a parcel of the farm from his father, built his ranch-style house, and settled in with his wife and children. In 1978, a couple from Chicago bought the lot across from Al's, constructed a compact log home, and moved in. Al's dream of someday annexing that property to his was squashed. But good things come to those who wait! His dream became reality after the owners and then their son passed away, leaving the property to friends living in Illinois. No one was nearby to care for the property. When the Illinois friends realized the miles were against them caring for the cabin, they decided to offer it for sale. Al made an offer which they accepted, and his dream of ownership became reality. Living directly across from the cabin was perfect for keeping his eye on the property, spending countless hours remodeling and updating, and caretaking the cabin's needs.
Co-owner, Fran Richter, age 71, married Al in 2011 and relocated from bustling Ephraim to quiet Jacksonport where Al was town chairman. Fran knew nothing about Jacksonport living, growing up in Mosinee, Wisconsin, later living in DePere and Green Bay, then moving to Ephraim in 1994 with her first husband and family. She met Al after both had lost their respective spouses. Fran worked from her Ephraim house as a medical transcriptionist, but lost her job due to Epic technology. Fran offered her house and cottage as VRBO rentals, but sold her property in May 2021. She loves to quilt, and decorating The Quilted Log with handmade quilts is her way of welcoming visitors with her personal touch.