L Evans Parcell, a native of Washington County, was born to Stephen Parcell and Emma Ann (Minor) Parcell in 1891 and is well known for his work as an illustrator. Parcell studied engineering at Washington and Jefferson College and, later, art at the Carnegie Institute of Pittsburgh and the Art Students League in New York.
During the 1920s, he was well known as an illustrator and artist. However, in 1930 his studio in Washington County burned, and he gave up illustration. Parcell began creating models and dioramas. His studies in engineering came in handy, as Parcell would create many of his own tools – including special saws and lathes and creating various kinds of motors to run this equipment. He also used a surgeon’s scalpel, a sculptor’s chisel, small paint brushes, and dental tools to create his miniatures.
Parcell was also a student of history. He was considered a leading authority on the frontier forts of western Pennsylvania and local Indian lore, legends and history. Many of his miniature dioramas fall into these themes. The Greene County Historical Society Museum has one such diorama in its collection.
Created in the 1930s, the GCHS diorama is a historically accurate model of a log cabin homestead, as one might have appeared in the later part of the 19th century. Complete with a corn crib, out house (or privy) and other outbuildings the model is highly detailed. The log house itself is made with individual logs, and the logs are chinked with small stones and mortar, just as a real cabin would have been. The cabin is in part roofed with individual shingles, and on other parts it has standing seam tin roofing.
Not one item is overlooked. The front porch is furnished with tools and utensils, and the lady of the house is represented by a seated figure working on her daily chores. Around back of the cabin is a fire pit, small animals, and other features that would have been commonplace on a homestead at the time.
This diorama is on permanent display in the second-floor children’s area of the museum, and is a prominent feature in our turn-of-the-century playroom.
If you’d like to check out this diorama and other displays, keep an eye out on the GCHS Facebook Page for information on our upcoming events and our historic 100th year in 2025!
Thank you, Matt, for contributing this photo and description. Know I’ve broadened my knowledge of L. Evans Parcell!