Introduction
The Historical Society of Federal Way (HSFW) has restored the Denny Cabin for public display at the City of Federal Way’s West Hylebos Wetlands Park located at South 348th Street and Fourth Avenue South in Federal Way. This monograph is intended to give a description of David Denny, show his importance to the Seattle area, describe the reason for building the Denny Cabin, describe what is known about the uses of the Denny Cabin from the time it was used by David Denny as a real estate office until it was moved to Federal Way, discuss why the Denny Cabin ended up in Federal Way and describe the restoration and future plans for the Denny Cabin.
Much material concerning David Denny is included since showing his adventurous spirit when young, his work ethic, his moral viewpoint and the fact that he was one of the most prominent men in early Seattle helps support the value of the Denny Cabin as a historic building.
Since David Denny was involved with several log cabins during his lifetime it should be understood that the Denny Cabin referred to here is the one built in 1889 for use as a real estate office. Four other cabins of note are also referred to as the “Denny Cabin”; the Alki Cabin, the cabin David and Louisa lived in when they were first married, the Licton Springs summer cabin in present north Seattle near where the present Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery is located and his mining cabin in the high Cascades. David Denny also built several homes, one referred to as a mansion, which went beyond a cabin description.
