From: Robbinsfamilysouthjersey@yahoogroups.com on behalf of lakeman12002 [lakeman12002@yahoo.com] Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2005 11:04 PM To: Robbinsfamilysouthjersey@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Robbinsfamilysouthjersey] Re: Iowa Robbins Information ROBBINS, Daniel - GRAY, Pricilla April 10, 1845 by Rev. John Hayden Source:Linn County , Iowa Marriages, 1841-1855 Linn County lodge was built by judge as a summer retreat Gazette staff report Reprinted with permission, Cedar Rapids Gazette, ©1997 The beautiful but now decaying lodge at Linn County's Matsell Bridge Natural Area was built around 1925 by Col. Charles Robbins of Cedar Rapids. The natural area itself is named for George Matsell, the first chief of police in New York City, who in 1853 acquired through a government grant 3,000 acres along the Wapsipinicon River in northeast Linn County. There he built a mansion that became one of the early showplaces of Eastern Iowa. After Matsell died in 1877, his widow and four children, none of whom ever married, stayed at their Iowa estate. Before Matsell's son Gus died, he sold what remained of the estate to Robbins. In 1903, Robbins married Helen Larrabee, the youngest daughter of Gov. William Larrabee, and in 1909, he was appointed to the superior court bench. When Robbins bought the Matsell property about 1925, "the estate was badly run down," wrote Nancy Gibbons Zook in The Iowan. "Colonel Robbins modernized the farm and built a beautiful rustic cabin near the river." "The logs were cut and debarked right on the property," said Harlan Doehrmann of Marion, who served as ranger at the park from 1972 to 1994. "Stone for the foundation and fireplace was quarried at Stone City and brought by horse and wagon." "The logs were cut and debarked right on the property," said Harlan Doehrmann of Marion, who served as ranger at the park from 1972 to 1994. "Stone for the foundation and fireplace was quarried at Stone City and brought by horse and wagon." Doehrmann said Robbins used the cabin as a summer retreat for many years. After Col. Robbins' death, his son Lewis sold the remaining estate, 1,072 acres, to Cedar Rapids businessman Fred Witousek, whose widow sold the property to Linn County for $100 an acre in 1967. Robbins Lake, Linn County, Iowa Outdoors Recreation Information. Robbins Lake is a very beautiful lake in beautiful surroundings. There are other lakes here than Robbins Lake, for example Cedar Lake. Cold Stream is a pretty stream that is worth checking out. Ellis Park is a great place. Apache Park is a good place to check out. East Otter Creek flows through this area. Lone Tree Creek is a stream that you may bump into while here. Tissel Hollow is a nice place to check out not far away. Pierce Park is a great place to stretch your legs a bit. A visit to Manhattan Robbins Lake Park rejuvenates the soul. Check out Bear Creek while you're here at Robbins Lake. Take a little trip to West Otter Creek while you're here. Why not check out nearby Dry Creek if you're here at Robbins Lake. Prairie Creek is very near and is always a pleasure to visit. Other nearby water includes Silver Creek. Everybody loves Mohawk Park. Williams Park is a good place to check out. Otter Creek is one of the streams around here that might be worth visiting. Seminole Valley Park is a beautiful place any time of year. Places like Shaver Park are great to visit. Don't forget to take a nice little excursion to Dry Creek. Sara: A few informative things passing on to you. 1. An early Robbins marriage; before my Robbins family showed up in Linn County. Earliest Robbins marriage I believe. 2. A Judge Charles Robbins. Very prominent in Cedar Rapids and the County. This Gov. Larrabee has a fantastic Victorian Mansion near Claremont, Iowa. I have been there several times. 3. And a recreation area with Robbins Lake. It mentions Otter Creek. That is the name of the township my Robbins' farm was in. There is also a small town in Linn County called Robins not far from Center Point where my Robbins were. Steven Russell