The first homes were simple log cabins, perhaps 150 square feet. Cracks between the logs were filled or "chinked" with wood chips and mud. Insects were a constant annoyance. Screening was not available and flies, mosquitos, lice, bed bugs and other pests were common.

Alexander Graham built the firat log cabin in 1817 followed by John Hersey who built his log cabin in 1819. The logs of homes were walls of poplar and the floors split basswood logs. Sawed boards were unavailable until John Hersey built his saw mill in 1820 using the Paint Creek for power. The first frame home was built approximately 1825. By 1827 when the Millerd house was built (above right), there were nine houses in Avon Township.