Pete and Ellen Rust moved to this farm in 1936 and attained full ownership in 1950. They and everyone in the Highland Community knew the cabin had been built by Dr. Brewster Higley VI, yet it continued to be used as a chicken shelter until 1947, when Home on the Range became the State Song of Kansas. In the following years, the Rusts had several chances to profit from selling the cabin, but they declined every lucrative offer because all the buyers planned to move it off site. Even while living in poverty, they established the basis for the cabin to remain forever on the site for the enjoyment of all who visit. Pete and Ellen loved the outdoors, including gardening, hunting, and fishing, and they loved West Beaver Creek.