The Rice/Kerby Cabin is the oldest known homestead in Payne County. It was built in 1876 by Pawnee Rice and was later occupied by the William Sherman Tecumseh Kerby family. It has been preserved and restored in honor of the pioneer spirit represented by these two families. It is also used as a teaching facility portraying the early life of James Francis Thorpe, World's Greatest Athlete, and his personal contribution to the history of the state. The restoration was made possible by contributions from the Yale Historical Society, family members, and the Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation.