HomeMy WebLinkAbout05112023 Historic Preservation Meeting Packet Seward Historic Preservation
Commission
Regular Meeting
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May 11, 2023
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers Beginning at 6 00 pm
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The City of Seward,Alaska
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
May 12, 2023 Immediately Following Work Session Council Chambers
Tanguy 1. CALL TO ORDER
Libbrecht
Chair 2. PLEDGE OFALLEGIANCE
Term Expires May,2023
3. ROLL CALL
Sue Ward
Vice Chair 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE
Term Expires May,2023 ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING[Those who have signed
in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 3 minutes per speaker
Laura Edison and 36 minutes total time for this agenda item.]
Commissioner
Term Expires May,2023 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA[Approval of
Mary Ann Benoit Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda
items are not considered separately unless a commission member so requests. In the
Commissioner event ofsuch a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda]
Term Expires May,2024
Dona Walker 6. SPECIAL ORDERS,PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Commissioner
Term Expires May,2024 A. City Administration Report
Art LeMaster B. Chair Report
Commissioner
Term Expires May,2023 C. Other Reports and Announcements [Reports must be submitted to the
city clerk no later than noon on the Tuesday preceding the Monday meeting
Vacant for inclusion in the packet. Five(5)minutes speaking time will be allowed for
Commissioner each report.]
Term Expires May,2024 1. Report on Historic Preservation Facebook Page. pg 3
Stephen Sowell
Assistant City Manager
Bailey Sayler
Library Museum Director
Brenda Ballou
City Clerk
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7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolutions
1. Resolution 2023-002, A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION, RECOMMENDING THAT THE 2023 SEWARD
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS BE BESTOWED TO TIFFANY AND AL
SILLER .............................................................................................................. Pg. 20
B. Other New Business Items
1. Approve the January 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes. Pg. 25
2. Carry out planned National HP Month activities; Review and Vote on Recipients, HP
Award presented by council Pg. 30
3. Discuss Founder's Day activities.
4.Update Historic Guidelines.
5. Report to Council
6. Support Hoben Park/Flowers
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS [No Action Required]
8. CITIZEN COMMENTS
9. COMMISSION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS &RESPONSES TO
CITIZEN COMMENTS
10. ADJOURNMENT
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Facebook Page Report
May 112023 HPC Meeting
Mary Ann Benoit
Overview
The data below reflects Facebook activity for three months from January 26 to April 25. We put out 12 posts related to the historic walking tour
signs and the benefits of historic preservation.This was up 20%from the previous period.The reach was 1442 people which was down about
24%,but engagement was up about 10%since the previous 90 days.So our audience,even if there are less people being reached are more
interested and engaged in our content.Our post reactions,comments and shares were about the same as the previous period.
Our audience is primarily women(63%)and people from Seward,although we have people checking our page from a variety of communities in
Alaska,especially Anchorage. Our audience includes people of all age groups,but mainly people 35-44.
Our most popular posts were related to our walking tour signs,Brown and Hawkins and how historic preservation adds character to a town.The
Manthey House sign post has also had a lot of engagement.
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See the planned posts for May through the rest of the year through December. The focus is on history of Seward as displayed in the historic
walking tour signs,the benefits of historic preservation and heritage tourism,with local examples.
Additions from Commissioners?
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Planned Posts- May through December 31, 2023.
May
Preservation Month celebrates historic places and heritage tourism,and promotes the
5-1 Preservation
IS social and economic benefits of historic preservation.
A Joint Congressional Resolution was introduced on February 15,1973,by Sen.Henry M.
Jackson(D-Wash.),to designate the week of May 6-12,1973,as National Preservation
Week.President Richard Nixon signed the resolution into law on May 5,1973.
In 2005,the National Trust extended the celebration to the entire month of May and
declared it Preservation Month.
This year's Preservation Month theme is"People Saving Places".
PRESERVATION MONTH OELE6RATES HISTORIC PLACES AND HERITAGE TOURISM,
AND PROMOTES THE SOCIAL AND
ECONOMIC
DION HISTORIC
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5-2 Looking for a historic walking tour map?The Seward Community Library and Museum
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_ has all you need,as well as many of the local businesses.Better yet,why not just
_=- Protect download it on to your phone right now,saving paper and protecting the
the environment.Thanks to the Seward Rota Club,Corvis Designs,the Seward
— ■� ■ - Environment Rotary g
`�K ■m a�■■■M■
�;�a���■:■,■,�■ - Community Library and Museum and the Historic Preservation Commission for
qw _ promoting going paperless.
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Rotary � �Q. IMAGINE ❑ •••�
ROTARY � j,
5-3AN ADVENTUROUS,CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER This building,constructed in 1916,and known as the Generations Building,is often
O
t referred to as the Sexton House.Sylvia Sexton was a dynamic,creative,and adventurous
woman who embodied the Alaskan pioneer spirit.One of the most popular young
businesswomen of Seward and a prominent Alaskan photographer,her beautiful images
capture the essence of the daily life of her friends,family,and the outdoor activities she
enjoyed.She was well known,loved,and active in the community.
Sylvia moved to Seward in 1904 from Sunrise when her father,George Sexton,was
transferred to be Seward's first deputy U.S.Marshal.She brought her passion for
-- w•=- -• photography with her to Seward.Sylvia moved freely around the town and captured
The Sexton House Seward's daily life in pictures during this pioneering time.
Her photos made Sylvia one of the most recognized photographers on the Kenai
Peninsula and famous for her scenic views.George Sexton bought the Coleman House in
1907,and Sylvia opened her store there,selling curios,confectioneries,and photography.
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George renamed it the Sexton Hotel in 1913.The Sexton Hotel and her store burned in
1935.
While the store was a total loss,Sylvia was undeterred,opening a temporary new store in
the former Seward Commercial Company building,a then a permanent location in the
Generations Building,which was an annex of the Seward Commercial Company.The
store,aptly named"Sylvia's,"operated until 1951.
In the picture of Fourth Avenue before the fire,the Generations Building is visible on the
right side of the street,with the awning."Generations"pays tribute to how the Sextons
and this 1916 building,called the Sexton House,have withstood the test of time,including
the 1964 earthquake and tsunami.
The Generations Building reflects the spirit of Seward's adventurous photographer,Sylvia
Sexton,and her family
June
Are you interested in learning more about the history of Seward and the Seward
6-1 Sewar� �istoricaj Wa��Cing Historic Walking Tour? Check out this short but fun video on the history and the 26
Tour signs on the tour.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD9aUOGRT9M
istoric Pr ervation mss o i
The pity JSeward
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6-2 From Seward's earliest days,Millionaire's Row(built between 1904 and 1906)
represented modern life and progress to a frontier town that still had stump-strewn,
muddy streets and board sidewalks.These homes embodied a genteel society during
„w a period when Seward started to find its identity.This beautiful row of houses is on
the west side of the Seward Highway(Third Avenue)north of Jefferson Street.
Many locals believed Seward would become the New York of the Pacific,Alaska's
c F capital,and a university town with a million citizens.This sounds far-fetched today,as
it also did then to more skeptical visitors and business investors of the time.
Holland House The Holland House belonged to Murray B.Holland,the general storekeeper for the
Alaska Central Railway.He built the home in 1905 between G.E.Winter's house and J.B.
Cameron's.That summer,"the clang of pounding nails must have resounded through
the town and echoed off the mountains."
These interior photos showing the Holland House represent what must have been the
"epitome of civilization"in Seward.These photos are unique because it is challenging to
find interior pictures of Seward homes from that era.
The Holland House was placed on the Seward Historic Register in 1999
6-3 Historic preservation is safeguarding the existence and appearance of historic elements
of the community.
' The Historic Preservation Commission helps do this by offering guidance to the city,by
xj Liu�z ' ,y�uw�c c helping to educate our community on history,and by assisting people to find resources
to maintain,renovate,rehabilitate or restore their historic properties.
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July
7-1 There are many tales of races on Mount Marathon before the first official race in
1915.What is truth and what is conjecture remains a mystery and is what Alaskan
stories are made of.Native Alaskans may have conquered this"hill"while hunting or
for other purposes long before the arrival of the Russians,the early residents such as
the Lowells,or later characters like Al Peel and other lookouts who may have used the
mountain to place bets on the arrival time of the steamers.Many have run and won
this great foot race,much to their competitors'amazement and annoyance.In 1915,
t Seward learned it would be the terminus for the Alaska Railroad.Locals celebrated
- this important news with a parade,baseball games,potato sack races,dances,and
the first formal race on Marathon Mountain.Runners in that race were James
Mount Marathon Race
Walters,George Kosmos,Eric Burman,Joe Bolduc,and Doc Daykin.Walters came in
first with a time of one hour and two minutes and won$35.00.Kosmos came in
second,winning$10.00,and Burman came in third,winning$5.00.Seward businesses
donated prize money with the hope to make Seward a Fourth of July destination.
After 100 years,Seward has become a favorite place for Alaskans to celebrate the
nation's holiday.Alex Bolam broke the hour barrier in 1916,with a winning time of 55
minutes and 12 seconds.His record stood until 1928,when a young boy named
Ephraim Kalmakoff defeated him with a time of 52 minutes and 35 seconds.Ephraim
was a resident of the Jesse Lee Home and was just 14 when he won with this record
time.Ephraim also won in 1929 and 1930.His 1928 record stood unbroken until 1957.
Ralph Hatch of Seward was a six-time winner in 1946-1950 and 1953,receiving the
first perpetual trophy.Many conquered this"hill"long before the first official race in
1915.It calls to young and old alike,"climb me,I challenge you!".They have taken the
mountain's dare,including warrior women and kids like the Jesse Lee boys.They race
against themselves and each other;just for the challenge and fun.Even families have
made a day of it,as well as solo hikers just looking for a solitary moment alone in the
sky.The race is one of the oldest foot races in America and is still going strong today.
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7_2 �aw� tti8 � �O )gj@@p ¢ Historic elements are Structures,Neighborhoods,Landscapes,Building or landscape
d r 4 ,;r
features,and Culture.
A historic element would be the remains of the old flume that used to contain Lowell
r" Creek at the edge of Resurrection Bay.You can see the flume in this old photo,and
�9 read about it on the Historic Walking Tour sign."Taming Mother Nature for Now". A
few remnants of it can be seen at the water's edge.
'i Lowell Creek used to rage down through Seward wreaking havoc,destroying bridges,
° - and blocking access to the north side of town.It was such a problem that in 1927 the
Alaska Railroad constructed a small diversion dam and flume(or wooden tunnel)that
ran down what is now Jefferson Street to empty into Resurrection Bay.The flume
Structure,%,Neighborhoods,Landscapes,Building or couldn't handle the debris and a diversion tunnel was later driven through the
btrolseape features,Culture
adjacent mountain to carry the stream in 1940.The exit is where you see our big
waterfall.It was such a feat of engineering and so significant to Seward's history that
it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
7.3 Historic preservation includes four possible activities:
Preservation is preserving a place as it is in the present
Rehabilitation fixes up a deteriorated historic property,often for a use other than its
Y original one
Restoration means putting a building or landscape back the way it was originally,or at
a historically significant time in its past
Reconstruction is the creation of a historically accurate copy of either a specific
historic property that no longer exists or an example of one from a chosen historical
"s
period.
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August
$-1 In 1903,Seattle developer John BaIlaine and a group of settlers landed in(what would
N� become)Seward to build a railroad.Before long,the Seward townsite was neatly laid
out and the Fourth Avenue wharf that you could once see from here was built and
buzzing with activity.The wharf included a railroad dock,which allowed ships to
unload goods immediately onto trains that served Anchorage and Interior Alaska.If
you look west toward the Seal-ife Center,imagine there was once a busy dock serving
commercial boats,ships,and trains.All kinds of goods were unloaded and loaded for
Seward and Interior Alaska.Passengers would disembark to stay in Seward or
continue further into Interior Alaska by train.The green building to the right is the
Seward Depot,established in 1917.The Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 destroyed
Fourth Avenue Wharf
warehouses,docks,and intersecting railroad tracks.You can see remnants of a pier,
boat ramp,and the old rail tracks if you look closely in the water.All along the
shoreline that stretches from here to the current harbor,you can see the rail tracks
and old piers.It's fun to investigate,and you may feel grateful that you were not here
to experience that quake and tsunami!The Fourth Avenue wharf and the railroad
serving it were a vital part of Seward's history and economy.With the destruction of
the wharf and the railroad,Seward's economy and character were forever changed.
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8_2 , Founders Day.On August 28,1903,Seattle developer John Ballaine and a group of
settlers landed in(what would become)Seward to build a railroad.Before long,the
Seward townsite was neatly laid out and the Fourth Avenue wharf was built and
buzzing with activity.The wharf included a railroad dock,which allowed ships to
unload goods immediately onto trains that served Anchorage and Interior Alaska.
This photo shows the Ballaine House on Third Ave built in 1905 by prominent
Seward businessman Frank Ballaine,who was the brother of John Ballaine,who is
considered the founding father of Seward.
$_3 MIX&MIRIN OVER It really takes all of us to encourage historic preservation.Our public officials and
planners have the power to enact change to preserve our history,but they need to hear
from us that we want that in your community.Make your voice heard.
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September
9-1 This building was created by a lady for the ladies,and upon its completion,was declared
THE CLASSIEST STRUCTURE ON TH TIRE "the classiest structure on the street."Mrs.Jessie Ellsworth was industrious.In 1916,she
_ had Architect C.W.Winstead design and construct her new cement building to become
Ellsworth's millinery shop and sell women's clothing and accessories.To keep the ladies
_,.. happy,this was a necessary service in a pioneer country.The Ellsworths were not all work
and no play;they were a musical family.Mr.Ellsworth worked as a chemical assayer,and
in 1916 was the town bandmaster while Mrs.Ellsworth sang in the quartet and played the
piano.In May of 1920,she and a group of Seward musicians performed in Anchorage to
"a large and appreciative audience"and received a favorable review by the Anchorage
3 Daily Times.In 1927,Ellsworth's was sold to the first in a series of owners who continued
- the tradition of keeping the ladies happy by selling women's clothing,accessories,and
Orlander Building fabrics.After 1937,Carl Orlander opened Orlander's in the old Ellsworth's building to sell
fine jewelry for women and men.Orlander was a kind man and a loyal friend.After the
1964 earthquake,with his valuable jewelry exposed through broken storefront windows,
his only concern was caring for the safety of those around him.A friend recalls that when
he entered his shop with another friend,Bill Miller,he picked up a watch from the broken
glass on the floor and gave it to Bill,telling him that it made him feel useful,not like an
old man of no value.At that moment,the building was no longer the classiest structure
on the street,but Carl Orlander certainly showed others what genuine kindness and class
were all about.
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9.2 1 Historic preservation brings business to town.Heritage tourists spend money while they
, , are here.Historic preservation is just good business.
As a business owner,consider how it might benefit your business.
9-3 Historic preservation preserves the historic,architectural,and aesthetic character and
heritage of a community and helps to provide a sense of place and continuity.
This photo of the"Second Annual Hunt,Kenai Peninsula,Seward,Alaska,Nov.1,1911"
taken by Rev.L.H.Pedersen gives a feeling of the character of the town at the time.
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October
10-1 This beautiful historic Hotel has played host to a legendary game,ghosts,and famous
W:ru. 2 _, pilots.From Kellogg,Idaho,E.L.Van Gilder purchased the lot for$4,000 from T.W.
_ Hawkins and constructed the Van Gilder office building in 1916.The building changed
hands(and uses)frequently in its early years,but in 1921 was sold to Joseph Badger,
who began operating it as the Van Gilder Hotel.Over the decades,the Hotel has
1A ,_ changed names and uses and even played host to a legendary,ongoing pinochle game
that visitors could watch from the front windows.Since as early as 1921,the Hotel has
- been haunted with sightings including will-o'-wisps and orbs,two men wearing bowler
r hats standing behind the front desk,and three children running from room to room
giggling.However,the most famous ghost is"Fannie,"a guest from room 202 killed by
Van Gilder Hotel her husband in 1950.The local newspaper published an account of the April 5,1950
murder of Fannie Baehm by her husband.The Van Gilder is an integral part of the early
Seward fabric,documented on their walls.It contains pictures of characters like Seward
settler Eva Lowell and her pet porcupine and scenes of the railroad workers who lived
and worked close by during World War I.There are even scenes of President Warren G.
Harding's visit,who came to Seward in 1923 to drive the final gold spike in the railroad
connecting Seward and Fairbanks.Guest rooms are ornately furnished in period decor.
The lobby,lit by antique Victorian fixtures,has a front desk fashioned from an old oak
saloon-style bar with a brass foot rail.Early guests to the Hotel included salespeople,
railroad and government officials,and,in 1923,U.S.President Warren G.Harding's
territorial executives.In 1924,the Van Gilder was a stop for the Army Air Service Team
that made the globe's first aerial circumnavigation.Known as the"Round the World"
pilots,when the Army Air Service Team's floatplanes landed in Resurrection Bay,it was
the first time that many of Seward's 1,000 residents saw an airplane.In addition to
being a place to stay,the Van Gilder has housed Masonic and Odd Fellows lodge rooms,
the Seward Gateway newspaper,doctor and attorney offices,Christian Scientists,and
the Seward Women's Club.The Van Gilders were active in Seward,but only lived here
for a short period.Their daughter Florence was a member of the Athenaeum Literary
Society and won a high school debate promoting"Examinations should be abolished"in
January of 1916.That sounds like a great idea!The Van Gilder Hotel is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places.
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10-2 It is an efficient use of resources and ultimate recycling.Historic preservation
conserves resources,reduces waste,and saves money by repairing and reusing
existing buildings instead of tearing them down and building new ones.
Resurrect Art Coffee House is a great example.Re-purposed from a church to a
business,it is still connecting people in the community.This building was constructed
in 1917 to serve as the new Methodist Church.The Methodists eventually outgrew
the building,and in January 1949,they sold it to the Lutherans.In 1992,the Lutherans
sold it to Mike and Deborah Olson,who turned it into the Resurrect Art Coffee House
Gallery.The Olsons passed the beloved property to Mike and Raylene O'Connor,who
loved and cared for it,and then sold it to Micheley Kowalski and Michael Steward in
2015.This old church shows us that historic buildings are often best preserved when
IT IS AN EFFICIENT USE OF RESOU R[ES. occupied by a thriving business with owners who love It.
IT IS THE ULTIMATE RECYCLING!
See the historic walking tour sign,"Dreaming and Connecting"out front for more
history.
10-3 WI IV E\COURAGE HISTORIC PRESERVATION? Historic preservation adds character and/or charm to a community,and emphasizes
its uniqueness.Our old buildings make Seward unique,give Seward a lot of character
® and attract tourists.We are one of the few towns on the road system that still retains
VAN GILL
DER
our historic character.
Did you know that the Van Gilder Hotel,built in 1916, has played host to a legendary
HOTEL A game,ghosts,and famous pilots?It used to host to a legendary,ongoing pinochle
game that visitors could watch from the front windows.Since as early as 1921,the
Hotel has been haunted with sightings including will-o'-wisps and orbs,two men
wearing bowler hats standing behind the front desk,and three children running from
y� room to room giggling.However,the most famous ghost is"Fannie,"a guest from
room 202 killed by her husband in 1950.The local newspaper published an account of
IT CAN ADD CHARACTER AN11 HARM TO A p Y" the April 5,1950 murder of Fannie Baehm b her husband.
D/O R C
COMMUNITY.AND EMPHASIZE ITS UNIQUENESS.
The Van Gilder is an integral part of the early Seward fabric,documented on their
walls with pictures of many famous Seward characters.See the Historic Walking Tour
sign on the front,"Games,Ghosts,and History".
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November
11-1 In the summer of 1941,as preparations for World War II were beginning,
the military arrived and established Fort Raymond.
In October 1940,the lot in front of you was sold by Leon Urbach to
construction contractor Ray James for$500.The James Construction
Company signed a contract to construct an apartment building by
December 1941.It was perfect timing,as the November 23,1941 fire
x destroyed at least 16 buildings on the east side of Fourth Avenue,including
56 apartments and 100 rooms.These new apartments came at a good
1 time,to a perfect time.
After the fire,people joked that"when the Japanese fly over they won't
235 Third Avenue bomb us because they will think we have already been bombed."
Then,on December 7,1941,Pearl Harbor was attacked,drawing our
country into war.A January 6,1942 letter by the National Resources
Planning Board stated,"Seward is a pathetic spectacle.The town is
staggering under the blows of the 1).The prospective change of the
Alaska Railroad Terminus to Whittier,2).The fire,3).Quartering here of
3000 soldiers and 4).The war with its blackouts,evacuation orders and
virtual taking over of the town by the military,etc."
With war at hand,there was a shortage of building materials,with long
lines for cigarettes,nylon stockings,liquor,and more.Even worse was
the lamented shortage of women!"The Line"(Seward's infamous Red
Light District)was just a short walk down the alley from this building.
Although it got its start during hard times for Seward,this building still
stands today and serves as a home for a wide range of locals and visitors.
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11-2 XVIIY RNCOUR-\GR HISTORIC PRESERVATION?
Historic preservation preserves old methods of workmanship. Many modern buildings
are built to last a short time—25 to 30 years.Workmanship and building methods are
often not as careful or durable as methods used in the past,when buildings were
expected to last indefinitely. By working on historic buildings,new generations of
craftsmen learn the techniques to improve modern buildings as well.
Look at the beautiful craftsmanship of the Resurrect Art Coffee House on Third Avenue,
F' that used to be the Episcopal Church,built in 1916 as an example.
— ;jog i R
Sed.fZ EP�scoPa( C/�„reh ri Parssnape.Seward A�
IT PRESERVES OLD METHODS OF WORKMANSHIP /
11-3 WHY ENCOURAGE HISTORIC PRESERVATION? Historic preservation can attract investment and change the nature of a deteriorating
neighborhood or area. The Government Cable House for example,was once a run
down home,but was lovingly restored,and now operates as a successful vacation
rental property.
Tim The Government Cable House is on the Historic Walking Tour and has an interpretive
" sign in the front with it's interesting history.This property and its interpretive sign
was the inspiration for the Seward Historic Walking Tour.
IT CAN ATTRACT INVESTMENT AND CHANGE THE NATURE
OF A DETERIORATING NEIGHBORHOOD OR AREA
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December
12-1 WI4YENCOURAGF HISTORIC PRFSFRVATI Historic buildings can be affordable for businesses to rehabilitate because of the
possibility of tax incentives,grants,and other support for that activity.
They attract business,simply because people are often fascinated by them.Setting up a
" business in a historic building is a great way to build a unique character for your business
and attract customers.
For example,Zudy's and Primrose Provisions both offer fun places to eat or shop in the
Seward Depot,or old train station,built in 1917. This building was moved to its current
location following the devastating flooding of Lowell Creek in 1928.It was initially built at
what is now Adams Street and Ballaine Boulevard to serve the railroad line that ran
downtown at that time. Seethe walking tour sign with it's history on the SW side of the
IT CAN BE A GOOD building,"Saved from the Flood".
INVESTMENT
12-2 Eugene(Gene)Hale was instrumental in the founding of Seward.Like the
MILLIONAIRE'S ROW others in Millionaire's Row,his house was built in 1905 for the prominent
citizens in town.The Hale family was a visible feature of Seward's
p business,art scene,and social life.The family's patriarch,F.G.Hale,
j was the president and a founder of the Bank of Seward and the Seward
Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs.Eugene Hale was the vice president of the Seward Ladies'Auxiliary.
They formed committees on religion,arts and crafts,photography,
geology,transportation,wildflowers and fruits,literature,needlework,
and education.
The Hale House 49J."
F.G.Hale had three sons.Eugene(E.E)Hale worked at the Bank of
Seward,Dr.C.L.Hale was a local dentist,and Fred M.Hale also worked
at the Bank of Seward.Fred became active in the Seward Gun Club,
the Volunteer Fire Department,the Seward Commercial Club,the local
school board,and the Arctic Brotherhood.The Arctic Brotherhood was a
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fraternal organization organized in 1899 by Gold Rush stampeders.As
a member of Seward Camp 21,Eugene was"keeper of the nuggets"in
1906.
The Hales were hunting enthusiasts.One such hunt happened in 1911,
where Eugene and his brother Fred competed with teams of other wellknown local
citizens.
The Hale family's photo collection(F.G.Hale Collection housed at the
Resurrection Bay Historical Society within the Seward Community Library
and Museum)provides an insightful window into early Seward society
life
12-3 1 1 1 Are you a history buff?You know the importance of history to our community.Be a
champion for preservation by sharing your knowledge,excitement,and stories.
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CALL TO ORDER
The January 12,2023 regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to
order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Tanguy Libbrecht.
OPENING CEREMONY
Tanguy Libbrecht led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Tanguy Libbrecht presiding and
Sue Ward Mary Ann Benoit
Dona Walker Art LeMaster
comprising a quorum of the Commission; and
Bailey Sayler, Library Museum Director
Kris Peck, Deputy City Clerk
Excused—None
Absent—None
Vacant—Two
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING—None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Ward/Benoit) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
Motion Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approval of the November 10,2022 Historic Preservation Regular Meeting Minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS,PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations & Awards —None
Other Reports and Announcements
25
Chair Report
Libbrecht reported that the city council has an upcoming special meeting on January 23,2023
to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the boards and commissions. This year the Historic
Preservation Commission would not be applying for a CLG Grant,but rather supporting others who
might be interested in the program.The due date for Historic Preservation Award nominations would
be March 31, 2023.
Report on Historic Preservation Facebook Page.
Benoit said that HP had posted seven times since their last meeting on November 10,2022.
Historic Preservation's Facebook audience was primary women located in Seward.There was also a
fair number of people checking the page from Anchorage. The page was drawing attention from all
age groups, but mainly people over the age of 35. Benoit felt it was important to provide more
education and she wanted to add posts on HP awards,grant opportunities,and the importance of the
downtown historic district in regard to receiving grant money.
Presentations—None
NEW BUSINESS
Other New Business Items
Resolution 2023-001,A Resolution Of The Seward Historic Preservation Commission 2023-
2024 Priorities
Motion (Ward/LeMaster) Approve Resolution 2023-001
Libbrecht wanted to read through the resolution and make amendments as needed.
Motion to Amend (Ward/Walker) Amend Resolution 2023-001 under
Reporting in the second bullet by adding
"If applicable" to read, "Annual Certified
Local Government (CLG) grant report to
the State Historic Preservation Office.
(February) (If applicable)"
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend (Ward/Walker) Amend Resolution 2023-001 under Public
Outreach in the fifth bullet by striking the
words "Maintain" and "presence" and
replacing them with "Promote" and "and
in the media" to read, "Promote the
Seward Historic Preservation Commission
online and in the media."
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Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend(Libbrecht/Walker) Amend Resolution 2023-001 under Seward
Historic Structures & Sites in the fourth
bullet by striking the words "assisting with
planters and"so that is reads,"Support the
historic Hoben Park by working towards
restoring its historic character."
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend(Libbrecht/Walker) Amend Resolution 2023-001 under Seward
Historic Structures & Sites in the fifth
bullet by striking the word"Engender"and
replacing it with"Support"so that it reads,
"Support the preservation and use of the
Jesse Lee Home properties for Park use."
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend(Ward/LeMaster) Amend Resolution 2023-001 under Seward
Historic Structures & Sites in the sixth
bullet which reads,"Track and monitor the
progress of the Fort Raymond Subdivision"
by striking it in its entirety.
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend(Benoit/Ward) Amend Resolution 2023-001 under Seward
Preservation Plan in the first bullet by
removing the word "Promulgate" and
replacing it with "Encourage" so that it
reads "Encourage economic incentives,
historical preservation and education."
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Motion to Amend(Benoit/Ward) Amend Resolution 2023-001 under Seward
Preservation Plan in the first bullet by
removing the word "Promulgate" and
replacing it with "Encourage" so that it
reads "Encourage economic incentives,
historical preservation and education."
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
27
Motion to Amend (Benoit/Libbrecht) Amend Resolution 2023-001 under Other
Commission Tasks in the first bullet by
adding "If applicable" so that it reads,
"Generate ideas,set priorities,and submit
an application for consideration, and take
action on CLG grand opportunities that
stimulate knowledge of local history,
heritage tourism and cultural awareness.
(If applicable)"
Motion to Amend Passed Unanimous
Main Motion Passed Unanimous
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
2023 Historic Preservation Priorities
2023 Historic Preservation Meeting & Work Session Schedule
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Rissie Casagranda, inside city limits, said Brown&Hawkins building recently received a
grant for a new gutter system. Another historic building, the Van Gilder hotel was also in need of
some upgrades. The current owner was made aware that the windows were not up to code and he
has been working with a historical architect to replace the windows. This project had been
especially difficult with the global supply shortage due to the pandemic,however she expected work
to resume in the spring. Casagranda mentioned how she enjoyed meeting local history enthusiasts
who reside and work inside these historic buildings. She thanked the commission for all their work
and dedication.
COMMISSION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
LeMaster thanked Casagranda for her kind words.
Benoit said that Rotary Park had potential to be a nature park for fish and wildlife viewing.
She wanted to make signs that looked similar to the historic walking tour and provided a history of
Rotary Park and the lagoon. Situated near the lagoon,these signs would also have information about
lagoon ecology and ways to protect the environment. The city manager would be providing a letter
of support for the project. Benoit also reported the Rotary Club was interested in a walking audio
tour to promote Seward history. There would be a small fee to download the audio program and the
funds would go to the Rotary Club. Each sign along the walking tour would feature a professional
audio recording. A Seward radio show was also in the works and could generate sound riles for the
28
walking tour. Benoit compared her radio show idea to the popular Car Talk radio show, except the
topic would be about Seward's history.
Libbrecht wanted to dispel the idea that history was boring and make historic preservation
cool and fun.
Ward announced that both her and Walker would be gone in April which would create a
quorum issue for their April 13, 2022 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Kris Peck Tanguy Libbrecht
Deputy City Clerk Chair
(City Seal)
29
Sponsored by: Seward Historic Preservation Commission
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2023-002
A RESOLUTION OF THE SEWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION, RECOMMENDING THAT THE 2023 SEWARD
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS BE BESTOWED TO TIFFANY
AND AL SILLER
WHEREAS, City Council Ordinance No. 2011-001 established the Seward Historic
Preservation Award in order to annually recognize an outstanding contribution made by dedicated
individuals and/or organizations to preserve the tangible aspects of Seward's heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Seward Historic Preservation Commission has chosen Al and Tiffany
Siller as the 2023 Seward Historic Preservation Award recipients; and
WHEREAS, Tiffany Siller has researched records at the Seward Community Library, the
City of Seward, the University of Alaska, and the Seward United Methodist Church for death
certificates and family histories for all the people interred at the Woodlawn Cemetery and the Jesse
Lee Home Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, Tiffany, along with her family, compiled two books of factual details
containing family histories and causes of death, and donated them to the Seward Museum; and
WHEREAS, histories of the Jesse Lee Home Cemetery were donated to the Seward
Historical Society and the Qutekcak Tribal Organization; and
WHEREAS, Al Siller constructed wooden handmade crosses and installed them at the
Woodlawn Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, Al marked each cross with the name of the decedent, the date of birth, and
the date of death; and
WHEREAS, in addition, Al built and installed small fences around some of the graves;
and
WHEREAS, Tiffany credits her parents, John (dec.) and Marie Gage, with inspiring her
to get involved with this research when she was only 15 years old; and
WHEREAS, Tiffany has kept on the family tradition of honoring those who passed by
including her husband and daughter, Isabella; and
WHEREAS, in great appreciation and recognition of Tiffany and Al Siller's contributions
to preserving Seward's history, the Seward is pleased to present them with the 2023 Historic
Preservation Award.
30
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA that:
Section 1. Tiffany and Al Siller have volunteered their time, expertise, and resources to
preserve Seward's history and honor those residents who have passed away.
Section 2. The Seward Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to recognize Tiffany
and Al Siller by selecting them as the recipients of the 2023 Historic Preservation Award.
Section 3. The 2023 HP Award will be presented to Tiffany and Al Siller at a City Council
meeting.
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of
Seward, Alaska, this 1 lth day of May, 2023.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
Tanguy Libbrecht, Chair
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Brenda J. Ballou, MMC
City Clerk
(City Seal)
31
RECEIVED
2023
SEWARD HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD FEB 0 $ 2023
NOMINATION FORM OFFICE OF THE
Nomination forms are due to the City Clerk by: eirY CLERK
March 31, 2023
Person you are nominating for this�award: (self-nominations are acceptable)
Name:
Nominee's contributions towards historic preservation in the community of Seward:
Please check all the applicable boxes listed below and include a brief description of the nominee's contributions.
(You may use the back of this form)
Survey and inventory work of historic architectural and archaeological resources in the
community,
❑ Development and submission of National Register of Historic Places nominations for
properties within the community.
Contribution towards education of citizens regarding local historic preservation and
community history.
Research and documentation of the history of the community of Seward.
Publications about the history of the community of Seward.
Reconstruction and restoration work towards historic preservation in the community.
Curatorial, historical records, photo collections, or museum contributions which
contribute to the community's historic heritage.
r Organization of historical records for easy reference for others to gain a better
understanding of Seward's historic heritage.
Contributions towards historic preservation planning.
❑ Oral history contributions towards preserving Seward's historic heritage.
u Progress towards having a climate controlled centralized historic collection in Seward.
l Any other contributions related to historic preservation (please explain).
Nominee has been notified of nomination: El Yes No
Nominee contact info: Phone:�bTYJj r"Q)/a E-Mail: /I(C Ar,2 2,y �. cr)ro
,r? _316
Submitted baiL-VJLPhone: �! 3.JL--I`
For more information,contact the City Clerk's office at 907-224-4046 or clerk@cityofseward.net
32
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