A Brief History of the Pioneer Hall
The history of the oldest building in town, the 124-year old Pioneer Hall, is as storied as the community where it stands-- in Pioneer Way, Ketchikan, Alaska. Orlando W. Grant, a local businessman, constructed the building. He was known as Six-Shooter Grant due to the two nickel-plated, ivory handled guns he wore. Like many gentlemen of the day, Six Shooter was an advocate for Ketchikan’s development. Seeing an opportunity, he was instrumental in encouraging the U.S. Customs operation located on Mary Island to move to Ketchikan. It’s unclear if he had the idea to move the Customs operation to Ketchikan first or if he started construction of the Hall in 1899 then encouraged the move. Nevertheless, the building was finished in 1900 and he negotiated with Customs officials for the rent of his building.
U.S. Customs continued to lease the Hall until Fall 1907. During that time, a large flag post was erected in front of the Customs House/Pioneer Hall with a large American flag on prominent display. The flag became a beacon for seafarers traveling to Ketchikan as it dominated the waterfront. The Hall then served as a boarding house.
In 1917, the Ketchikan branch of Pioneers of Alaska was established, receiving their charter from the Grand Igloo in 1918. By 1922, the members determined that they needed their own meeting space and they purchased the now Pioneer Hall for the princely sum of $4,000.00.
Throughout the 1920’s through today, Pioneers of Alaska has been instrumental in the growth of Ketchikan, advocating infrastructure projects (new schools, health care facilities), supporting social services development (hospital, Pioneer Home) and contributing to the continuing education of high school graduates through its scholarship program. The Women Pioneers of Alaska notably operated Pioneer Haven for 25 years, providing a home for elderly residents ‘without means’. The Women’s Igloo also contributed the land where Pioneer Heights (senior housing) is located today.
The Hall has served as a community hub since its purchase by the Pioneers. It continues as the site of all Pioneer activities and as a gathering site for community organizations and events.
Restoration of the Historic Pioneer Hall Begins!
PIONEER HALL RESTORATION PROJECT
PROJECT
To date, the Pioneers of Alaska have raised over $160,000.00 in grants and over $60,000.00 in donations, with an additional $100,000.00 in volunteer time. These funds have produced:
•The “Pioneer Hall Historic Building Assessment” that provides an in depth look at the Hall’s current condition and identifies the repairs and upgrades needed throughout, including addressing the code, structural, wiring and plumbing issues. ADA compliance is also addressed including accessibility issues.
•The conceptual drawings and site plans. The plan is to return the Hall as much as possible to its 1920’s exterior and interior to restore the building’s character-defining features. Original doors and windows and some flooring remain.
•A Hazardous Materials Survey, identifying asbestos and lead paint. Necessary emergency abatement work in the Hall’s crawlspace was completed in May. Foundation stabilization work may now be completed.
•Foundation Stabilization has been funded and is underway.
The goal of Ketchikan Pioneers of Alaska is the Hall continues to be an asset to the community. Our fundraising arm is the 501C3, Ketchikan Pioneer Way Association. Recent discussions with our neighbors indicate a real interest in developing our area as an arts district, attracting locals and visitors alike Renovations will improve ADA access, add a commercial kitchen and upgrade the upstairs apartment that makes the property more attractive to use.
FUNDING/BUDGET
The total cost for the project is $2.2 million based on calculations by Amanda Welsh, AIA who prepared the floor plan and estimate. We are now raising the funds for the remainder of Phase 4, the exterior structure estimated at $700,000.00. Our volunteer grant writer continues to identify potential funding sources including federal, state and not-for-profits, that are good matches with the project and prepares applications as appropriate. We are requesting Alaska Legislative assistance of the Alaska Legislature for $500,000.00 to use as matching funds to achieve success with our grant requests.
TIMEFRAME
We estimate that the project will take approximately 5-6 years to complete. As funding opportunities become available, we will match grant criteria with a building need.
PARTNERS
This project has the blessing of the City of Ketchikan Ketchikan Historic Commission, Historic Ketchikan, Grand Igloo Foundation, Tongass Historical Museum, Tongass Historical Society, and lovers of old buildings everywhere. The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation selected the Hall as one of its Top Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties for the past three years. Pioneer Hall is individually eligible for the National Register and a contributing building to the Downtown Ketchikan Historic District’s designation on the National Register of Historic Places. Grant funding sources to date include: Rasmuson Foundation and the Alaska Office of History and Archaeology.
For more information contact:
Michele Zerbetz Scott
907-225-5451
poa#7@gmail.com
