The Klickitat County News, Goldendale, WA., August 8, 1935, page 1

PIONEERS ARRANGING TO HAVE BLOCKHOUSE IMPROVED
Committee Appointed from Pioneer Association to Obtain Costs, Formulate Plans for Immediate Consideration;
W.E. Hornibrook, Jeff Taylor Working

     The Klickitat Valley Pioneer Association has taken the "bull by the horns" this week, and through its recently appointed committee, consisting of W.E. Hornibrook and Jeff Taylor, is working ways and means, as well as plans, for the permanent improvement of the old blockhouse, now located at the rear of the county cottage on A street. The matter has been brought to the attention of civic organizations and residents of Goldendale several times in recent months. It has been learned, and little of a constructive mature has resulted. In view of the fact, the pioneers point out, that the old blockhouse is one of the few historical features which can be easily viewed by visitors to the locality, the program has been, for some time, to make it available as well as many curios and historical items which abound in private hands in the territory. Several plans have been adopted in recent months, all with the full consent of the pioneers. When the plans have failed, it was said, the pioneers became a bit uneasy as to what pitfall the old landmark might revert and the improvement of the building and definitely taken upon the association's shoulders at its last regular meeting in the Goldendale grange hall. Mrs. Joe Stultz, one of the valley's most prominent pioneers, is the present president of the association and it was through her that the appointment of Mr. Hornibrook and Mr. Taylor was made. This week, the two committeemen are busy investigating plans and arranging for the improvement just as speedily as finances and assistance will follow. The first thing that is to be done, Mr. Hornibrook revealed to The News, is the raising of the building one to two feet to get it above the ground and too rapid deterioration. The question of raising the blockhouse one or two logs will be settled this week, no doubt, and the committee will then arrange for the cutting of logs of sufficient size to carry the burden. After the building is raised, the committee then wishes to have a floor, of rough material but substantial, laid. Following this detail, Mr. Hornibrook said, the association would have the roof reconstructed as nearly similar to its present type as possible. The interior may also be graced with an old-fashioned fireplace. When the old, historical structure is completely repaired and renovated, it is the purpose of the pioneers to establish a Klickitat Valley and vicinity museum and relic store house where visitors to the country may halt in their trip and view the historical past of the valley in its keepsakes of important dates and prominent family names and remembrances. No moss is growing under the committee's pedal extremities, it was learned from the members. Arrangements are being compiled just as rapidly as possible and the pioneers are wanting to present the building to the general public before much time elapses. Anyone wishing to assist the association in its project may contact the association's president or the committeemen either for information or to present any contributions.

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©  Jeffrey L. Elmer