The Klickitat County News, Goldendale, WA., May 30, 1935, page 4
PIONEERS TO SEEK INTEREST IN BLOCKHOUSE REBUILDING
Would Build Native Rock Fireplace, Have Floor in Big Room, New Roof;
Museum Is Goal of Old Timers; Many Items Available for Placing in Old Fort
After watching the historic old Blockhouse lay idle and without suitable recognition for some time the Klickitat Valley Pioneer Association is about to start a movement to revamp the building, placing it in condition whereby it many be used as a museum for valuable historical relics which abound in this area. This statement was given to the News recently through Mrs. Joe Stultz, an active pioneer, who speaks with the association backing here up. For some time, the Blockhouse restoration has been discussed at the pioneer meetings and several promises have been made the pioneers in way of assisting. Watching and waiting, the pioneers are becoming a bit impatient, Mrs. Stultz intimated, and they are desirous of seeing something done before the old landmark is lost through neglect and lack of interest. Mrs. Stultz pointed out to The News that the pioneers would like to see an old fashioned native stone fireplace constructed inside the Blockhouse. They would also like to see a new shake roof applied as well as a durable floor for the interior. Once the old building, so rich with historic lore of this and neighboring communities, is rebuilt, Mrs. Stultz said, the pioneers would see that it is kept in proper shape. The one use, she said, that the old timers would appreciate seeing the building put to, is a museum for the safekeeping of those priceless and valuable relics which abound in this district. There is a wealth of this material available, Mrs. Stultz said, as well as many items that are now already for placing in some appropriate place. Due to the history attached to the old Blockhouse and its generous interior size, the pioneers believe that to make it into a museum is to put it to its proper use, Mrs. Stultz stated. She also said that the pioneers had estimated, generally, the cost, and that it figured only a few hundred dollars. She was thoroughly convinced that once the old building was reconstructed, especially with so much from which to work at present, that it would soon become an important feature for tourists as well as local persons. (An editorial concerning the reconstruction of this famous old Blockhouse, appears on page four.)
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© Jeffrey L. Elmer