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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-17 Historic District Board SummaryHISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD February 17, 1998- 7:00 p.m. *** AGENDA*** Kenai City Hall Chair Dorothy Gray '1. ROLL CALL: 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 19, 1998 4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: {5. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW: 6. NEW BUSINESS: a. Gold Rush Commemoration b. Hansen Park Historic Signs c. Visitor Center Old Town Exhibit d. Research Battle of Kenai e. Historic Library 7. OLD BUSINESS: a. Preservation Plan b. 1998 Goals & Objectives c. Annual Survey of Historic Properties (KMC 14.20.105 (4)) d. Walking Tour Brochure 8. REPORTS: a. City Council b. Administration 9. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: ~ 0. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: INFORMATION: a. "The Alliance Review"- December 1997 b. "Heritage"--July- September 1997 c. "Restoration"--January-February 1998 12. ADJOURNMENT: HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD February 17, 1998- 7:00 p.m. *** AGENDA*** Kenai City Hall Chair Dorothy Gray ROLL CALL: 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 19, 1998 4. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: §. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW: 6. NEW BUSINESS: a. Gold Rush Commemoration b. Hansen Park Historic Signs c. Visitor Center Old Town Exhibit d. Research Battle of Kenai e. Historic Library 7. OLD BUSINESS: a. Preservation Plan b. 1998 Goals & Objectives c. Annual Survey of Historic Properties (KMC 14.20.105 (4)) d. Walking Tour Brochure 8. REPORTS: a. City Council b. Administration 9. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: ~ 0. BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: INFORMATION: a. "The Alliance Review"-December 1997 b. "Heritage"~July - September 1997 c. "Restoration"~January-Febmary 1998 12. ADJOURNMENT: C:\WPDOCSV98 TshboardLttgendas and Minutes\Agenda February 17.doc ® ® ® HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD February 17, 1998- 7:00 p.m. Kenai City Hall Council Chambers Chair Dorothy Gray MINUTES CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairperson Gray called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Dorothy Gray, Cecelia Richard, Ethel Clausen, Michael Huhndorf, Bill Klu§e, Gloria Wik Also Present: Councilman Joe Moore, Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Tim Wisniewski, Contract Secretary Barb Roper APPROVAL OF AGENDA Agenda was approved as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 19, 1998 Huhndorf asked for clarification of the last sentence in the first paragraph on page six, "La Shot reported that a master plan was done for the area at one time and street alignment got COmplicated" and also wanted to know if the plan still existed. Kluge thought what La Shot was referring to was the problem with rights-of-way and alignment of the road. Huhndorf again asked if the plan was shelved at implementation. Kluge requested that each Board member be provided with a copy of the plan. Huhndorf reported he was of the understanding that a property can be nominated for the National Historic Register in spite of any protestation from the owner although special consideration is given those protestants when land development or other things occur. Huhndorf referred to the third paragraph of page 5, the last sentence "Kluge clarified that it could be nominated and the property owner has the right to object." Kebschull noted this was also a part of the Preservation Plan, Item 7 in the meeting packet and basically that is what it says. Gray indicated this topic could be discussed under Old Business in the preservation plan. With no further discussion the minutes of January 19, 1998 were approved as written. Historic District Board February 17, 1998 Page 1 5. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD - None Gray took this time to thank Kebschull for the exemplary work she does for the Board and presented her with roses. 6. HISTORIC BOARD REVIEW- None 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Gold Rush Commemoration Hansen Park Historic Signs Tim Wisniewski attended the meeting on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss the signage plans for the Erik Hansen Park. Gray began by stating the Historic District Board felt they can work with Parks and Rec with regard signage in the Erik Hansen Park as they had just completed a project with the Rotary Club putting up signage to mark off the historic sites in Old Town. These signs were for buildings and not for sites in the area. Gray continued, the Board thought the Erik Hansen Park might be a perfect place to put signage about the fact that gold was first discovered in Alaska at the mouth of the Kenai River by a Russian geologist. Gray pointed out that Alaska is celebrating the centennial of the gold rush this year. Wisniewski described the proposed design of the Erik Hansen Park and gave a report on the signage. At the last Parks and Rec meeting the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Dr. Hansen were asked to prepare a proposal for signage and bring it to the next meeting. The plan at this time is to have approximately five signs that would give a chronological time line of the history of Kenai. Wisniewski recommended the Historic Board prepare an outline of what they would like to see with regard to signage. Gray stated since the area is within the Townsite Historic zone the Board would like to work with Parks and Rec in preparing the signs. Gray continued, in the Townsite Historic survey four or five historical eras have been identified. Wisniewski also reported that the Kenaitze Indian Tribe wanted it noted the area is a burial site. It was noted the project is very positive with all groups working well with each other. Kebschull reported the park is right outside the Townsite Historic Zone so the Board will not formally be part of the review. Historic District Board February 17, 1998 Parle 2 Kluge stated the Historic Board has set forth some goals and objectives and one of the things they are trying to accomplish is some unity in Old Town by encouraging well-planned projects and keeping with the historic character. Kluge encouraged Parks and Rec to think beyond the immediate improvements being considered and think of it more as a long-term plan where it might not all be accomplished immediately. Kluge continued, he thought each phase could compliment the other phase and what is done in the park is done in a manner that is permanent in nature with lighting, sidewalks, signage. Kluge also recommended that Parks and Rec give the park a link to other improvements taking place in Old Town such as the Mission Street improvement. Wisniewski reported that removable signs are being considered so they can be pulled in the winter to avoid vandalism. Discussion took place on the signs to be placed in the park and suggestions included mentioning the gold rush era; placing the signs in a semi-circular manner facing the site being described; positioning signs in a chronological progression. Wisniewski reported that excavation in the area is of concern due to the fact that human remains were found there some time ago. Moore reported that one condition of the land donation by Dr. Hansen is that the park be completed within two years. If it is not completed to the agreed upon specifications then the land reverts back to Dr. Hansen. The budget for the park was discussed and it was noted that funds will come from the Parks and Rec budget. After more discussion on the park design, Wisniewski recommended that a member from the Historic Board participate in the Parks and Rec planning meetings for the park. Kluge volunteered and will attend the next meeting which will be held on Thursday, March 5, 1998. Gray stated that if Parks and Rec decided not to mention the gold discovery then an alternative location needs to be considered. Kluge suggested the Erik Hansen Park be added to the walking tour. Visitor Center Old Town I~xhibit Gray suggested that perhaps the Visitor Center could have a display or exhibit commemorating the gold rush. The State is making a lot of educational materials available about the gold rush and it would be a good idea to take advantage of that to have the materials here by summer. After a general discussion, Kebschull was asked to invite Kathy Tarr, the Executive Director of the Visitors Center, to the next meeting. Historic District Board February 17, 1998 Parle 3 ® Gray stated that discussion with Tarr could also include the Old Town Exhibit and whether or not her staff would be able to put the materials together. Huhndorf noted that he has a lot materials available should anyone be interested. Kluge suggested a collage of old Kenai be developed. Richard stated it would be nice to have all the historical data in one place. d. Research Battle of Kenai Huhndorf suggested an exhibit be made which describes the Battle of Kenai since it was so significant. Gray stated this could be another exhibit for the Visitor Center. Huhndorf reported there is a lot of material that could be compiled with regard to the Battle of Kenai. Historic Library A brief discussion took place on a historic library. Survey was at the public library. It was noted the OLD BUSINESS a. Preservation Plan Gray noted a copy of the Preservation Plan was included in the packet and that she had worked on Item 13. (A copy was provided to the Board). Gray recommended the Board meet for a work session one hour before the next meeting to finalize the Preservation Plan. Kebschull felt a work session is probably a good idea as clarification is needed as to what has actually been decided on for the Preservation Plan. Kebschu11 noted the information from OHA addresses Huhndorfs concern with regard to property owners objecting to having their properties listed; it states, "If a majority of private property owners object, a property will not be listed." Gray also suggested other items be included in the Plan to include, for instance, the map of historic zones. Kluge stated a work session would be fine if the regular meeting did not go past 8:00 p.m. It was felt business could be conducted by 8:00 p.m. if the other agenda items were limited. Kebschull will write a memo to Council to request a work session. Once approval is obtained the work session will be advertised in the newspaper. The work session was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on March 16, 1998. Gray suggested the title of Item 13 on the Preservation Plan outline be changed from "Agenda for future action/projects (5 Year Plan/10 Year Plan)" to "Procedure for annual review and future planning." Kluge Historic District Board February 17, 1998 Page 4 be suggested the sentence. "A cop~ of the annual report be provided to the Cit~ Council" be added to the second paragraph. Gray would add that comment to Item 13. Kebschull indicated the report is done already but Council has never been provided with a copy. 1998 Goals and Objectives Gray discussed the three areas the Board had suggested for the 1998 goals and objectives. They are: Gold Rush Commemorative Project Completion of the Walking Tour Educate residents about the history of Kenai Gray suggested the Old Town exhibit at the Visitors Center, the Hansen Park signage with Kluge as a liaison, and the Battle of Kenai be included as part of the education of residents item (Item 7). Kebschull recommended the Historic Board consider a working relationship with the Planning and Zoning Commission by perhaps having a representative attend a Planning and Zoning meeting on occasion. Kebschull noted she asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider the same thing. After a general discussion, it was decided this item would be added to the goals and objectives and Richard volunteered to serve as a representative on a limited basis. Kebschull will provide Richard with a copy of the Planning and Zoning meeting packets for the next few meetings. Gray suggested the 1998 goals and objectives be limited to two goals with the first one being educating the residents about the history of Kenai. Sub-topics underneath this item would include the Old Town Visitor Center Exhibit, Hansen Park signage, Battle of Kenai, Gold Discovery/Gold Rush Exhibit, and Completion of the Walking Tour. The second main goal would be to develop a working relationship with Planning and Zoning. Annual Survey of Historic Properties (KMC 14.20.105 A memo from Kebschull to the Board was included in the meeting packet regarding the annual survey of historic properties. The Board had asked for a list of the properties and these are included in the Kenai Townsite Historic Survey Report, page 211. The State Historian advised the Board to review this list on an annual basis. Kebschull would then be notified of any changes and she will write a letter which would complete the annual survey requirements. It was noted there are no changes and Kebschull will write the appropriate letter for 1997. Historic District Board February 17, 1998 Page 5 ® Gray recommended the December meeting of each year be designated as the time to review, evaluate and set goals. The members agreed. de Walking Tour Brochure Huhndorf stated it was noted at the Rotary Club that the Chamber had a walking tour as well. Huhndorf expressed concern of re-inventing the wheel or competing with the Chamber and thought a meeting was necessary. Other areas of concern included funding for the project, the length of the walking tour, a final, thorough review, and a decision on a time frame to get it to the printer. Richard asked about ihe walking tour for the Chamber as she was not aware they had one. She noted they did come out with a new brochure. Kluge stated he sat on the Chamber Board since 1989 and confirmed there is no walking tour. Gray thought this may be another opportunity for the Historic Board to collaborate with the Chamber. Kluge recommended the walking tour be taken to a professional and have them provide a proposal for designing a pamphlet. This would outline the budget requirements. After the estimated budget is determined then funding efforts could begin. Kluge also offered to give a copy of the walking tour to Peggy Arness so that she can add some anecdotes to make the tour more interesting. Kebschull reported a quote could be obtained without having a final document and the information could be available for the March meeting. Kebschull continued, the cost is going to be based on the number of copies so that figure needs to be determined. Kebschull also noted there was money available in the budget for printing. Huhndorf asked about using photographs in the pamphlet. Kluge suggested the Chamber and the Visitors Center be contacted for interesting photos. Discussion took place on various printers in the area. Kluge will get estimates and present the information at the next meeting. Kebschull reiterated the need to have the number of copies determined as if this was going to be an ongoing issue it will have to be budgeted for every year. It was noted that perhaps funding assistance could be obtained from the Rotary Club. REPORTS City Council Historic District Board February 17, 1998 Page 6 10. 11. 12. b. Administration Gray noted the City Council agenda was included in the meeting packet. PERSONS PRESENT NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD: - None BOARD QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS Kebschull requested that Board Members bring the Preservation Plan information from this meeting packet to the work session. This is the second time it was provided. Additionally, members are asked to bring their Survey's in as well. Kluge asked that Kebschull remind members in the next meeting packet. INFORMATION "The Alliance Review"-- December 1997 "Heritage" --- July -- September 1997 "Restoration" -- January-February 1998 '13. ADJOURNMENT MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:35 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Roper, C/)n'tract Secretary Historic District Board February 17, 1998 Page 7 WALKING TOUR Welcome to Old Town Kenai! The walk you are about to go on will take you about a forty five minutes to an hour. Old Town holds many stories. Early Kenai was a Russian outpost which played into the world fur trade of the 1700's. The countries of England, Spain, and America were all interested in Alaska. On this walk you will see also Cook Inlet and the mouth of the world famous Kenai River where salmon have been harvested for centuries. Spain and England both made voyages up Cook Inlet. England with Captain James Cook (hence Cook Inlet) desperately searched for a Northwest Passage during the late 1770's. This would have given England valuable land to further their empire. Spain who had come up from Mexico and California seemed to be looking for religious converts and checking up on the rival Russians. It was here in 1791, where Russian fur traders built Fort St. Nicholas on the bluff near the Russian Orthodox Church. In 1794 English Captain Gearge Vancouver walked up the bluff to the "foul odor" of the same said fort; things had not been going so well. It was here in 1797 when a significant event in Northwest history occurred with the Battle of Kenai. The Russians thus left and had to find farm oppommities elsewhere. Had they stayed, south-central Alaska may have proven aghculmrally viable enough to sustain their limited number of settlements. It was in 1864 where the first school was started by Russian Orthodox Father Nikolai. Father Nikolai was a the first missionary to be stationed at Kenai. He is buried here at Chapel of St. Nicholas, named in his honor. In 1867 Alaska was purchased by the United States of America who won the race for Alaska's economic resources although at the time it was considered "Seward's Folly" in jest of then rogue Secretary of State William H. Seward. Alaska became "Indian Country" and Old Town was the site of Fort Kenay from 1869 to 1871. The fort was abandoned and the buildings placed under the care of a local resident named Wilson. From 1871 to about 1957 the village of Kenai grew slowly into a town. Local Indian people called the "Dena'ina" (Kenaitze in Russian) slowly made there way from outlying villages to live here. It was during this time that commercial fishing and some fur trapping became staple elements in fledgling Kenai. American schools began to appear in the early 1900's. Kenai grew most dramatically with the advent of homesteading after World War II and boomed after oil was discovered at Swanson River in 1957. Today it has expanded from its roots as a Russian outpost and is a community of roughly 7500. Enjoy! Entries marked with an asterisk (*) do not have walking tour signs. 1) Moosemeat John's Cabin - Though not on the walking tour map you can see this building just across that lot here at the Visitor's Center. Now the Kenai Chamber of Commerce, this cabin represents Kenai's early homesteading era which began in earnest around 1946. Given the name "Moosemeat John" for hunting moose to feed his thirteen children, John Hedberg homesteaded with his family out in Nikiski, often sharing the success of his efforts with neighbors. His 160 acre homestead was near the Kenai Pipeline site currently owned by Tesoro. He was bom March of 1866 in Warmland-Lan, Sweden and amved in Alaska before the mm of the 20th century. He was also a prospector, trapper, and fisherman. 2) (1935-1957) Moose Range Headquarters- From 1898 to 1908 this property was the Alaska Aghcultt~al Experimental Station consisting of twenty six acres tied into existing federal government programs for aghculmre. It was set up in cojunction with the Hatch Act of 1887 a nationwide program effort to curb land destruction due to poor farming techniques. The Hatch Act provided federal fimding for agricultt~al experiment stations to be located in most states. Therefore in 1897 federal agents from the U.S. Department of Agrculture came to Alaska and chose Kenai as one of six Alaskan communities to have such a station. Because rapid settlement was anticipated, these headquarters were put here to determine what crops and livestock would do well in this region. A residence, barn, woodshed, blacksmith shop, and implement shed were built. Experiments lead to the conclusion that Kenai did not show promise for farming. The equipment and livestock were transferred to Kodiak. None of the original buildings from this time stand. In 1935 the Alaska Fish and Game Commission used the property until the late 1940's and prior to WWlI part of the property was used as an airstrip. In 1941 the U.S. Government set aside 1,730, 000 acres as protected moose habitat changing the name Temtorial Fish and Game Commission Headquarters to Kenai National Moose Range. In 1980 after the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) the KNMR was enlarged by 2 million acres with the Refuge Headquarters moving to Soldoma. The property is currently owned by the Kenai Native Association. 3) (1925) Arness Cabin- 4) (1918-25) Three Scandinavians' Cabin- 5) (1918-25) Cabin # 3 - 6) (1910) Miller Cabin - Appearance is the major factor with these three cabins as they represent a style of building from the beginning era in Kenai's initial "village" growth (1898-1925). They have all been moved to this present locale and knowledge of their origins is scanty. Although this may be the case, try to picture the buildings in Old Town Kenai as a village over hundred years ago. They looked much like the ones you see here. In the 1920's Kenai was described by one observer as "about as modem as a rural American town of the 1850's. In 1934 twenty-eight houses held 131 people. The breakdown is as follows' 18 wood frame buildings, 7 cabins, .3 tents. For roofing material thirteen had shingles and twelve were tarpaper with the number of occupants averaging between four and six. Census figures for 1900 list 156 residents; comprising this figure were 88 Russian and American residents with 68 Kenaitze people. Records show that a large portion emigrated fi'om Scandinavia. By 1929 census figures listed 286 residents in Kenai. The major portion of the economy came from commercial fishing beg/nning with the Northern Packing Company in 1888. This cannery was joined by the Pacific Packing Company in 1897 and Libby McNeill & Libby in 1912. An important by-product of canneries was salvage materials. After the fish traps were dismantled, residents collected the timber planking and built home with it. 7) (1869) Fort Kenay- The building is a commemorative effort constructed in 1967 by the Bi-centennial Commission celebrating Alaska's purchase in 1867. It began as a museum and community hall symbolizing transition from Russian to American ownership. Although the original stockade and buildings within it are long since gone, this location holds more significance than the existing structure. Historically, the Russian Redoubt Nikolaevsk (1791), America's Fort Kenay (1869-70), and the Russian Orthodox Church School (1900), all shared this same piece of ground. The Russians built ungamsoned forts called redoubts duhng their time in Alaska; Nikolaevsk was one of five built on the Kenai Peninsula. Such places smmg out from St. Michael (Yukon River mouth/Norton Sound in Westem Alaska), along the Aleutian Chain, to Kodiak, then going as far south as Sitka and Wrangell. A brick factory was set up here in 1841; bricks were used mainly for chimneys, ovens, and foundations. By 1865 thirty thousand bricks a year were being produced. Upon its purchase for $7,200,000 in 1867, Alaska was designated as "Indian Country". Given that designation, four officers and their families along with 116 enlisted men were assigned here to Fort Kenay. The fort had been converted from barracks left by Russian fur traders. In Russian times the outpost went by the name of Nikolaevsk Redoubt, having been built by the Lebedev-Lastochkin Company on 1791. The U.S military occupation lasted just sixteen months from April of 1869 to September of 1870. The Indians had proven friendly and Battery F Second U.S. Artillery was transferred to fight Indian wars in Idaho. It was not until 1907 with the advent of the first federal school that the U.S. Government vigorously pursued settlement. Prior to that time salmon canneries, various commercial interests, and the Russian Orthodox Church were very influential. The Russian school had been here since 1864 teaching classes in catechism, Russian language, Church Slavonic, arithmetic, and music. 8) (1881) Parish House Rectory - Built in 1881, this building is believed to be the oldest building on the Kenai Peninsula and has continued to be used as a residence since that time. * (1894) Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church Constructed in 1894, this building is one of the oldest standing Orthodox churches in Alaska. It is also a National Historic Landmark. Church services are still regularly held as there is an active Russsian Orthodox commumty in Kenai. ~" * (1906) The Chapel of St. Nicholas The Chapel of St. Nicholas was built as a tribute to Igumen (Abbot) Nikolai, first missionary in the Kenai area, his assistant Markary Ivanov, and another monk whose name is not recorded. Among his many contributions to residents of the area, Father Nikolai was responsible for bringing the smallpox vaccine to the Kenai Peninsula and with the help of Makary Ivanov, vaccinated the survivors of this deadly disease. A smallpox epidemic in 1838 had killed half the Dena'ma Indian population on the Kenai Peninsula. According to custom, priests are buried in the church yard; therefore this hand-hewn log chapel was constructed over the site of the first Russian church establiShed by Father Nikolai which he built on the site of the original Russian Fort St. Nicholas. On December 19, St. Nicholas Day, a memorial dedication or "moleiben" is held to remember this beloved priest and his reader. 9) (1918) Oskolkof/Dolchok Cabin - This cabin remains in its original location. It has changed owners a number of times with a number of slight modifications such as the shed roof addition, exterior stairs, and second story window; the donner which faces south may have been added as well. The house also is one of three homes in this district which represents a theme of Kenaitze Subsistance (circa 1900-41) meaning that either the builder or owner was Kenaitze Indian. The Oskolkof/Dolchok Cabin is a good · representative of what the buildings in early Kenai looked like. Because the additions have not significantly altered the property's basic historic appearance and the design and workmanship of its origin are still intact, this house is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. It retains its historic feeling since no incompatible construction is adjacent to it. 10) (1912) Wilson House - Kenai residents Paul Wilson Sr. and wife Katherine bought this house and raised their family here in the early 1900's. His son Paul Jr. and his wife Elizabeth also raised their family of eight children here. Like the Oskolkof/Dolchok Cabin this home is representative of a time when Kenai though still considerd a village, was growing slowly. Also like the Oskolkof/Cabin it is in the same location as originally built and retains its valuable setting. In other words, no adjacent construction has taken place that would make it incompatible with its historic value. This house is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. 11) (1950) Steve King House - This house was built in the 1950's by Steve King on his North Kenai homestead. He relocated here in the early 1960's. It is thematic with the growth period which followed World War II. It is now a rental property. 12) (1940's) The Jahrig Building - This building is noteworthy in that it is the only commercial property in the Kenai Townsite Historic District dating from the Post World War II Community Growth Period. The property originated as a Northwest Cannery property and was moved here fi'om Kasilof. It has since seen varied uses and was Kenai's first theater and first phan~acy. It became a bakery and coffee shop in the late 1950's and early 60's. It is now a restaurant and has been added on to as well as remodeled, reshaped and otherwise altered. It probably saw its beginnings as simple one story fi'me building with gable roof and shiplap siding. Like many others, it is a building which has been moved here testifying to the cost and scarcity of materials in an earlier time. Before the advent of building supply stores and highways, it was easier to salvage materials or move a structure in its entirety rather than build from scratch. For more historic photos and information on this building, you may inquire within. 13) (1948) Kenai Commercial Building - Also associated with Kenai' post World War II growth, this property was remodeled in 1985 and except for its concrete foundation has been altered considerably. The very first store on this location burned down in the 1940's. Another building was barged up from Kasilof in 1948 and, like the Jahrig building, it was thought to be an old cannery building (Alaska Packers Cannery). It was set up as Kenai Commercial Company by E. Wells Ervin and Helen Jones to sell groceries and dry goods. The store had a slogan - "buy on credit, pay after fishing" Helen Jones who operated the store was also a registered nurse for the community. The Kenai Commercial Company operated until 1966 when it became Northern Commercial Co. and after three years here Northern Commercial moved to another location. The Jahrig family bought the building and lived here until 1980. It remained unoccupied until 1985 when it was bought by Robert and Janice Cowan who remodeled it making the law office you now see. 14) (1935) Showalter House - The only remaining house in Kenai which was built in the 1930s. It was built by local carpenter John Berg whose wife Helen was the local postmistress. The post office was operated from their home. The house was sold to Ward Showalter in 1947. Showalter was a commercial fisherman. It has remained in the family and is now owned by his son James Showalter also a commercial fisherman. 15) (1950's) Kenai Bible Church - Though neither located in the historic disthct, nor compatible in size or design of other historic the buildings, nor yet fifty years old, this church was the first Protestant church in Kenai. It also borders the bluff and sits at the mouth of the Kenai River. With this in mind the lighted cross is a comforting reminder to some fisherman entering the fiver after a day out on the Cook Inlet Fishing grounds. 16) (1916) Hermansen Miller House - Built by Martin Updahl out of rough planking from Libby McNeil cannery, this structure is considered to be the oldest frame house in Kenai. Of Norwegian descent, Updahl changed his name to Hermansen not long after coming to Kenai. He married Fedora Peterson and raised a family there until 1939. A shed and running water were added in 1925. Mr. Hermansen was a jack-of-all-trades who helped build many of Kenai's homes. In 1950 this building was sold to a man named Lemon who operated a small grocery store which soon became Kay's Diner. Fred and Louisa Miller purchased the house in 1951, where they rented out rooms upstairs and had an ice cream parlor downstairs. Concurrently, the Millers operated the local post office and allowed the Catholic church to hold mass in the ice cream parlor until 1956. Shortly thereafter it served as Kenai's first hospital/clinic. Today is serves as a bed and breakfast establishment. ~ *) (1922) Doichok/Juliussen Cabin -Originally constructed by Mike Dolchok on Overland Avenue across from U.S. Fish and Wildlife buildings, formerly the Moose Range Headquarters. The Dolchok family home was sold to Dick Wilson in the late 1940s who then sold it to the Juliussens. Julius Juliussen moved it to its present location and raised his family here until the 1950s. The property's appearance in 1925 was similar to the way it looks today; however, the large addition on the right did not exist nor the large multi-pane window. 17) (1954) Civic League Building - Built in 1954 with materials donated by the J.H. Pomeroy Construction Company and volunteer labor, this property served as a community center, serving the following fimctions: public library, library, Homemaker's Club, courthouse, various church services, a schoolroom and evening meetings such as the Civic League (forerunner of today'S city management). With Kenai's incorporation in 1950, it provided city office space, storage for the first fire track, and housed the public health nurse. Today a preschool operates in this: building and is an excellent example of a municipal building constructed during the post World War II community growth period. 18) (1955) Kenai Firehail Jail -Like the Civic League Building, the Firehall was built using volunteer labor in 1955. Two years later the jail was added to the rear of the building. After the Kenai Police and Fire Depamnents moved to their new facility in 1973, this building was leased for one dollar per year to the Kenai Arts & Humamties Council. In 1980 it was renovated into a workshop for artists.