BE A PART OF HISTORY-SAVE PIONEER HALL
Introducing Ketchikan Pioneer Way Association- formed March 24, 2023 to serve as the fund-raising arm for the Ketchikan Pioneers of Alaska. The Association is an IRS recognized 501C3. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Tax ID# 92-2986645.
The Association's first goal is to acquire the funds necessary to complete the historic preservation and restoration of Pioneer Hall and Pioneer Way.
Pioneer Hall, the iconic landmark in downtown Ketchikan, is undergoing a major restoration and preservation. The oldest building in the city limits, at 123 years old, is showing its age. Urgent work is needed to address safety issues, improve access and shore up the foundation . The goal is to return the Pioneer Hall to its roaring 1920s grandeur.
O.W. (Six-Shooter) Grant built Pioneer Hall in 1899-1900. The U.S. Customs office moved from Mary Island to the building after it was completed and operated there until 1907. In 1922, the building the Pioneers of Alaska purchased the building and continue to use the building to this day.
Pioneer Hall was instrumental in Downtown Ketchikan receiving Historic District designation by the National Register of Historic Places. With careful historic restoration, Pioneer Hall will become a centerpiece of Ketchikan’s historic preservation efforts. The City of Ketchikan Historic Commission and Historic Ketchikan, Inc. endorse this project.
Stressing the urgency of the restoration efforts is the selection of the Pioneer Hall by the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation as one of the Top Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties in Alaskan for the past two years.
Phases 1, 2 and 3 of the 6-phase project are complete!
Phase 1-Planning & Development $53,716.84
Phase 2- Floor & Site Concept Design $38,850.00
Phase 3- Crawlspace Abatement $55,844.00
Phase 4 is beginning and we are have just raised $140,000 from two Alaska Office of History and Archaeology grants. Our goal for this phase is $759,000.00. This phase will address major structural and exterior work (repair and replace the sagging foundation and roof, upgrade the building siding, and add a structural beam to keep the 2nd floor from collapsing).
If you also value the historical and community value of Ketchikan’s oldest building please help us restore this treasured community asset!
Scroll Thru Pictures of the Hall
Giving Levels:
North Star Level- $50,000+
Be a star! The North Star, also known as Polaris, is located in the night sky almost directly over the North Pole. A part of the flag of the State of Alaska, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.
Big Dipper Level- $25,000-$49,999.
Seven bright stars that make up the constellation Ursa Major and join the North Star on Alaska’s flag. The dipper is the Great Bear- symbolizing strength.
Gold Nugget- $10,000-$24,999.00
The lure of gold brought thousands to Alaska, starting in 1880 when Joe Juneau discovered gold in the Silverbow Basin of Alaska. More discoveries in the Klondike, Yukon and Nome followed. In 1907, 28 men met in Nome and formed Pioneers of Alaska to establish an “Alaskan Order”. Women were invited to be members in 1912.
Mary Island Level- $5,000-$9,999.00
Mary Island is 25 miles north of the Canadian border and 25 miles south of Ketchikan. All boat traffic entering Alaskan waters stopped at the U.S. Customs Service located on the Island before the Service moved to what is now Pioneer Hall in Ketchikan. The Island is named for the daughter of Admiral John Winslow who cruised past the Island with her father in 1872 aboard the USS Saranac.
Six Shooter Grant- $1,000-$4,999.00
In 1900, Orlando Wells Grant built the building that is now Pioneer Hall. He actually wore ivory-handled guns on each hip. A true “booster for Ketchikan” who spearheaded the townsite development, Six Shooter enticed the US Customs Service to move from Mary Island to Ketchikan and occupy the now Pioneer Hall.
Forget Me Not Level- $25-$999.00
Five light blue petals with a yellow center, the forget-me-not is Alaska’s State Flower. To Pioneers of Alaska, the petals symbolize the pioneer character- hardiness, integrity, tolerance, industry and love for all.
To date, we have received grants from and the assistance of:
Alaska Office of History and Archaeology
Rasmuson Foundation
Grand Igloo Foundation
City of Ketchikan
Historic Ketchikan
for which we are most grateful.
Thanks to the following for their continuing support of time, talent and treasure:
Amanda Welsh, AIA of Welsh Whitely Architects
Tongass Historical Museum
Stephen Reeve, Historic Ketchikan
Alaska Association for Historic Preservation
City of Ketchikan Ketchikan Historic Commission
and countless individual donors who love Alaska history and old buildings.