Grace Academy Visits Slagle Museum
Nine students and two staff members visited the Slagle historic property this fall. The students were fulfilling school requirements for Washington State History. They expressed appreciation to the Historical Society for their work in ensuring this property is taken care of and available for public viewing.
Student Brooklyn Davis, age thirteen, was interviewed for this article. She was most impressed by the demonstration of how the family washed clothes using homemade bar soap, which they shaved into the wash water, and how the clothes were rung out. She also liked the kitchen and admired the dishes and a tea set. In another observation, she noted that a skeleton key was used on the doors, unlike the keys we use today. She enjoyed the clothing wardrobe and how it differs from today’s.
Teacher Shilo Davis noted that the students were keenly aware of the craftsmanship the building offered, such as handmade hinges and scrollwork on the porches. They were also aware of the things that they use in their houses today, such as wood heat and the differences in the use of lighting and electric appliances.
They could also relate to the Slagle Family and the Slagle name, which is still familiar in the community. They appreciated the photos of the family at the beginning of the tour.
The Ferry County Historical Society is working on a grant to cover foundation issues and stabilize the roof and barn.
Museum Training
In October, we were selected as one of eight museums in the State to participate in the very first Volunteer Museum Learning Community (VMLC) program. The Washington Museum Association and the Washington State Historical Society offer this program. The Washington Museum Association was awarded a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the pilot program. Jayne Jurgensen, Jay Jurgensen, and Bart Wert are currently enrolled.
This is intended for museums without paid staff and is a professional development series focused on essential museum competencies. The program is for one year, and topics cover a variety of subjects, including board responsibility, collection management, volunteers, and fundraising. A different topic is covered each month via Zoom, and some related reading is provided. Any member of the Board or Society can attend, and we must have a minimum of three participants. After the program, we will receive equipment to help us maintain the collection.
Sivinski Fund Grant Awarded
In December, we were awarded a $3,000 grant from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation through the Valerie Sivinski Fund. These funds can only be used for historic preservation, and we will use them to repair and conserve the Slagle House and barn. Nine awards were made this year throughout the State for $20,000; we feel very fortunate to have been selected. Jayne Jurgensen wrote this successful grant for our group.
Each year, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation provides grants through the Valerie Sivinski Fund to organizations and community groups engaged in historic preservation across the state. Founded in 1976, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote sustainable and economically viable communities through historic preservation. The Valerie Sivinski Fund grant program embodies the mission of the Washington Trust by supporting preservation projects where they happen: at the local level.
Named in memory of Valerie Sivinski, a beloved former board member of the Washington Trust who served as president in the early 1990s, the Fund was established in 1997, with the first grants awarded in 1998. Since its establishment, the Fund has awarded around $250,000 in cash grants and building assessment services to more than 200 projects across the state to local organizations and historic preservation advocates.
New Board Members
The Historical Board held its December Board meeting at the home of Nancy Morris. After the meeting, members and their spouses enjoyed clam chowder, cornbread, and cookies. It allowed spouses to meet each other and learn what the Historical Society does.
Two new board members were introduced.
Debbie Almquist and Amy Sharbono have been appointed. Both are lifetime residents and graduated from Republic High School. Their parents have a long history in the county. They are keenly interested in the county’s history and look forward to working with the board.
Barn Cleaning in October
A work party tackled the Slagle Barn in October. The treasures were sorted and 1,000+ pounds of accumulation were removed. Items that had been saved included old empty paint and oil buckets, broken chairs, carpeting, flooring, wood scraps, and cans of screws and nails. The removal allowed the north barn wall to be assessed, and necessary repairs were planned. The Jurgensens, Bart Wert, and Steve Perrin helped with the clearing. Steve also donated his trailer and truck to haul the items to the dump.
Jay Jurgensen, James Blomquist and Clifford Cahoon are shown with the historic marker they installed in the Slagle House yard on Oct. 14
