Pioneer Community Association recognizes early restoration efforts

A most amazing journey started with a simple question at a regular meeting of the Pioneer Community Associations Board of Directors. Why are those names on that plaque? What’s the story? The beautiful wood plaque that hangs on the northwest wall of the lower-level Cochran-Takko Pioneer Room reads, “In appreciation for the early restoration efforts of Eric Feasey, Rex West, Mitch Doumit, Jane Goodfellow.” This plaque was presented by Carolyn Feasey Kirkpatrick.

During the ensuing discussion, Board Member extraordinaire Gwen Gorley said I know someone who knows Carolyn. Of course she does. Not only is Gwen a talented saxophone-playing jazz singer, she’s a true historian of all things Wahkiakum/Cathlamet. On the rare occasion that she doesn’t know something, she knows someone who does. Once again, Gwen knew someone and reached out to cousin Kristine Sudar, a close friend of Carolyn Feasey, and the connection was made.

Ms. Carolyn Feasey Kirkpatrick graciously responded to our inquiry with a typed saga of their efforts to save the “Old Pioneer Church” 50 years ago. Now in her 90s, Caroline let us know why we should never forget the efforts of her husband Eric and his friends Rex and Mitch. Carolyn shared, “It was my hope to put the church on the National Register of Historic Places and did try with Jane Goodfellow (added to the National Register in 1973), but Eric was the one to get on his knees to determine the condition of the underpinnings of the old structure. He realized the beams should be replaced, but they were sitting on a huge mound of soil and rocks. The beams were old and huge and had to be replaced. There was no basement at that time, just a huge mound of the hillside. Eric saved the church by volunteering to get the dirt out somehow. Rex and Mitchell agreed to assist.”

Since its creation, the Pioneer Community Association, or PCA (initially Pioneer Church Association) has operated under the mission to preserve and maintain the historic Pioneer Center building for community use as a cultural arts and performance center and a public meeting venue for use by the Cathlamet Public Library and the Town of Cathlamet. Preserving a building over 125 years old is a never-ending project. While a new roof and fresh paint are obvious, those not directly involved may not be aware of the costly challenges of a broken furnace, carpenter ants or interior water damage. Much like our experiences of the past ten years, Eric Feasey and friends found a way to get the job done. Carolyn remembered, “It is my recollection that people knew the Church was being ‘worked on,’ but there were hurtful complaints that ‘nothing’s being done.’ Complainers never bent their knees to look at the incredible job of carefully making a way to even get to the beams. It was back-breaking and though I never heard a complaint from Eric, I knew it was scary besides being very hard work and took about a year and a half. At the same time these dear men had other jobs. The beams were shored up or replaced and later their difficult hard work was the reason there was a way to build a kitchen and meeting room in the basement. Thank Eric and the other dear men for giving it a foundation and usable space.” Heroes continued to be found and Congressman Don Bonker, U.S. House of Representatives 3rd District 1975-1989, helped to secure a grant to replace the shattered windows with original historic glass. Visiting glass companies in the area with salvaged broken pieces in hand, Eric and Carolyn found a company in NW Portland that knew of a company in Ohio that could replicate the gray, violet and gold glass. However, limited production meant that it was only made once a year. With funding secured, the order was placed, and the glass was produced and shipped. Unfortunately, the glass was damaged in shipment. Adding to the frustration, the Grant secured by Rep. Don Bonker was limited to two years, and having to wait another year for replacement jeopardized the project. Rep. Bonker worked to get the Grant extended and everything was in place to replace the distinctive and majestic stained-glass windows. Thankfully, the windows arrived in perfect condition and were quickly installed by Eric Feasey and faithful friends. The next morning, they were contacted by the police that every window had been smashed by vandals throwing rocks. Carolyn wrote, “It hurts to type those words, and it was truly heartbreaking news.” What a tragic setback. Yet, they persisted. The custom windows were replaced. Today, those windows are treasured for their unique beauty.

How often have we heard that history repeats itself? That is certainly true when it comes to the Cathlamet Pioneer Center, aka Pioneer Church. In the 1970s a small group of civic-minded community members saved the historic structure with help from an elected official. We now know them as Eric, Rex, Mitch, Jane, Carolyn and Rep. Don Bonker. Some were on their knees digging in the dirt and others were filing paperwork and finding funds to pull it off. Fifty years later, in the 2020s, another small group of civic-minded community members once again saved the historic structure with help from an elected official. You know them as the PCA Board of Directors and Senator Dean Takko. The new roof, foundation repairs, lower-level remodel and fresh paint took a lot of hands to accomplish, but without the support of Senator Takko and Washington State Dept. of Commerce Grant, nothing would have been possible.

The story of the Cathlamet Pioneer Center continues to be written. Future articles will focus on the return of musicians to our stage, the people that fill the pews, coming attractions and what it takes to keep the doors open. We have another plaque with some other names on it, stay tuned to find out what amazing things they did for all of us.