Help sought to rebuild historic warehouse

WASILLA — It was built in the days of flappers, Henry Ford and Orville and Wilbur Wright’s flying machines. They are history, but the Herning warehouse (circa 1917) is not. Historic, yes. History, no.

It was built in Wasilla using materials from buildings in Knik and used as a store until a new store was built. Eventually, it became the property of Jules and Leslie Mead, who donated it to the Wasilla-Knik Historical Society.

The society moved it next to Knik Museum — Mile 13.9 Knik-Goose Bay Road — where it sat on blocks until 2010, with the intention of refurbishing and using for restoration of artifacts, storage, museum displays and serving food during events.

Phase one included basement excavation, pouring concrete walls and moving the building onto the foundation. Grant funds ran out right after the stairway was built from the main floor to the basement.

During all this time, hundreds of volunteer hours were donated, and clearing and cleaning the area is ongoing by volunteers.

But concrete, rebar, mesh, pumping and labor are needed for the next phase, and the purse is empty. The cost will be close to $5,000.

This is a historic building that will benefit generations to come and the society welcomes any and all donations.

Contact the Wasilla-Knik Historical Society at wkhsociety.org.