Most Endangered Places 2017

Northern Pacific Railway Parlor Car 1799 listed for 2017.

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is, "dedicated to saving the places that matter in Washington State and promoting sustainable and economically viable communities through historic preservation."  In each of the last 25 years, the Washington Trust has listed the Most Endangered Places, which are historic resources including buildings, vessels, and viewscapes threatened by redevelopment, environmental deterioration, or other influences.  The list is intended to raise awareness about these threatened or endangered resources, and is created through a public nomination process.

The 2017 list was announced on Saturday, May 20th at the Vintage Washington reception held in the St. Edward State Park Seminary Building in Kenmore, a facility itself included in the 2012 Most Endangered list. Included in this year's list is former Northern Pacific Railway parlor car 1799, now a beach-front cottage on Whidbey Island.

Parlor car 1799 is owned by the Shaw Family, who adore the car. However they hope to construct a more family-friendly cottage on the spot currently occupied by the car. Plans are to later in 2017 move the car to the Northwest Railway Museum where it can be exhibited inside the Train Shed, a preservation action befitting of a wooden Pullman car built more than 116 years ago.  

Two weeks ago the annual Seattle Foundation Give Big charitable giving event raised more than $13,000 in support of the Parlor Car move.  Additional support is welcome and encouraged. Contributions may be made to the NP Parlor car on the Northwest Railway Museum's donation page.

Destination heritage

King County has a rich heritage. Agriculture, maritime and industry themes along with its people shaped the County into what it is today. A new website entitled Destination Heritage highlights some of the preserved buildings and heritage resources located within the County, and includes descriptions and informational links. There are print versions in each category; click on each name to download a copy: agriculture, maritime and industry. The industry theme includes the Northwest Railway Museum and Wellington too.

King County is one of the largest counties in all of America. Home to dozens of cities including Seattle, the County's population is nearly 2 million. Three transcontinental railroads - the Northern Pacific, Great Northern and Milwaukee Road - functionally terminated here, and today the largest private employers include Microsoft, Paccar, Boeing, American Seafoods, and Amazon. Today's King County has a rich and colorful history. Carnation and Weyerhaeuser are just two household names that are inextricably linked to King County's history.

Destination Heritage was created by 4Culture with additional support from the King County Historic Preservation Program, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preserve America, a program of the National Park Service. Holly T.'s Past Forward Inc assisted in the creation of content. One of the most comprehensive features is the interactive map that can zoom and pan. And with King County's long and close relationship with railroads, there are plenty of resources to interest a railway historian.

Destination Heritage is an outstanding effort. It has received an award of merit (2010) from the American Association for State and Local History, and Outstanding Achievement in Media (2010) from the Washington State Historic Preservation Officer. Congratulations to 4Culture and their dedicated staff!