Structural Damage Closes W-P House

WAITSBURG – Members of the Waitsburg Historical Society received some unwelcome news while trying to be proactive about maintaining the Bruce Museum Complex properties.

Inspectors discovered structural damage to the Wilson-Phillips House, which will cause the building to be closed this summer until repairs – which are estimated to cost about three times the society's annual budget - can be made.

Historical Society President Richard Hinds said the group realized last year that they needed to start setting funds aside for regular maintenance of the complex properties, which include the Bruce Museum, Carriage House, Wilson-Phillips House, Wilson-Phillips Garage, and the small building that houses a display of Wait's Mill.

They hired Steelman Home Inspections of Walla Walla to help them determine how much to set aside each year. They learned that they should set aside $20,000 annually for repairs and maintenance, but that turned out to be the good news. The bad news was that the foundation of the Wilson-Phillips House needs to be replaced and the house is listing to one side.

Hinds said they noticed a slight gap in the foundation last fall, but that the walls have tilted significantly over this winter's very wet and cold weather. The board solicited several bids and accepted one from Narum Concrete Construction of Walla Walla, to the tune of $38,000. Repairs are scheduled for July.

"The last thing we want to do is lose a building. We can't not do it. There's not much to do but to fix it," Hinds said.

Until repairs are completed, the Wilson-Phillips House will be closed to the public. Hinds said the Society has sent letters soliciting financial help from local corporations, and has submitted requests to the Blue Mountain Community Foundation and Sherwood Trust.

Hinds said the board is hopeful that they will be selected for the newly established Warren Community Action Fund. The fund, established in honor of Robert and Nadine Warren, distributes grants up to $20,000, but prefers projects that show strong community financial and other support.

The Historical Society welcomes any and all donations from community members or interested parties, Hinds said. The Waitsburg Historical Society is a 501 c3 not for profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Donations can be made directly through the "Donate" link on the Historical Society web page at waitsburghistoricalsociety.org, mailed to the Historical Society at PO Box 841, Waitsburg, WA 99361, or by contacting Richard Hinds at (713) 252-1196 or Tom Land at (206) 795-4620.