“Ellis Island” of the Columbia River was
Quarantine Hospital, and now
Historical Museum
Just Across Megler Bridge in Washington
By Sherry Holdiman
Once crossing over Astoria’s Megler Bridge from the Oregon side of the Columbia River, you’ll find a hidden-but-not-forgotten historic gem referred to as the Columbia river’s “Ellis Island”. The Columbia River Quarantine Station of 1899-1938 processed well over 100 ships and inspected thousands of immigrants during the first year of operation.
When contagious diseases were detected such as bubonic plague, cholera, yellow fever, typhus and smallpox, a quarantine commanded ships to dock and treatment was provided at the Quarantine Hospital, also known to locals as the “Lazaretto” or pest house. Yellow Q flags were flown to indicate detainment while quarantined ships unloading their seamen and passengers for inspection. These Q flags flew over the suspected vessels until they were cleared for departure, continuing their journey by way of the Columbia River.
The women of Knappton Cove have had a significant influence in preserving its history, continuing the story for generations to come. Knappton Cove Heritage Museum Curator, Nancy Bell Anderson, along with her husband, Rex, have worked countless hours and are moving closer to completing Nancy’s dream of preserving this historic landmark.
Like all great undertakings, it all began with an idea. Nancy’s first hurdle was to purchase the land and buildings from her mother. The next challenge would be financing the project. Accomplised author, entrepreneur, historian, businesswoman, and museum curator are but a few of Nancy’s prior achievements helping her to gain the necessary startup capital. She began with her own money, hoping to make progress by paying all of the expenses while praying the building wouldn’t fall apart or fall down completely.
Early on, Nancy developed clever brochures selling her original ideas of clothespin doll crafts to magazine companies. She developed brilliantly detailed products including directions of how to create several different varieties of all-occasion dolls, including stunning photo imagery for marketing success. This payed for the taxes, a new well for water, septic system and roof expenses totaling more than her resources would cover. The building thus became known to Nancy as “the museum that clothespins built”.
The next challenge was acquiring additional finances to complete the project. The process of obtaining non-profit status 501c3 presented new opportunities of financial backing. They established a board of directors. Although these efforts spanned more than ten full years, they were initially prompted by a $17,000 bid for roof repairs when it first became apparent that more resources were needed.
Ms. Anderson contacted the Kinsman Foundation, active supporters of historic preservation. This process took several months, but eventually she acquired a grant for $17,000 which fully covered the repairs. New problems presented themselves when the property shifted and sank nearly nine inches and the porches collapsed. With the building askew, serious structural and internal damages occurred.
More work began with the help of community partners–many being volunteers–and with the needed money for supplies, both paid and non-paid local contractors were obtained. At zero labor cost, the Clatsop Community College historic preservation students came onboard led by faculty members, Lucien Swerdloff and John Goodenberger. Nancy applied for an additional grant of $32,000 from the Kinsman Foundation. With additional financial help from tax-deductible community donations, the fund is still growing annually.
Work began with development of plans through studies, research, workshops and a lot of history. This included work by students interested in historic preservation supervised and coordinated by Lucien and John. Swerdloff’s camera always ready-captured each stage of the project as it moved forward. Brooke Willoughby provided landscape preservation of native plants for medicinal purposes, intertwining her expertise for the purpose of the project. Photographs can be viewed of the many phases as they developed on the CCC Historic Preservation Facebook page.
Participating CCC Historic Preservation students gain degree course-credit for the hours they work. The work provided thus far includes drawings and building documentation, plans for preservation, and glazing and puttying all the windows which holds the glass in and seals them. Many hours of plastering restored the main gallery spaces. Students took on individual projects for internship, work-credit, and carpentry workshops restoring front porches and rebuilding the front steps.
Although more work needs to be done. With many more husband honey do’s on the list, Nancy’s vision of preserving her childhood stomping grounds is within reach. Credit must also be given to Mr. Larry Weathers, who completed the necessary research gaining National Historic Registry designation.
This landmark, now owned by the Anderson family, maintains all the history of the Cove and will continue to tell the story for years come. Contributions are welcomed. Full contact information is found at the following link: http://www.knapptoncoveheritagecenter.org. Contact info: Director Nancy Anderson at 503-738-5206, knapptoncove@gmail.com
