Scope and Contents: This collection contains three items concerning MRV Architects’ work on restoring Southeast Alaska Native clan houses. The first item in this collection consists of a 1983 transcribed interview with Linn A. Forrest, Sr., who was an early architect that worked for MRV and who restored Native architecture in Southeast Alaska during 1938-1940 in conjunction with the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). The interview was conducted by MRV head, Paul Voelckers, and Richard Ritter and concerns Forrest’s work on the Chief Shakes Community House in Wrangell and the work performed on it during 1939-1940.
The next two items consist of reports generated by MRV in 2007 concerning the firm’s proposed work to restore the Chief Son-I-Hat Whale House at Kasaan, Alaska. The reports, which include color images, were prepared by MRV head Paul Voelckers and his wife Mary Pat Wyatt. Both reports discuss the state of the house in 2007, such as issues of wood rot, weathering, and structure stability. The reports also discuss some aspects of the House’s history and MRV’s recommendations for repairs.
Note: Those interested in Linn A. Forrest, Sr.’s work during the 1938-1940 period to restore Native architecture should see SHI’s Linn A. Forrest, Sr. Photograph Collection (PO014). Researchers should also see Forrest’s book about the work, cited as: Viola E. Garfield and Linn A. Forrest. The Wolf and the Raven, Totem Poles of Southeastern Alaska. 19th printing. (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1996), also held by SHI’s library.
Subjects (links to similar collections)
