History

The first Sheldon Jackson sawmill was constructed in 1934 by students under the direction of school engineer Charles Stuart. The school operated the mill until January 12, 1940, when a fire destroyed the building. Construction of the rectangular-shaped, one-story, 3,851-square foot mill that now occupies the site began on September 12, 1940. The engine room was made of concrete and the roof and walls were built with galvanized steel to provide fire protection. On January 8, 1941, the sawmill cut its first lumber and continued to serve the school until 1976 when the machinery was sold. The sawmill had served the campus for over 30 years. In 2001, Sheldon Jackson Training School was designated a National Historic Landmark, with 20 contributing structures including the Sage and Mill Buildings (today these two buildings make up the Sitka Sound Science Center).

Rehabilitation: Why Buy New When Old Will Do

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Sheldon Jackson filled in the area around the Sawmill foundation pilings to create more land for aquaculture activities. Over the decades this fill contributed to the deterioration of the foundation. The roof and siding eventually leaked, there was no heat and very primitive plumbing.

In 2014, the Sitka Sound Science Center which now owns the property, began to develop a rehabilitation plan. With assistance from Welsh and Whitely Architects, CBC Construction, and the National Park Service, the Sitka Sound Science Center wanted to maintain the building’s character and landmark status while making it functional for scientific research and education.

After five years an approach was agreed upon:  The Sawmill was disassembled, board for board, carefully labelling and storing the framed walls, trusses, floorboards and the salvageable siding.  A new concrete foundation was poured, and the structure was reassembled with the framing remaining exposed on the inside.  New galvanized siding with the same imprinted pattern as the original was installed, the old wide floorboards were reinstalled in the front of the building; the original trusses made from clear Sitka Spruce logged and milled by Sheldon Jackson students can be also be seen. The original cross bracing used for sheer strength in the corners of the building is also in view.