Fort Vancouver Historic Structures Report

Recommendations

a. When excavating in the vicinity of Building no. 7 archeologists should attempt to find traces of the barrier that linked this structure to the south palisade wall. Remnants of pickets or posts could tell much of the nature of this barrier.

b. Undoubtedly it would be difficult and extremely costly to assemble enough original and replica mid-nineteenth century artifacts to fill these two very large structures, even though many bales, barrels, kegs, and boxes could be displayed unopened and, therefore, empty. Although to "refurnish" these two warehouses completely undoubtedly would convey to visitors in vivid fashion the importance of the Fort Vancouver Depot in the western fur trade, such a vast and expensive project, which would require periodic maintenance, cleaning, and protection from insects, does not appear practicable.

Also, there is a need for administrative and interpretive facilities at the fort site. These two structures, together with the neighboring Building no. 8, appear to be those most suitable for such purposes. They are all large, and all would be extremely difficult to refurnish as historic house exhibits in any meaningful manner.

It is suggested, therefore, that a portion of the "New Store" 7 (Building no. 5) be set aside for a baling room exhibit. This area should be large enough so that, when "refurnished," it would convey an impression of the quantities and types of goods stored in the depot.

Since the National Park Service almost certainly could never obtain enough furs to maintain a meaningful fur storage exhibit in Building no. 8 (a structure 40' x 100' loaded with furs on both floors would present a tremendous mothproofing and maintenance problem even if the furs could be obtained), all displays of furs might well be confined to the Indian trade shop, where furs were also kept.

With these two steps taken, most of Building no. 5 and all of Buildings nos. 7 and 8 would be free for internal adaptation to administrative and interpretive uses. The exteriors, of course, should retain their historic appearance.