The Chehalis Historic Preservation Commission is being upfront and public about the old homes in the city it continues to work to preserve for posterity.
The commission last week received the first installment of plaques it plans for the many homes in several historic districts in Chehalis that have been listed on the National Historic Register. With the delivery, a prominent location on the front of 37 of the historic homes will be emblazoned with the regal-appearing brass plaques, costing about $200 each.
The plaques are intended to identify the homes for the public as a visible reminder of the city's heritage. They note the year the homes were constructed and the name of the builder or original owner.
The historic homes, which must be at least 50 years old, are located in the Westside, Hillside and downtown districts of the city. The old homes have a distinctive aura about them, with Marietta Manor, a Queen Anne home built in 1899, a quintessential example.
The Hillside District home was described in a Chronicle story last week as having an air of sophistication and charm of a simpler time, and a beguiling appearance that draws the attention of passersby. "When you have a home like this, you find you never really own it, it owns you," said owner Hank Kirk, an observation likely shared by occupants of other historic dwellings. Kirk, retired as president of Centralia College, has served as chairman of the preservation commission.
One of the 37 initial plaques will be proudly installed on Marietta Manor.
It is almost as if the old homes are a living entity. They are marvels of architectural styles of different eras, with Chehalis "blessed with a wide variety of styles," Kirk said.
The historic homes are a rich treasure for the city and other communities that to their great credit seek to preserve them.
Owners of these properties who opt to participate in the historic preservation program in effect become caretakers and stewards. They sign an agreement with the city to keep up the home's appearance, but they retain the right to remodel, paint or perform any other maintenance.
The city is helping to pay for the plaques. About 400 letters were sent to people in the three historic districts. More of the plaques will be ordered based on requests and available money.
The plaque-identified homes will help with designating them on maps and for walking tours and other history-related events in the city.
We commend the Chehalis Historic Preservation Commission for all of its efforts.
HANDS OFF: Oftentimes good intentions by humans with regard to what they think are stricken wildlife can lead to bad outcomes.
Here in the mostly rural Lewis County area we live among a rich abundance of wildlife and often come in contact with the critters even around our residences.
Young deer and birds are good examples of how, in trying to help, we can get them in trouble and even cause their death because of various misconceptions. The best advice is to either leave them alone or, when in doubt, call or take them to a wildlife agency or refuge.
"People trying to help a lot of times end up doing more harm than good," said Tammy Yuth, owner of We Are One Wildlife Refuge in Chehalis. "When people find a fawn, they make the mistake of thinking the doe has abandoned it. That is hardly ever the case."
She cited a recent incident in which a Lewis County woman took into her home a fawn she thought was abandoned and fed it cow's milk. Days later, the fawn died.
"Ninety percent of the time the doe is somewhere close by," even if you can't see her, said local state Department of Fish and Wildlife Sgt. Ted Holden. When the doe leaves, it's usually to protect the fawn from predators. He advises to leave the doe alone.
Another misconception is that once a fawn or newborn birds are touched by a human, their mothers won't accept them."That's not true at all," said Holden. The mothers return.
With birds, the best response is also to leave them alone or put them back in their nest.
It's also important to remember that it is unlawful to hold a wild animal in captivity.
