The King County Landmarks and Heritage Commission granted preliminary historic designation to the smoke stack, powerhouse and its contents at the old Weyerhaeuser mill site.

It’s a step in the direction toward preserving a bit of history with regards to logging in Washington State. The mill had a tremendous impact on the Snoqualmie Valley but its impact reached far into King County as well as the state and country. Wood helped fuel the war effort for World War II as well as providing building materials for many homes in the county.

The commission heard from several long-time Valley residents, as well as a few new folks. The message was clear – save a piece of history. An impassioned speech by resident Harley Brumbaugh brought tears to the eyes of many Valley residents. The speech exemplified what the Snoqualmie Valley is and what it means to live here. We are passionate about our community.

After some setback issues are determined, the commission is expected to grant formal recognition at its next meeting. But next comes the real work.

Weyerhaeuser made it clear at the meeting that it would like to transfer ownership to someone else. The company is not in the historical renovation business and the powerhouse and stack both need renovation. So, who can take on ownership of a beautiful piece of property on the shores of the mill pond and then who can finance or fund renovation? The powerhouse remains much as it did when the final piece of lumber was cut, with most of the equipment in place. But who out there, with the money, is as passionate about preserving Washington history as the group of folks who originally initiated the preservation process?

Weyerhaeuser itself should consider partially funding the building stabilization of the stack and buildings. What better legacy to a great company than an educational center that focuses on our state’s industrial age?

The decision to initiate the preservation process was a good one and members of the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Association, as well as the commissioners of the King County Landmarks and Heritage Commission, should be applauded for their efforts. If not for the careful eye of a few, the stack and powerhouse would be gone by now and the possibility of preservation wouldn’t even exist.