Move of historic officers quarters draws a crowd, thrills onlookers

The move of the former Adam Brown House — now San Juan Island National Park's Historic Structure 10 — drew a crowd and thrilled onlookers Dec. 2. Here's what onlookers said.

December 3, 2010 2:06 pm
The move of the Adam Brown House — now Historical Structure 10 — from the corner of West and First streets to American Camp thrilled onlookers. The move took place Dec. 2.
The move of the Adam Brown House — now Historical Structure 10 — from the corner of West and First streets to American Camp thrilled onlookers. The move took place Dec. 2.

The move of the former Adam Brown House — now San Juan Island National Park’s Historic Structure 10 — drew a crowd and thrilled onlookers Dec. 2.

Here’s what a few onlookers said.

— “It has a lot of meaning. It symbolizes the peaceful resolution of the territory dispute. It symbolizes pioneer life and the birth of a town. It’s been at this site since the 1880s and now it’s leaving in a positive way, completing a wonderful circle of historical preservation. It will continue to live.” — Mike Vouri, author and director of interpretation at San Juan Island National Historical Park.

— “It was ID’d in 2006 as an American Camp structure, but it never got on an historic registry. We hoped the National Park would get funding to move it and restore it. Our concern was more about the building’s age. It’s a health and safety issue. Now, it will get all the love it needs.” — Melissa Evans, who with her parents, Anne and Langdon Simons, owns Friday Harbor House. They donated the Brown House to the National Park.

— “American Camp has such a rich history. The addition of this building, next to the other officers quarters, will make it richer … I love the history of it. It’s been a long process, and it’s really cool.” — Darlene Wahl, San Juan Island National Historical Park ranger.