The Port Chilkoot Company will be auctioning off items dating back to the 1940s that have been stored in the Fort Seward barracks building.
Auction proceeds will go toward continued revitalization of the historic building that has sat empty since the 1930s. Since that time, the building has been used for storage, much of which has been abandoned over time, said barracks restoration committee member Annette Smith.
“Many people who have lived in Haines, passed through town or are still living here have, at one time, stored their belongings in the large building once home to hundreds of soldiers,” the company wrote in a press release. “Many items will be available for bid, including household items, furniture, helmets, interesting items for found-objects or metal art, etc.”
Smith said she wouldn’t reveal too much of what would be available but said an old dogsled, two nice chairs and a sofa would be up for auction.
On June 13 at 2 p.m., participants will be given a short tour of the building where they will be allowed a quick peek at the items. Auction items will be organized into a collection of “lots” and bidders will bid on an entire lot instead of individual items. The auction begins at 3 p.m.
The tour costs $10, $5 of which will be added as credit to a winning bid.
Fort Seward was built from 1902 to 1905 and is now a historical site. Two barracks buildings originally stood at the base of the parade grounds, but one was destroyed in a fire in 1981. The surviving building contains offices on the bottom floor and two rooms on the second floor. The divided lots will be available throughout the building.
“The Port Chilkoot Company has been working over the past few years to stabilize and improve the look of the barracks,” Smith said. “We have refurbished a couple of the windows, restored both attic windows, repainted the front and replaced siding on the backside. We put flashing all around on the roof to shed the water better. We’ve been slowly working on it.”