Necanicum Schoolhouse Renovation (Seaside, OR)

Jeff Hurd, John Benson, Sue Benson, Debbie Boone, Rosemary Faust, and Karen Hurd. Not shown are Debbie Laws and Pat Jordan.
 
  The Friends of the Hamlet Rural Fire Protection District, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, are raising funds to renovate the Necanicum Schoolhouse to preserve our history, to recognize the impact the one-room schoolhouse had on our small rural community, to honor those who attended school in the one-room schoolhouse, voted in the many elections, attended the Garden Club meetings, or held a family gathering on the grounds. Renovations will serve the Hamlet volunteer RFPD by providing an ADA compliant location for board meetings; supporting recruitment, training, and retention of firefighters; providing safeguards to protect the health of the firefighters; and, eventually, serving as a disaster resilience and emergency preparedness center for the residents of our community.
 
   The Necanicum schoolhouse was built in 1930 as part of the Seaside Unified School District, replacing an earlier building. The area of the schoolroom is approximately 860 square feet and initially included two outhouses. Some time later, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a storage closet were constructed adding another 300 square feet to the schoolhouse. Over time, the construction has deteriorated and the kitchen area is in need of removal and reconstruction since it is now one foot lower than the original building. The main part of the building appears to be sound, but must be made ADA compliant and undergo electrical, heating, and general cosmetic upgrades.

      In 1964, the Seaside School District deeded the property to the Necanicum Community Association who shared it with the Garden Club and Grange. When the Hamlet Rural Fire Protection District (RFPD) was created in 1971 they built a fire station on the property. Upon on its demise, the Community Association deeded the entire property to the Fire District. When the Schoolhouse was in better condition, it was used for funerals, weddings, family and community gatherings, classes, public meetings, as a voting precinct, and for garage sales.

      The goal of the Friends of the Hamlet RFPD is renovate and upgrade the Schoolhouse to provide a meeting and training place for the Fire District, shower and laundry facilities to clean personal and protective fire equipment to maintain a healthy environment for our firefighters, to upgrade the septic system, and to comply with the Oregon law that RFP District Board meetings be held within the boundaries of the District in an ADA accessible facility. Once the construction is complete, the Schoolhouse will be made available for community events, meetings, and classes. The updated facility will be developed as an emergency preparedness center and a training center for a Citizen Response Team to aid the department and the community in disaster response situations.

 Fundraiser Goal:

      Our initial goal is $70,000 to cover the costs of construction in Phase 1. The first Phase will begin with the installation of a septic system. Perc tests have been conducted and approved. A local contractor has agreed to install the septic system for cost. The demolition of the current kitchen and bathroom addition will also be completed during this phase. Shear stabilization of the schoolhouse and the planned addition are also required to meet county building codes. The foundation for the new kitchen/bathroom will be replaced level with the existing building and framed to reflect the same lines of the current structure. New roof and siding will be installed to make the structure weather-ready.

      Phase 2 will include constructing decks, ramps, and doors to meet ADA requirements. Electrical wiring will be modernized, the old chimney will be removed, and a propane tank will be installed. The interior of the bathroom and shower will be finished and made operational.

      Phase 3 will include finishing and equipping the kitchen to certification standards. A new furnace and insulation will be installed. The interior and exterior of the schoolhouse will be painted, new windows added, and the floor refinished. An asphalt parking area and walkway will also be constructed.

      The total estimated cost to complete these three phases is $175,000. The next phase will include acquiring an emergency generator and furniture. Our intention is this facility will become a base of operation for community disaster resilience and emergency preparedness. 

  We appreciate any support you can offer. Those in our area are also encouraged to volunteer for the various projects,  to supply materials, and donate "handi-work" hours.