Endangered Places 2011 generously sponsored by:
Tillamook Life Saving Station
Statistics
- Built: 1908
- Architect: Victor Mindeleff
- Designation: National Register Eligible
- Significance: Coast Guard, Government, Civil Service
- The main structure and the boathouse stand vacant, boarded up and deteriorating. A veritable “jungle of bamboo and blackberry vines” are slowly overtaking the property. And the next severe winter storm might push it past the point of no return.
History
Established by a unanimous vote of Congress in 1878, the United States Life-Saving Service was the first Federal service devoted exclusively to humanitarian purposes. It provided aid to mariners in distress from Alaska to Massachusetts, with the motto “You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.”
Construction of the Tillamook Bay Lifesaving Station was completed in 1908. The property was transferred to private ownership during World War II and is the only station that still exists in Oregon dating to the Life-Saving Service era (1871-1915). It is also the only Peterson Point style building remaining in the U.S.
News and Updates
December 22, 2011:
HPLO awards $2500 grant for National Register nomination.
November 28 2011:
HPLO continues to actively work with the property owner to designate and plan for the future of the Station.
October 2:
300+ people attend Life-Saving Station Open House
September 29, 2011:
Historic U.S. Life-Saving Service stations that help mark Coast Guard's past in Oregon on display Sunday
Outlet: OregonLive.com
August 24, 2011:
HPLO program brings community together to explore rehabilitation and reuse options for the Station.
August 15, 2011:
Meeting to discuss restoring Barview Lifesaving Station
Outlet: Headlight Herald
June 8, 2011:
Lifesaving station one of 10 most endangered buildings
Outlet: Headlight Herald
History continued...
In the late 1980s, the house was damaged by a leaking sewer main. A careening car and vandalism in the last decade has further damaged the property, especially the interior of the main house. However, the building is still eligible for the National Register so long as a plan is put in place soon.
Local, state, and national interest in this place has been keen. The nominator of the Life-Saving Station has identified a number of parties ready to help with its preservation and its owner wants to see it preserved.
We don’t know just how many lives were saved by the crews of the Life Saving Station, but now its our turn to give IT a new life - Because, well, it is only fair!
