This view of Wrangell's proposed mariners memorial highlights the site's decorative pavilion, which resembles a classic lighthouse. The simple, octagonal structure overlooks Zimovia Strait from the corner of Heritage Harbor, and a portion of the steel memorial wall is visible at left, curving to a point like the bow of a ship.
Going on six years in the making, a steering committee has been assembled to develop a memorial dedicated to Wrangell mariners, and is starting to solicit donations for its construction.
The five-member committee was assembled at the behest of the Port Commission, which after commissioning designs for the new memorial thought the next step would be best handled by a private corporation rather than the city.
Memorial committee member Brennon Eagle explained taking that route would make it easier to fundraise and accept donations in-kind for the construction. The group is currently applying for its tax-exempt status as a nonprofit.
"We've had a lot of discussions about it in the Port Commission meetings," said John Yeager, a member of the commission and committee both.
Discussions have taken up the better half of the last decade, as commissioners sought public input, and worked with local artist Brenda Schwartz-Yeager to draw up a concept. That in turn was then formalized into a site design by Corvus Design in Juneau, a final draft of which was delivered at the end of 2015.
A former commission chair and longtime supporter of the project, Eagle was glad to see the memorial design enter this latest phase.
"It's just another thing that contributes to a well-rounded community," he explained.
"We're a seafaring community," Yeager commented. "There's a lot of tradition of remembering those lost at sea, and loved ones."
The project will not be a cheap one to complete. Construction estimates drawn up by PND Engineers in Juneau pegged the cost at around $332,000, including contingencies. Yeager pointed out those estimates looked at the project through the lens of a public contract, and could come down significantly as work unfolds.
The memorial would be built in phases, with the first establishing a concrete plaza and pavilion overlooking Heritage Harbor, near the ramp. Eagle explained the site was ideal for the project, being so close to the sea.
"It was important to maintain water access to it," he said. "That's the most important feature."
Curved walls bearing brass plaques would resemble the line of a ship's bow, with steel the preferred material. The concrete pad would mimic wood planking in design, and the pavilion would likewise resemble a lighthouse.
"We wanted to have something that carries local significance," Eagle said.
The steering committee is still hammering out the guidelines for inclusion on the memorial, but Eagle said they preferred inclusivity. That underpinned the whole mariners concept, rather than being dedicated more strictly to fishermen. Residents spend a number of different ways living on the water, and he felt the design complimented that.
"We feel there are a lot of different stories to the seafaring tradition here," he said. "There's a lot of parts to this that we want to encapsulate."
The committee has already met three times since being formed this year, and members showed design concepts and sought support from people visiting the Hospital Health Fair on Saturday. The group will be seeking money of course, but are also looking for volunteers and in-kind donations.
The committee was also gathering signatures of support during the fair, which can be used in future to help secure grant funding and other aid.
"We've had great support so far this morning," Yeager commented while minding the committee's booth. "They show that the community is behind the project."
"I think this is going to be something good for the community," said Eagle.
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