2021 - A year in Review
2021 brought a continuation of COVID-19 and its restrictions but allowed a return of some of our events in a modified manner. A small crew directed by volunteers Dick Mills and James Burgess successfully completed the renovations to the inside of the Lopas House (AKA The Print Shop). New lighting was installed, many of the heavy pieces of vintage printing equipment were put on wheeled platforms and wall displays of other printing accoutrements were completed. The floors were re-oiled and repairs were made to the doors and porches. We look forward to having the cabin open for the public to view these improvements. This 3-year project was aided financially with a quarterly donation from ACE Hardware which helped offset the over runs to the initial budget of $3000.00.
The Education Program was once again canceled. We were able to have our plant sale (outdoors with masks) and raised over $1300.00 to put towards the gardens around the cabins in the Village. This fundraiser allowed us to hire out some of the gardening chores that our members can no longer perform.
The Highway Litter Pickup Program in conjunction with Washington State Dept. of Transportation started up again but due to lack of a coordinator, the Ferndale Heritage Society has withdrawn from the program.
In July we helped the Old Settlers Association host the cabins during the modified Pioneer Days event. Cabins were only open a few hours each day and only cabins that facilitated a one-way traffic flow were open.
Tillicum House and Log Church rentals were able to start up in a limited capacity. The Heritage Society board is having further discussion on the future rental policy.
Our Olde Fashion Christmas event was held the first weekend in December with COVID safety precautions in place. This modified version limited inside cabin activities by placing the children’s craft tables, refreshments, and socially distanced visits with Santa in the Pioneer Pavilion. Over 1200 people attended this event. We appreciated the City of Ferndale and the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce’s support of the event.
The Lighted Christmas Stroll was held the 2nd and 3rd weekends in December. This was a new event last year and had such a great response that we decided to keep it going. This year we had over 1900 people locally and from around the state attend. The Parker House Store was able to open during Old Settlers, Olde Fashion Christmas, and the Lighted Christmas Stroll.
In total even though we had limited activities, the Ferndale Heritage Society logged over 3500 priceless volunteer hours. We look forward to working with you in 2022.
Ferndale Heritage Society Board