A Request for Donations One Reconstruction / Restoration Project and One Restoration Project The Reconstruction / Restoration Project: Battery Pratt The Friends of Old Fort Stevens, Inc. is engaged in the reconstruction / restoration of Battery Pratt's gun #1. This battery was for two 6" disappearing rifles. Its construction began in 1899 and the guns were mounted in 1902. During World War II, its mission was participation in the protection of the electrically operated submarine mines planted throughout the mouth of the Columbia River and to finish off any enemy vessel foolish enough to venture into the river. After World War II, its guns were scrapped and the battery was stripped of all its instruments and hardware, leaving only the concrete structure.While the Friends are working towards restoring all the operational features of gun #1, right now the focus is to complete the reconstruction of the gun and its carriage (mount). The Friends are fortunate to have on their board of directors Jack Buckmeir, a gifted individual who is doing the engineering from original drawings, and who is also doing the reconstruction from scratch. This a one-of-a-kind project in the entire world. When completed, reenactors will simulate the loading of the gun, trip it up into firing position, fire a small charge of powder, and retract the gun back into loading position. The cost for the reconstructed gun and disappearing carriage is approximately $25,000.00; a bargain. Visitors will be fascinated! To insure the completion of the entire project, your donation is needed. Donations should be made to the Friends Of Old Fort Stevens, Inc. They can be mailed to The Friends Of Old Fort Stevens, PO Box 138, Hammond, OR 97121. Because the Friends has an IRS 501(c) 3 designation, your donation may be tax deductible. Please check with your tax accountant. Thank you!!! The Restoration Project: The Guard House The Fort stevens Guard House is recognized as an important historical structure, and it's listed on the National List of Historic Places. The building represented the authority of the post as it combined both the rotation of guard duty tours and the occasional confinement of a soldier. During the summer, visitors can tour the guard house, inspect interesting displays, and wander around the cell block. It's fun to see the names scratched onto the individual cell walls and bars. The structure needs major restoration, including roof and structural repairs. An improved heating system is required, and the windows need major work. General painting and trim repairs are needed. Restoration costs will be in the neighborhood of $100,000.00. In cooperation with Fort Stevens State Park and the State of Oregon's Historical Preservation Office, the Friends Of Old Fort Stevens is participating in raising funds for this project. To insure the completion of this project, your donation is needed. Donations should be made to the Friends Of Old Fort Stevens, Inc. They can be mailed to The Friends Of Old Fort Stevens, PO Box 138, Hammond, OR 97121. The Friends has an IRS 501(c) 3 designation, and your donation may be tax deductible. Please check with your tax accountant. Thank you!!! For more information, please call (503) 861-1470 and ask for store manager Jim Forst. You may email us at foofs@teleport.com. Designed, Hosted and Maintained by StateofOregon.com