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Heritage at Antique Powerland

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Fire Protection System Update

(Summer 2008)

The specification and design of the Fire Protection System for Powerland has been finalized and construction initiated. This stage of progress is a noteworthy accomplishment. The program has been one encumbered with growing pains that have included several basic approaches being considered. With input from our engineer Jonathan Smith, Marion County Fire and the State of Oregon Fire Marshall, the design selected entails a Fire Pond of 240,000 gallon capacity feeding a hydrant system through a 125 Hp Fire Pump.

The pond will be filled using our existing Ag Pump. The Ag Pump will be activated by a float located in the Fire Pond. Seven hydrants will be strategically located around the site with approximately one mile of eight inch line feeding the hydrants. The Fire Pump is turned on automatically providing an operating pressure of 90 lbs and a flow rate of 2000 gal/min. The system has been so sized that it will support the application of sprinklers in site buildings. The first such installation will likely be pursued by the Truck Museum and the Car & Motorcycle Museum.

This project has not been without dialogue. It is important to recognize that this is not an APMA project rather is a Board of Governors facilitation voted on by that body. This is an important distinction and possibly the first instance in which the authority of the Board of Governors has been meaningfully exercised wherein financial commitments have been “on the line.” The requirement for the Fire System was mandated by Marion County but has been a recognized need for years. Remedial action was essential for the continued growth of Powerland.

The decision by Marion County was that no further building permits would be issued until the system was operational. Immediately impacted were the plans of the Truck Museum to construct a storage building, and construction of Willow Creek’s platform cover. In the wings are plans for the Branch 15 “Wolf Iron Works” machine shop, and of course completion of Car & Motorcycle’s first museum building pending availability of funds. Also the Wood line Shaft Shop and the Steam Traction Engine Shop have both been put on hold.

This ruling, by application, rendered the Fire Protection System a site wide responsibility or, if you wish, a site partner and not an APMA responsibility. The immediate follow up question was how to pay the estimated $249,000. Volunteer labor and donated materials would definitely assist however the direct dollar cost remains impressive at $150,000. An immediate reaction was to consider prorating partners on some quantifiable basis, possibly square footage or membership numbers. Membership would heavily bias a couple of the museums. Square footage did little to ensure assessment of those museums with leases that have yet to build.

So a fairness strategy was proposed based on “keeping museums whole” and agreed upon by the Board of Governors. A level of grant support was introduced and the balance (to be) due was allocated. The assessments for a couple of the smaller museums were purposely lowered based on a realistic ability to pay, and the size of the organization and functional capacity. The amount of grant funds assumed to be awarded is rather aggressive and, if not successful, will require further consideration and resolution by the Board of Governors.

An agreement was reached with Marion County that where permits were approved, the two immediate projects entailing the storage building and the platform cover would be allowed to proceed. This project is in many regards the first real test of the partnership arrangement that has evolved at Powerland. Can the partnership operate successfully to give the Powerland site a future as a museum complex, and a societal and heritage contributor? That is up to the partnership which of course is ourselves!

The volunteer response to this project has been outstanding! In addition, all the heavy equipment has been donated including track hoes, front end loaders and backhoes. The partner museums have agreed to pay their assessments, and most have forwarded their funds.

The Fire Suppression System installation will be completed in two phases. The first phase will involve laying all the pipe underground before Steam-Up. Phase Two will be the development and installation of the pumping station, including the pond and equipment.

Tom Kneeland is Superintendent of the project. He has formed an efficient team involving a couple of friends who have a lot of talent laying pipe. One of the team members is a neighbor of Tom’s who has worked around mechanical plumbing. Our equipment operator is Chuck Franz from the Two Cylinder Club operating the excavator, back hoe and other apparatus. There are a number of volunteers from many of the partner museums, including APMA President Charlie Philpot, providing labor for the project.

Tom and his helpers located all the previously laid underground conduits and pipe in advance before they tackled installing the Fire Suppression underground pipe. The pipe is going in the ground smoothly so Phase I is progressing. The second phase will be the Pumping Station to be completed after Steam-Up. In the meantime, please excuse our dust!

Planning Committee Activity

(Winter 2008)

The Planning Committee is busy these days! There is the ongoing deliberation of the mandated Fire Suppression system (see related article), the continued development of plans for a Steam Traction Engine shed, and the consideration by AIS of “taking on” the construction of a proposed Line Shaft Machine Shop/ improved Blacksmith Shop.

Aspects of the Fire Suppression system are of interest to Planning because of the need to locate a pump house structure, tie into PGE’s underground, and “sight” a supply pond. Additionally there is the matter of locating the hydrants and details of the water distribution line for the hydrants.

The hydrant system is a “no brainer.” Locations selected are those strategic to the overall site and within the required spacing. The sighting of the supply pond and pump is not so simple when considering the need for proximity to the power supply and the potential impact of the pond on adjacent venues. Options are being reviewed and selections are at hand.

The “Steamer Shed” (not an official designation - freedom of the press, don’t you know) has been approximately located as discussed in a previous newsletter article. It is to be positioned adjacent to the Steam Fiends office along Harvey Road and across from the Truck Museum’s Hewitt Building.

However there remain issues associated with setback and traction engine parking along the road or on the infield, i.e. south side. The latter option creates the need for access. Also at stake is door functionality and options associated with drive through. APMA and the Steam Fiends are working out the final details.

Details of the Shed include a 130’x30’ post and beam styled structure sporting a metal roof and a board and batten siding. Allocated space per engine would be at least 30’x12’. There will probably be a few 14’ wide spaces as well. Fire wood would be stored east end outside covered and west end inside. The building will be serviced with water and electricity. Details are emerging!

The AIS consideration of accepting responsibility for the Blacksmith Shop “redo,” a concept also detailed in a newsletter article last year stems from several factors. For some time, AIS has considered options to provide additional large engine exhibit space. Options on the table have included additions to the Hilands Building on the south side, an addition to the west end, and a separate building at right angles to Highlands positioned along the parade route.

Then other factors may come into the picture, one being consideration by one of the AIS exhibitors to possibly place his engines in a separate museum building. If this were to take place, it could “free up” floor space in the Hilands Building.

There is the need to locate the Mt. Hood in a prime exhibit location. That factor was one of the drivers for a south side addition. But wait a second! What if AIS no longer “under the gun” to add exhibit space were to do the following!

The organization would take over the responsibility for enlarging the Blacksmith Shop. The Mt. Hood would be placed on a concrete pad already in place in the machine shop area of the Blacksmith Shop. AIS would put funds into increasing the size of the Blacksmith Shop building to accommodate the heritage machine shop equipment and also enlarge the blacksmithing area.

Out of that brainstorming came a proposed 30’x82’ building as compared to the current 20’x40’ building that would do all of the above as well as provide a space for winter projects. In the summer season, the work space would function as a walk through that would permit inside viewing of the Machine Shop and Blacksmith Shop.

Additionally the operation of the Machine Shop could be demonstrated by electricity generated by the Mt. Hood, a meaningful early electricity application demo unto itself. The scheme seemed to have merit and additionally offered a solution as to the Machine Shop dilemma.

The Planning Committee liked the concept and encouraged AIS to take a formal proposal to the APMA Board. There are several as yet unanswered questions including machinery ownership, building ownership, sharing of construction costs and the responsibility for machine shop operation.

A proposal to APMA is most likely to be followed by some “horse trading.” It all sounds plausible and would add desirable quality museum exhibits to Powerland. As shown in the included illustration, the proposed building would be a period “board and batten” sided structure sporting a metal roof with a couple of cupolas to break the roof line.

The powerhouse would feature period windows that would open. The double doors in the center would feature a “carriage house” look. Inside screening would ensure security. The doors would be positioned about where the Blacksmith Shop overhang is currently located.

Final plans for the wood line shaft shop are also nearing completion. This project, an extension to the sawmill, will hopefully start upon completion of the Fire System.

All of these plans are “great stuff” however before any additional construction takes place, the Fire Suppression system must become a reality, a topic to be next considered by the Board of Governors.

Buildings Coming!

(Fall 2007)

It seems that at Powerland besides the Steam-Up and all that goes with the event, the other favorite topics are land and buildings. Land is always a controversial subject! No more is being made and Powerland seems destined to eventually “spill” outside of its property line. Setting that one aside for the time-being, let’s take a look at buildings and specifically those that appear to be near at hand.

Now even this topic can be a “touchy one” simply because many of the partners are working diligently to raise funds and have “high hopes” that their start date is not far off! The best of fortunes to each of those ventures! That list includes the Car & Motorcycle exhibit building, the Fire Service Phase 1 exhibit and program building, the Two Cylinder Museum, the APMA “Gateway” Welcome Center, and a host of others having various time horizons.

This article will focus specifically on three buildings: the Pacific Northwest Truck Museum Service Building, the Branch 15 Wolf Iron Works facility, and the APMA Machine Shop/Blacksmith building. Why these? Various reasons! The Truck Museum building will be started this fall. Yes! It is now a “go” for this structure, Truck having cleared the last hurdles with APMA. The Wolf Iron Works project is destined for a planned start next year. Exciting!

The third project is not nearly as advanced in planning. However it is included here by virtue of the fact that the line shaft assembly came to Powerland because it had not been set up for display and demonstration by the previous recipient. As a result, Powerland cannot afford to “sit” on this project a bunch of years. It needs to be moved along.

Next steps would entail planning, scheduling and funding. However before all of that activity will take place, there needs to be assigned a project leader and support team. Let’s establish that team! This is an opportunity to get involved and derive the benefit of participating in a worthwhile project. We are looking for leaders and volunteers!

Truck Museum Service Building. This structure will be a 36’ X 72’ all metal pole building with a 12’X 72’ attached loafing shed. The main structure will be barn red metal siding with white wood trim, the objective being to satisfy period architectural standards being applied in various sections of the grounds. The wood trim will be supplied by the Miller Lumber mill. The building and shed areas will have concrete floors.

The purpose of the structure is to function as a service building for the Truck Museum operations. Items to be stored when not in use include a lift truck, man lift, floor scrubber, mule, machine tools, pallet racks and the tables and chairs currently in use in the Hewitt Building. Location of the building will be just north of the Self Building aligned with the Museum’s west side property line.

“Wolf Iron Works” Shop. Fairly well advanced are the planning, design, function and layout facets of what will be a significant Branch 15 asset at Powerland. A “home” building of some sort has been under consideration by Branch 15 for years. It was the opportunity to receive a significant heritage donation in the manner of the Wolf Iron Works machine shop that was used to fabricate drag saws in the Portland which resulted in a decision to proceed.

For details on the relevant history, see the article “Learning About Timber Wolf,” as prepared for the Summer 2007 newsletter. With a nearly complete heritage “line shaft” shop in hand with all of the tools, drawings, patterns, etc., Branch 15 set about drawing up plans for the building to include various other features and functions that will be beneficial to their activities at the Museum. There are drawings that have been prepared leading up to a start of construction which is in the offing for 2008.

Steve Johnson will be making a feature presentation on this project at the APMA Annual Meeting, November 17, 10:00 a.m. at the Truck Museum’s Hewitt Building . Join us and learn all about this exciting project!

Machine Shop/Blacksmith Shop. Most decisions are yet to be made regarding this project. What is apparent is the need to “get on” with planning, construction and set up for exhibition and operation. It has been known for some time that the current Blacksmith Shop structure is on its last legs as quaint as it might be!

Options for that structure are either complete renovation or reproduction. Combining the requirement to do something with the current blacksmith building, and the obligation to set up and operate the donated machine shop equipment, the consideration of combining the two shops would appear to be an opportunity! Key to success will be retention of authenticity of both period operations such that the shops enhance one another. We know that reproductions can be quite successfully executed, the sawmill being our best example.

And the notion of combining machine and blacksmith activities is in fact not a departure of any consequence! The current blacksmith shop houses a small machine shop which sees little use or demonstration. During the Steam-Up, the occasional visitor will be seen glancing in the back door but for a moment and then moving on. It is not a complement to the current blacksmith offering.

The location proposed is that of the current blacksmith structure extending along the pathway to the south as a longer structure, the added interior area needed to accommodate both presentations. Beyond that thinking, options are wide open! Now is the time to be part of the design and creation of yet another museum at Powerland!

Certainly the blacksmith crew will be major contributors. Needed as well are those versed in heritage machine shop operations and, of greatest need, is an individual to step forward and lead. This is someone’s golden opportunity!!