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01,1 FORT borst.Mrs, Mary Horst lias stunted permission to have this ohl landmark re. moved from Its present site on the Chehalls. river to tlnjclty park.-0-SON OF BUILDER 01' Old) FOUT itou^T and own mu of rittjp. EltTY ON WHICH Ohl) LAND-MARK IS LOCATEH IS HERE VISITING HIS MOTH Kit—SECURE** HUH CONSENT.^ T. BORST, son of Joseph Borst,builder of old Fort Borst and owner of the property west of this city, on which the old landmark is located, iB here on a visit with his mother. Mr. Borat's present home is in Coalinga, Cal.Recently agitation was started here in favor of moving the fort to the city park. When interviewed by a representative of the Chronicle-Examiner on the subjecL this afternoon Mr. Borst expressed willingness to such a move, although he said the last word would be with his mother. The property was recently deeded to the son, but he declares that out of respect to his mother, her wishes must be considered.Later this afternoon, however, Mr. Borst stated that his mother was willing to have the structure moved any time sufficient funds are raised.Mr, Borst states that three years ago he figured on moving the structure, but at that time decided that it couldn't bo done, . owing to its present state of decay. He advised, if/the fort' is moved, ’ to dismantle tlfe landmark, take out the. hopelessly rolten timbers and replace them with new ones. The suggestion is. a good one, as the fort would have to be taken apart in any case to get it across the river.It is hoped that the Commercial Club will make a move in the. near future toward moving the structure, as It is a valuable asset to the city. The old relic is annually viewed by hundreds of tourists and would be visited by hundreds more if’it waslocated on an easily accessible spot.Whs Built in 185(1 ' The blockhouse was'built in 1856 at' a distance of »0 yards from both the Chehalis and Skookuinchuck rivers, or at their June lion, but the latter is now a quarter of a mile distance while the structure Is only 1S inches from the former. The building must have been built by careful workmon, as every part fits to a “T. The lower part, which'ifr ■even feet in height and 24 feet square, has no windows and but pi# door. There are eight loop-holed:' The upper section is 30 by 30 feet in size and contains 12 loop holes. The structure was plainly built as a place of safety and its builders were: apparently true pioneers and not 'amateurs nt tbe business.Fort Borst, as it is called, was a lively place n.t one time. On the op: pbsite bank - stood 'and still, s'tandir, ■tbe old mansion of Joseph Borst; while a store, warehouse and hotel were on the same side as the fort. The store has been torn down, while the hotel was moved to this city and is how occupied as a residence.Among the relics of historical value at the fort are an old yoke and a plow used by • Joseph •'B.pfst. There is probably not another plow in the state as old or as gigantic in structure. *The block house was.origiaally located on the old military road from Vancouver to Fort Steilacoom, The road ran between the blockhouse and viver and has been.obliterated. The government operated a ferry at this point, the ferry post' still standing and the marks made by .the. wire cable being- still visible. Part of [the cable is being Used in keeping the blockhouse from Falling apart.Among the famous soldiers who visited the fort during the early days are Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and Custer.
Newspaper Details
Centralia Daily Chronicle Examiner
Centralia, Washington, US
Fri, Nov 19, 1915
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Timberland R.
WA, USA 02 May 2025
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