DEVELOPER WANTS TO COVERT FORMER ORPHANAGE TO HOTEL

Seward Phoenix Log
Jun 25, 1998

by Roger Kane

The owners of the hulking skeletal remains of the Jesse Lee Home for Children, Frank Irick, has teamed up with Anchorage developer Dan Claugus to convert the old orphanage into a 60-room hotel and hospitality training center.

A floor plan is scheduled to be delivered to community development director Kerry martin, next week and a site plan will be complete and ready for city inspection July 15.

The ambitious plan to renovate the Jesse Lee Home by May 1999 will be presented to the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission at the regularly scheduled August 5 meeting.

Jim Garbeff, representing Prochaska and Associates, and architecture and engineering firm in Kansas City, will be creating the plans for the project.

Garbell said the 36,000 square foot building is in surprisingly good shape for its age.

He credits the solid condition of the structure to one o f the building’s former owners who stripped the building of all interior wall coverings, doors, and windows.

Garbell said that allowed air to circulate through the building and prevented moisture from building up in the walls and rotting the building’s frame.

Irick said the building will be stored as near as possible to its original condition, excepet for the roof.

When the orphanage was built, the roof was shingled with cedar shakes, but Irick said they will probably replace the cedar shingles with sheet metal to reduce the weight.

Claugus and Irick have established the Kueuit Foundation, a nonprofit corporation that will be governed by a seven-member board of directors. Kueuit will own the hotel when it is completed.

Claugus said the hotel will house convention facilities, a Native museum, library and consignment gift shop, as well as a restaurant.

Irick said he has contacted Alaska Vocational Technical Center director Fred Esposito about staffing the restaurant’s kitchen with students in the institutional-cooking course.

He said Esposito was very receptive to the idea, as students there are only trained to cook for large groups at AVTEC and receive no single-service training.

Esposito could not be reached for comment on the project.

Irick also hopes to develop other training programs to help educate hospitality-industry workers on a proper serving techniques and Alaska history. He said many servers he’s encountered have poor people skills and don’t know what to tell their tourist customers about Alaska.

JLH RESORT PROPOSAL 1970

COUNCIL HEARS OF PLANS
FOR JESSE LEE FROM CORPORATION

Seward Phoenix Log
January 15, 1970

For the ninth time n 15 months the deteriorating Jesse Lee buildings were the focal point of City Council deliberations Monday night. Former Councilmember Oliver Amend introduced Chifford Schoen and Paul Finetti, representatives from the Development Corporation of North America, to the Council.

Mr. Finetti spoke enthusiastically of the potential of the Jesse Lee buildings for conversion to a modern condominium resort complex. He said that his corporation was seeking a certificate of convenience for a direct flight from Seattle to Seward, using Lockheed Electras.

After a lengthy question and answer session with the two men, Council considered a motion to place the Jesse Lee buildings and surrounding land to public bid by advertising in Seward, Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau papers.

Prospective bidders could bid on the buildings and five acres of land, the buildings and all of the land (approximately 20 acres), or only the land upon which there are no buildings. Watch bid was to be accompanied by a comprehensive development plan for Council consideration prior to awarding the land to the successful bidder. THe City, of course reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Bidders will be notified that approximately 9,000 square feet of the area at the western boundary of the Home does not belong to the City. City Manager Filip says that it wll take from six to nine month to quiet title to the three lots involved.

If the prospectus for bid meets with Council approval, the bids will be opened about the first Thursday in March.

THIS WEEK IN CITY HALL
by Jim Filip
September 3, 1970

At a special meeting held for that purpose, the City Council unanimously approved terms of a contract between the City and the Development Corporation of North America. The contract deals with the rehabilitation and development of the former Jesse Lee Home in Seward and surrounding properties.

The contract, executed by Mr. Cilfford Schoon, President and Mr. Clinton Stewart, Secretary, specifies that work will commence within 15 days or no later than September 11, 1970. Work in this first phase will include general preparation and maintenance activities, including cleaning of existing structures, roof repair, removal of windows and replacement with thermopane units, landscape units, landscape work and preparation of final plans for the remodeling of the present structures. The contract sets a deadline of three months for the work to be concluded under phase one.

Phase Two calls for the start of remodeling of the interior of the existing structures and to begin sales of condominium units which will be completed within five weeks after each sale. Construction of 25% of the units will be completed on or before APril 1, 1971 as called for in the development contract.

Phase Three sets out construction work in the commercial and recreational areas and this phase shall be substantially complete on or before April 1 1972. This phase included the restaurant, cocktail lounge, rathskeller, cocktail facilities in two arcades. In addition there are plans for a private key club, dining room, lounges, sauna and steam room, and enclosed heated swimming pool, indoor squash and handball courts and four tennis courts convertible to skating rinks in winter.

Phases Four and Five call for additional structures in the form of apartments and a convention center and will be constructed as need warrants. The convention center will be built at the option of the Developers. The apartments will be started by June 1, 1972.

CG HOUSING NOT PROTESTED AT PUBLIC HEARING

Seward Phoenix Log, July 13, 1972

The City Council received no opposition Monday night from the public during the hearing on the proposed sale of approximately four acres of Tract A-1 in the Jesse Lee Heights Subdivision to the Coast Guard.

The CG plans to build five four-plexes and has been granted funds by Congress recently for the project here in Seward.

City Manager Jim Flilip said the lawyers had informed him the suit by Tom Smith against Jesse Lee which has been pending for some time will be brought to court in September.

In other Jesse Lee related matter, Council approved a new plat of the subdivision Addition No. 1. This plat establishes Swetman Avenue as it exists today instead of the position shown on previous plats.

Council members Hill, Crisp and Vincent were absent.


NOTICE OF PUBIC HEARING

The Seward City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed option to see approximately 3.708 acres (Tract A-1, Jesse Lee Heights Subdivision) at 6.7 cents per square foot ($10,800.00) to the United States Coast Guard for use as residential site for the proposed construction of twenty three-bedroom units.

The Public Hearing will be held on Monday, July 10, 1972, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers. The Public is invited to attend and speak on this subject during the Public Hearing.
/s/ James R. Filip
City Clerk-Treasurer
Req: 5003
Pub: 6/29 and 7/9/72

The Rest of The Fannie Kerns Story

The Rest of the Fannie Kerns Story
By Millie Sorenson
Seward Phoenix Log
2004

The Fourth of July is over, as is the anniversary of Alaska’s flag-raising at the Jesse Lee Home on July 9, 1927, and the dedication of the Emblem Club memorial for Benny Benson at the Seward Lagoon. Iron Mountain by Forest Acres was renamed Benny Benson Mountain by the Seward City Council in the 190s when Council man Bernie Hulm made the motion and it passed the commission in Juneau approved it.

With all the hoopla about the flag over with, I honestly believe is it high time to finish the rest of the story about the neat lady who actually sewed up the flag using materials from her sewing at Jesse Lee Home. She worked at the home and sewed for the children who lived there She mended torn sheets, patched pants, made clothing of all descriptions. She was a very crafty-type lady and made things out of scraps of material and buttons, some lace or bias tape. She made cute things out of nothing of value. This lady was Frances (Fannie) Kibsgaard Kerns.

Fannie has repeated this story to my mother and me about sewing up the flag after seeing Benny’s crayon drawing at Jesse Lee. I think it’s time to tell who took the time to actually sew the flag and never got a word of thanks from Alaska’s citizens. Her name should be included in the book, “The Story of Alaska’s Flag,” recently published, but it wasn’t in there.

Fannie had two sons – Raymond and Billy Kibsgaard, raised in Seward. The tidal wave and earthquake of 1964 washing their home across the bay. Their home was located on the corner where Bayview Apartments on Third Avenue have their parking lot now. The little home road the waves and they lost everything except the Holy Bible, which rode safe and sound on the floor. Fannie and Raymond then moved to a little house near Western Auto. Th house is now torn down.

Benny Benson, Raymond and Fannie have passed on now but her words are fresh in my mind She loved to sew and made many lovely things she gave away to friends and at times she’d get a generous gift of money fore her work.

Let’s not forget this awesome lady. Its’ a beautiful flag and long may it wave.

Editor’s Note: Fannie Kerns was born March 19, 1905 at Hope, Alaska. Shelved at the Jesse Lee Home in Seward from age 17. She died November 18, 1983.

Letter to the Editor
Seward Phoenix Log
September 3, 1977

Thank you all so much for thinking of me while I was in the hospital in Anchorage for cataract surgery.

Your visits, letters, cards and flowers meant a great deal to me. It’s nice to know I have so many good friends.

I am doing just fine now, though still under a doctor’s treatment.

It is great to be home and feeling fine.

Thanks again,

Frances Kerns

Fannie Kerns Grand Marshal of 4th Parade
By Larry Straley
Seward Phoenix Log

In 1928 the Jesse Lee Home was moved to Seward from Unalaska-building, personnel and children.

Among those children was a young boy who became well known as the designer of the Alaska Flag. Many stories have been published about Benny Benson. Other cities have claimed him. But one of the lesser known orphans, but dear to Seward, was Benny’s classmate Frances Kern.

Born of native Alaskan and Hawaiian stock, result of the whalers and Capt. Cook’s ventures, Fanny has been a true representative of Alaska and Seward. She has been concerned about projects to raise money to help other unfortunate children. She has worked for these projects for many years.

A classmate and friend of Benny Benson, Frannie has been selected to take part in the Benny Benson Memorial dedication on the 4th of July. She will also serve as Grand Marshal of the 4th of July parade this year.

LOG NOTES
Seward Phoenix Log
January 15, 1976

Frances Kern stopped in the LOG Offices to remind us that Mrs. Swetman was a charter member of the Seward Post No. 5, American Legion and was a past president of the Auxiliary. “She also helped us to rebuild after the fire and earthquake”, said Frances.

(Ed. Note—As we commented in the issue last week, man of the causes that Mrs. Swetman supported were unknown to the community at large. We are sure there are many organizations and projects she has supported that most of us will never know about.)

Frances Kerns, better known to her many friends as Fanny, was once a student at Jesse Lee Home. She was asked to do the Jesse Lee square on the Seward historical quilt being done for Bicentennial. Though not many people know it, Fanny was at Jesse Lee Home when Bennie Benson designed the Alaska Flag, and Fanny herself created a design that received sixth place in the statewide contest sponsored by the American Legion which resulted in the official Alaska Flag.


LOG NOTES
By Norma Weaver
Seward Phoenix Log
February 1970

Fanny Kerns has returned from a trip to Seattle. While outside she visited with son Bill and family-Bill wishes everyone in the old home town well and says Hi. Fanny also visited with George and Paul Wolcoff and their families. Paul & Rosie took her to see Mary Hughes who especially want s to be remembered to her oldtime Seward friends. Fanny also visited with former Sewardite Ann Kitchman in Tacoman. Good to have you back Fanny!

Fanny Ill
Seward Petticoat Gazette
March 1967

Fannie Kearns has gone to Seattle for treatment.

Divine Miss M

Michelle Booher-Wallace, my amazing cousin that I grew up with, is here visiting with her family. She is spending her days and nights at my mother's house, pouring through the love letters that were written between our grandparents when Chris Sorenson first came up to Alaska. Very sweet. Very sweet. He was such a farmboy, you have to love him.

Anyway, Michelle is spending her time visiting the past, visiting with my parents and sister, showing her husband around town. I catch her for a few minutes at dinner, and that is about it - so don't want to hear a lot of whining from her friends about how little time she is spending with them. I am feeling it myself.

We did take time for one little family excursion, a visit to the old family sawmill for some hooligan fishing. Didn't catch a thing, except a few candids of Michelle.

Local Couple Gets it On

Nothing quite as earcatching as the soulful sounds of eagles in love. They are downright noisy. Apparently, there is no "If this trees a'rocking, don't come knockin" bumperstickers. There really should be.

Eagles are major show offs when it comes to their lovemaking, there is nothing remotely subtle about it.
They put acrobatic circus performers to shame with their death-defying feats. Judy Ann Warren took some amazing photos of bald eagles in action, thank you Judy! Watch a death spiral by clicking here.

We have two eagle's nests in the Alaska Hamptons viewshed, and the one you can see from the West Wing Master suite is very busy this year. Will be fun to peek out the window and watch for chicks!

Slow Spring brings Yukon Gold

You stick a potato in the catapult, pull the pin, and away it goes. Away, away, over Nash road. Way over.


The sling was made out of an old oilskin hat poached several years ago.

Fishing weights created the 18 pound balance.

Apparently this is No. 3, which took four days to build.

He is hoping to work his way up to one that is made out of two telephone poles that he can pop cars with.

Fishing season cannot start too soon.

Minnow Swims Away

Time for our first puppy to find a new home, with the Vessels. She is so sweet, so cute, and flat out adoreable - in addition to being a perfect example of a papillion. Going to miss this little sweetheart, but feel good knowing she is going to have a great home with the Vessels.

Casmir's Alaska Sealife Center shots

Miss Casmir takes to the Alaska Sealife Center.

Sorensons, Feb 1958

Vietnam Dale Sorenson

These photos were taken circa 1969-70, when my Uncle Dale did a tour in Vietnam.

Darlene Sorenson Kashevarof Crawford

Ah, my aunt Darlene. Beauty and brains.

Lindsey hits the Big 50

A Fabulous 50s party was held at the home of Carol and Dale Lindsey, Keith's parents. Guests munched down on halibut from Thorn's Showcase Lounge and gathered around the piano to sing the classic "Happy Birthday to You" while the candles on the chocolate cake blazed. Cards and gifts were opened. A good time was had by all.

Chris and Darlene, late 40s early 50s

Hanging out in style in Seward Alaska, have to love those vintage automobiles.

Chris Jr at 606 Hemlock

This house, which my grandfather built with the help of his neighbors and some longshoreman buddies, is now for sale. It is at the corner of Hemlock and Evergreen. My grandmother said at the time of construction it was across the street from the cemetery and at the end of Lover's Lane.

Must have been taken in the mid 60s, I am guessing from the style of photograph.

Chris Jr as a young lad

No doubt this was his office Seward Elementary Class photo.

Chris Sorenson, Jr. 4/28/67

Seward Church Altar, circa 1950

The Old Luthern/Methodist Church altar. The building is currently being used as the ResArt Coffee Shop. Many thanks to Mark Luttrell for identifying the location.

Chris Sorenson

My grandfather fell in love with Alaska immediately. He had come up with his father-in-law, Wayne Heinbaugh, to visit a friend who had tried his hand at the Nome gold rush. They both decided to make Seward their home. They moved into side-by-side quansot huts prior to building homes. Circa 1948.

U.S.S. Clove Hitch