The record-union., 1891-03-22
Suffers FORT PLAT AND HOW
TO TREAT IT.

SUTTER'S FORT PLAT AND HOW
TO TREAT IT.
Nearly two years, ago when the Rec
oRD-UNIoN commenced the agitation for
the restoration and preservation of SUIT
ter's Fort-which has at last resulted in
an appropriation by the State Legislature
for that purpose-and frequently since
then, this paper has suggested that the
old building should be repaired, the fort
walls restored, and portion of the
grounds within the walls be converted
into park garden; that portion should
be covered in SO as to include the old
building, and thus make memorial hall
and museum building.
We have, after hearing score of propo-
sitions for treatment of the plat, never
had reason at any time to modify the
views of this journal upon the subject.
The more they are considered, the frmer
the conviction of their feasibility and
their wisdom. Now that the property
has been rescued from private ownership,
an end to which this journal has lent it's
best efforts, it has wisely been placed for
treatment in the hands of commission
chosen from among the Native Sons of
the Golden West.
This commission has just organized,
and proposes, with the fund placed at its
disposal by the State, to enter upon the
work at the old fort very soon. With
that purpose in view, it has solicited the
submission of suggestions as to the best
plan of restoring and for maintaining the
fort, and for treatment of the grounds
and the memorial and historic questions
involved.
In response to this invitation the REC
oRD-UNIoN, recalling its original propo-
sition, renews the suggestions embodied
in an editorial review of the Suffers Fort
question December 20, 1889. We then
said, and with but little modification of
details suggested. reiterate the expression
that restoration means preservation of
the ruins now on the ground and recon-
struction of the old fort as nearly as may
be done. We then said that fund must
be provided to yield interest for mainte-
nance after restoration. This annual cost
would be salary of guardian, replacing
loss by wear and tear and exposure to
the elements, and repair of the new
structures to be erected within the pre-
cincts of the fort, the gardening and care
of the grounds and meeting the needs of
the museum section in receiving and
placing articles contributed from time to
time.
We then said and still believe that such
income can be secured, that
Restoration should be considered with great
deliberation and should include replacing of
the adobe walls and protecting them, as may
be done, for a century of resistance of the ele-
ments; repair of the solitary remaining build
ing and its restoration as nearly as may be to
Its original condition. 1t should then be COM
pletely inclosed and covered by structure of
stone foundation and iron and glass upper
work, which should be large enough to serve
Tor the reception and proper placing of contri-
buttons OF interest, related TO the pioneer era
and early history of the State and coast.
This memorial hall would in a very short
tory; within 1t would be gathered a pro-
foundly interesting collection that would aug
ment in value and interest as the past further
recedes, and that would draw people con-
stantly to view it. The memorial hall should
bear upon Its walls the names of all who have
been donors to the purchase and restoration
fund and of those who provide the mainte-
nance fund. Without that historic record the
structure would be incomplete.
On the 18th of June of last year, after
commenting upon the splendid donation
to the reclamation fund by the Charles
Crocker heirs, and after suggesting that
the Native Sons, who had taken hold of
the matter, should keep in view the
A1ea of restoration of the fort, and
preservation of the remaining relic from
decay, the RECoRD-UNIoN said:
Very many plans have been suggested. but
we have heard of none that are superior to
restoration of the walls of the fort and their
encas1ng in cement; the beautifying of the
grounds, and the covering in of the old dwell
ing and storehouse structure. Within the
walls of this cover, which ought 10 be of iron
ana glass, Will be gathered a museum of Cali
fornia history. where will be stored and pre-
served great accumulation of relics and curl
osities relating TO the history of the State from
the earliest period, and of the country under
Spanish and Mexican domination The
grounds thus cared for will become an OBJ
JecilNe point 1or tourists. and q constant
source OF pride to all Californians.
We have recalled these earlier sugges-
tions only to renew and emphasize them.
If the plan outlined is in any detail OBJ
jectionable, such as for instance the ma
terial suggested for the memorial hall
and which should be very plain and
simple structure, but substantial-the un-
essentials can be modified. The chief
purpose should be to so restore the fort as
to make itan object-lesson in history, and
an attractions; to save the old building by
embracing it within pavilion-like
case, that will render the spot as