Sitka Pioneer Home 1940

1915 first Pioneer Home, a former marine barracks defended with four cannons.

82nd Anniversary of Statehood Celebration

Sitka Pioneer Home c.  1950

A contingent of the U.S. Marines was stationed in Sitka in 1879, and until 1890 the men were quartered in log barracks built by the Russians.

In 1892, a framed barracks were built and other buildings, including a dwelling for the commanding officer were added in subsequent years.

The base was closed in March of 1912, and the buildings stood idle.  The people of Sitka were anxious to have them put to use, and proposed using them as a home for pioneer prospectors and others who were no longer able to care for themselves.

Alaska became a Territory in August 1912, and when the first legislature met the following March, a bill was introduced by Sitka’s Representative, Arthur G. Shoup, to appropriate $10,000 and establish the Alaska Pioneer’s Home in Sitka.

The Navy Department gave permission to use the buildings for that purpose and the Home opened in September 1913, Arthur G. Shoup was appointed the first superintendent and because funds were so scarce, served the first two years without pay.

Only indigent men were admitted to the Home in the early years.

By the early 1930s, in addition to being something of a firetrap, the buildings were becoming dilapidated and expensive to maintain.

Congress enacted a law granting the former Naval Reserve to the Territory of Alaska.  The present concrete building was then constructed, partly with federal grant money and partly with funds appropriated by the Territorial Legislature. 

It was completed in December 1934, at a cost of $341,687.52. 

The following year the Manager’s Residence, a home for nurses and a garage were built and the grounds were landscaped, all paid by a Public Works Administration grant of $98.308.88.

The new building housed 180 men, but there was no facility for women.  The 1949 Legislature provide funds for a Women’s Home and a former church adjoining the Pioneers Home was purchased for that purpose. 

The arrangement was not wholly satisfactory, and in 1956 the new North Wing was added to the main building.  It housed women and married couples at first, but later was occupied by single men and women as well.

THe building has since undergone some remodeling and renovations.

The Sitka Pioneer Home has a present capacity of 75 men and women each with a private room with a two-room suite available for married couples.