Vintage

The dream is becoming a reality!  Last Thursday, during a break in the drizzly weather, a crowd was gathered in downtown Seward, at the corner of Sixth and Adams, to dedicate the building site for the new Library Museum.

Speeches were made, songs were sung, the ribbon was cut; and then it was time for dessert!

But before the sweet feast and pleasant conversation, Library Museum Building Committee Chairman Keith Campbell kicked off the evening with welcoming words and high praise for the many volunteers whose tireless efforts have gotten the project to this point.  Magnanimous as always, Keith made sure the members of the committee, our very supportive City Council, City administration, Library and Seward Museum staff and anyone who has helped along the way, knew that their efforts were greatly appreciated.

Following the welcome, the Pastors of the Seward Ministerial Association lead the group in prayer, in a blessing of the site.  In their words, and ours, a selection from the blessing follows:

“In the library to be built here, may the pursuit of learning stir within us an awareness of your compassionate presence, your sustaining love, and the power of your sacrifice.  And in the museum, may the stories of our forebears be lifted up to inspire future generations, helping our children and grandchildren to remember us, and our parents and grandparents, as people who cherished the idea of brotherhood and sisterhood, who understood that there are common bonds which unite us as a people.”

Then it was time for music.  After a thrilling performance of the Alaska Flag song by Kyle Schneider, the Seward Singers, led by Dot Bardarson, treated the crowd to a beautiful, and very catchy, singing of the Seward Song.  From the playground to Kawabe Park, passersby heard Seward’s praises sung loud and clear.

After the music, speeches were made by former Seward Mayor Edgar Blatchford, City Council member Jean Bardarson and City Manager Phillip Oates, telling the story of the journey this project has followed from its inception by Edgar in 2003 as part of Seward’s 100th birthday celebration.  We have come a long way, and there is still a long way to go, but there is no doubt that the Library Museum project is steadily picking up momentum.

And then it was time!  A wide, yellow ribbon was stretched across the site for Josh Eavis, representing the Class of 2012, and Peter Mow, Class of 2017, to cut.  Someone forgot to tell the scissors what their job was, but after a few tries, the ribbon fluttered to the earth, and after closing remarks by Keith Campbell, it was into the Library for sweets.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Site Dedication, to anyone who has lent a hand during this truly worthwhile and ambitious project, and to all those future volunteers who will help make this dream come true.  Your efforts ensure that many generations of Sewardites to come, will benefit greatly from Seward’s Library Museum.  A place for knowledge; a place for everyone.

Thank you.