Kikendall Cabin to move elsewhere or city will dismantle and take parts of it

The Snohomish City Council unanimously declared the Kikendall Cabin surplus, allowing for its auction or dismantling if no buyers are found. This historic cabin, built in the 1870s, has been a local landmark but poses a liability risk due to break-ins and lack of maintenance. The cabin was previously owned by the Snohomish Historical Society, which transferred it to the city this summer. Resident Chris Gee, who has cared for the cabin, is interested in relocating it to his property outside Snohomish. City administrator Heather Thomas-Murphy stated that the surplus declaration is procedural, as the cabin cannot remain in its current state.

Liz Curtis of the historical society expressed regret about the divestment, highlighting the cabin's unique status as one of the few pioneer cabins still standing in Washington state. If no suitable person steps forward to relocate the cabin, the city plans to dismantle it and salvage parts for decorative purposes. The cabin's historical value stems from its construction by Charles Kikendall at his family homestead along the Pilchuck River.