Forrest, Linn A. (Linn Argyle), 1905-1987

The original Whale House in New Kasaan collapsed in the 1920s.

From the guide to the Notes relative to the original construction and the reconstruction of Chief Sonihat's "Whale House, " New Kasaan, P.W. I., 1938 November 22, (Oregon Historical Society Research Library)

Linn A. Forrest was a professional architect who was based out of Juneau, Alaska. In the late 1930s the U.S. Forest Service contracted Linn A. Forrest and regional forester, B. Frank Heintzleman, to oversee various Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) operations to restore and preserve totem poles and traditional Native American Indian architecture in Southeast Alaska. From 1937 to 1939, and via a $24,000 U.S. Government grant to the Alaska Native Brotherhood as a CCC project, Forrest oversaw the construction of the Shakes Island Community House and totems at Wrangell, Alaska. In 1939 he also oversaw totem pole restoration work at the Sitka National Park. Through these and other efforts Forrest become highly involved in local Native life and later wrote a book about his experiences, The Wolf and the Raven: Totem Poles of Southeastern Alaska.

From the description of Linn A. Forrest Photograph Collection [graphic], circa 1930-1950. (Sealaska Heritage Institute). WorldCat record id: 319642407