Authors in residence series Nancy Compau —
an expert on Spokane history

at Waterford on South Hill, Spokane, Wa

“I love writing, children, and history,” says Nancy Compau. All three of her interests are evident in Our City—Spokane, published in 1996 by Lawton Printing, Inc. Co-authored with Marcia O’Neill Schrapps, SNJM, a former teacher and nun with the Sisters of the Holy Names, the book is still part of the curriculum for third graders in the Spokane School District. “It was important to us to bring the city alive to young children and to give them a guide to our community—a book they could use.”

Born and raised in Spokane, Nancy also has a passion for preserving historic homes. She co-authored Spokane, A City with Historical Style (published in 2000 by Tornado Creek Publishing) with longtime friend and teacher Margaret Krause French. The book grew out of Nancy’s mission to be sure children residing in Spokane’s historic homes did not feel they lived in “just an old house” but could take pride in the historical significance of their home. “Historic homes have style. It is important for everyone to know and value the historical significance of them and to have access to grants and other resources to maintain them,” says Nancy. story continues below

Nationally, the bicentennial in 1976 sparked a renewed interest in identifying and recording historical sites and homes. As a result, the National Trust for Historic Preservation held its conference in Philadelphia and provided training sessions for groups to conduct historic surveys. The Junior League of Spokane sent Nancy and fellow member Nancy Henry to the conference. “We attended all sessions and learned how to set up and conduct the surveys,” says Nancy.

She adds, “A side benefit was the opportunity to visit homes dating back to the American Revolution. It was one of the greatest thrills of my life.”

Spokane homes surveyed

“We came back to Spokane and met with the city officials regarding the importance of historic preservation. One of the county commissioners was adamantly opposed to the efforts, stating “absolutely not,’” remembers Nancy. Determined to overcome objections, the Junior League took on the project to go “house by house and block by block” to photograph and document the rich history of the city. The efforts of Compau and her colleagues were successful, and today there is an official city/county Historic Preservation Office.

Nancy is a lifelong learner and scholar and holds a variety of educational degrees, including a master’s in History from Eastern Washington University. After she received her master’s degree, she worked for the Spokane Public Library and ran the Northwest History Room for 20 years.

In addition to her talents and skills as a writer and historian, she is committed to volunteerism. More of an activist than most volunteers, she was instrumental in the efforts of the Friends of the Davenport, which led the way to saving the legendary Davenport hotel in downtown Spokane. The hotel is a national historic landmark that was featured in the Alaska Airline magazine article about downtown Spokane’s rejuvenation.

Additional commitments include serving as a volunteer at the Native American Museum, the Museum of Arts and Culture, Advocates for the Bing Crosby Theater, and Friends of the Library Board. She also teaches Sunday school at her church.

“Nancy Compau represents the principles of whole-person wellness in a life of dedication, passion, and service to others, says Touchmark Vice President of Wellness & Programs Marge Coalman, EdD. “Her impact as a teacher, author, and historian will be measured by generations to come.”

Currently, Nancy is working on another book about Spokane.