Skagit Saloon here in 1905.
The Skagit Bar or Saloon was located on the ground floor of the Olson Building (built in 1902 and 1907) at 202 Commercial Ave…While the building has a large ‘1891’ above the door, that is likely the date the saloon was established -- the wood buildings burned and were replaced by the brick one (much of the first story in 1902, the rest of the first story and the second story in 1907. The saloon is listed in the 1900 City Directory. Coleman Queen is listed as manager in 1913 (later a mayor of Anacortes); his name is seen in the windows at right under ‘Olympia Beer,’ but this appears to be a different man. The onset of statewide Prohibition in 1916 apparently led to the demise of the saloon. On 1-6-1916, the ANACORTES AMERICAN reported, ‘The old Skagit Bar will blossom forth in a few days as a soft drink dispensary, card room, and fruit and candy store. Later on, pool and billiard tables will be added. The place will be known as The Skagit Home and will be run by Rufus Queen, former proprietor of the State Bar, and Fred Johnson and Lafe Moore, formerly two popular white-coated boys of the Skagit Bar.’”
- Anacortes Museum Historical Photo Archive
