Doane’s Oyster House stood near the corner of 5th Avenue and Washington Street. “Captain” Woodbury Doane presided, with his famous pan-fried oyster recipe that some claim contributed to Olympia’s being retained as the state capital. Politicians, lobbyists, and anyone else who wanted to be seen flocked to the restaurant; ladies had their own entrance at the side. The Olympia Oyster House is a direct descendant of Doane’s.
Unknown photographer, around 1883, Southwest Regional Archives, Susan Parish Collection, AR20090812-ph007228
Text © Deborah Ross and The Olympian

