Location: 811 5th Ave SW
Local register; Women’s History; Diversity: Gay and Lesbian History; Popular Culture
Jocelyn Dohm and Jami Heinricher in Sherwood Press building, 1990s, courtesy Sherwood Press |
Sherwood Press today, courtesy Sherwood Press |
The Sherwood Press was founded in 1940 by Jocelyn Dohm, daughter of Edward Dohm. It began in the basement of the family home, the Dohm House next door. Jocelyn acquired press materials, including an antique platen press and type, in Seattle. The following summer, she and her father built this small house, based on a design by her architect sister Phyllis Dohm (Virgie) Mueller. The building is entirely made of cedar and is heated with a large brick fireplace.
The items produced by Sherwood Press over the 70+ years of its existence represent what the website characterizes as a “surprising historical account of the history of Olympia, as seen through a sampling of its printed ephemera.” Jocelyn also hosted a long list of high school students who came to work for her as “printer’s devils” (apprentices). One of her apprentices, Jami Heinricher, inherited the business from Jocelyn, who died in 2003.
In addition to her business, Jocelyn and her long-term partner Margery Sayre were very active in local organizations and causes. The home is on the local register and is included in the Women’s History Walking Tour as well as the Olympia Gay and Lesbian History Walking Tour (links below).
Olympia Gay and Lesbian Walking Tour
Olympia Women’s History Walking Tour
Copyright © 2022 Deborah Ross