Zeigler’s Welding/site of Jack Gimblet saloon

Location: 322 Capitol Way N
Washington State Register, Local Register

Jack Gimblet’s Saloon as it appeared in 1860s or 1870s
photograph courtesy of Washington State Historical Society

As Zeigler’s appears today
Photograph courtesy of Deb Ross

In early days of Olympia’s history, the downtown core extended down Main Street (now Capitol Way) to the waterfront, just north of this location at the corner of Capitol and Thurston (then Main Street and First Avenue). Many businesses were located in this block, including Jack Gimblet’s Saloon, pictured above. Although the City of Olympia had an ordinance prohibiting “nuisances” such as prostitution, unlicensed saloons, and gambling halls, the ordinance was laxly enforced in this area of the city, which was known as the Dead Zone, or Tenderloin (see also Dead Zone). Businesses such as the Gimblet Saloon flourished, but also faced challenges due to frequent fights and other problems. When the Carlyon Fill extended the port area well to the north, this part of town gradually became industrialized. The building now housing Zeigler’s Welding was built in 1910 and has served much the same function throughout its history. It is on the local and state registers.

For more information about and historic photographs of the building, follow these links:

Olympia Heritage inventory (Zeigler’s)

Washington State Historical Society photographs (enter the following catalog numbers in Collections Search box): C1956.20.7