Pioneer's Exchange - Seattle (1898-1915)
Clear Whiskey Bottle
Martin J. Lutz first opened a saloon in Seattle in 1898. It was located at 115 Columbia St. and was called "The Pioneer". The following year he moved to a better location at 85 Columbia. Here he re-opened and called the new place "Pioneer Exchange". The business remained at this location until closed by Prohibition in 1915. During 1901 the business was enlarged to include both 83 and 85 Columbia St. Also was the slight change in naming from "Pioneer Exchange" to "Pioneer's Exchange". This may seem minor but note the different spelling on the two coffin flasks produced by the business. Another important change was the incorporation of the company in 1904. We know that one of these coffin flasks dates from this period of time and the other is before this period. Since the company picnic flask has the "Inc." embossed on it, it would also be after 1903. Martin Lutz left the business to a Mr. Weidlich shortly after the year 1912.
83 & 85 Columbia St. Seattle - Then
A picture postcard of the building where the Pioneer's Exchange was located in Seattle (circa 1902).
83 & 85 Columbia St. Seattle - Today
Photo Courtesy: Google Street View
West Seattle Dairy - Seattle (1913-1942)
Clear 1/2 Pint Milk Bottle
Paul Bryan opened the West Seattle Dairy in 1913 at 4740 California Ave. in the West Seattle Junction and remained in business at various locations in the area for a number of years. He was part of a consortium of Seattle diary businesses that consolidated with Carnation Farms in 1928 and he continued to operate the West Seattle Dairy until his retirement in 1942.
Note: The dairy was located at Fauntleroy Way S.W. & Alaska St. beginning in 1927 when a $100,000 plant opened at that location.
Fauntleroy & Alaska Sts. Seattle - Then
A photo of the building on Fauntleroy & Alaska Sts. that formerly held Bryan's West Seattle Dairy (1935).
Fauntleroy & Alaska Sts. Seattle - Today
Photo Courtesy: Google Street View
J. J. Kelley - Seattle (1905-1915)
Gallon Whiskey Jug
James J. Kelley started out in Seattle in 1905 at 1413 First Avenue which appears to have been just a saloon at the time. Sometime in 1906 he moved to 1315 1st Avenue where he operated an establishment called the "Art Palace". which was a wholesale and retail liquor outlet which lasted until Prohibition in 1915. Kelly was a noted local art connoisseur and used the Art Palace to showcase his various art collections. His business motto was "A Store Where Ladies Can Trade" and he expanded the business in Sept. 1913 to include the storefront at 1313 1st Avenue. Upon Prohibition, Kelly turned the business into a drug store and was arrested in May 1916 for illegally selling liquor to the public. The police raided the establishment, destroyed all the liquor but they were ordered not to damage any of the art. Kelly eventually moved to San Francisco where he opened a business selling mineral water, loganberry and grape juice. He returned to Seattle to manage the Rainier-Grand Hotel and showcased his art collection until the hotels eventual demolition in May 1930.
1313 1st Ave. Seattle - Then
A photo showing the storefront of J. J. Kelley Family Liquor Store located at 1313 1st. Ave. in Seattle (circa 1906).
1313 1st Ave. Seattle Seattle - Today
Photo Courtesy: Google Street View
Schute Importing Co. - Seattle (1907-1913)
1/2 Gallon Wine/Mineral Water Bottle
In 1907, James Shute opened a saloon at 1609 First Ave and operated at this location until 1909. In 1910, The Scenic Cafe shared the 1605-1609 First Ave location along with the Shute Importing Co. In 1912, the J. L. Shute Importing Co. was located at 1605 First Ave. where it remained in operation until prohibition in 1913.
1605 First Ave. Seattle - Then
A photo of the Shute Importing Co. located at 1605 First Ave. in Seattle (circa 1912).
1605 First Ave. Seattle - Today
Photo Courtesy: Google Street View