Captain Whidbey Inn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Captain Whidbey Inn
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | On Whidbey Island near Coupeville, Washington |
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| Built | 1907 |
| Part of | Central Whidbey Island Historic District (ID73001869) |
The Captain Whidbey Inn is a historic hotel on Whidbey Island in Washington. It was built in 1907 and is located near Coupeville, right by Penn Cove. This special inn is part of the Central Whidbey Island Historic District, which means it's a protected historical place.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
The Captain Whidbey Inn was built in 1907 by Chris Fisher and his son Edward. They used strong Madrona logs and stones they found right there on the land. The way they built it, with big posts and beams, is still the same today! Chris Fisher's great-grandson, Larry Fisher, even helps out at the inn sometimes.
The inn first opened in May 1907. It was part of a bigger vacation spot called Still Park. Judge Lester Still created both the inn and the park. Still Park also had places for camping, small cabins, horse riding trails, tennis courts, and even a warm saltwater swimming pool. You can see old pictures from that time in a history collection at the inn.
Early Features
When it first opened, the inn had 15 sleeping rooms upstairs. Downstairs, there was a large gathering room with a big fireplace. This fireplace was made from local stones and is still a main meeting spot today.
Getting There Long Ago
In the early days, people traveled to the inn by boat. Daily steamers from Seattle and Everett brought guests, supplies, and mail. They arrived at a dock right in front of the inn. You can still see parts of the old dock and stone steps if you walk on the pier today.
Before the Deception Pass Bridge was built in 1935, cars came by ferry. Judge Still is known for bringing the very first car to Whidbey Island. You can still see that old car at the Island County Historical Society Museum.
What It Was Used For
Over the years, the Captain Whidbey Inn has been many things. It was once a general store, a school for girls, and even a post office. In 1946, it went back to being a place where people could stay.
The Inn Today
Today, the Captain Whidbey Inn looks very much like it did when it was first built. The original wooden floors are still visible in the lobby and the bar area. The big gathering room is now the dining room, kitchen, and Judge Still's Tavern.
Modern Updates
Of course, some things have changed to make it more comfortable. Electricity and Wi-Fi have been added and updated throughout the building.
Rooms and Views
The original inn building now has two suites and 10 regular rooms upstairs. These rooms offer lovely views of Penn Cove and the gardens. The first cabins are gone, but new ones have been built. There are now four waterside cabins with private decks and views of Penn Cove.
The Lagoon Building has 13 rooms. These rooms look out over the lagoon lawn and the lagoon itself. Each room has its own unique style and a cozy, rustic feel. Guests can still arrive by car, or during the summer, they can come by boat or float plane right to the inn's dock.
- Lynn, Holly, et al. Images of America: Coupeville. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2012. Print.
