Log House Museum

“A stable for a soap tycoon’s carriage? That’s just the beginning of the Log House Museum’s story.” The Log House Museum isn’t just any museum. It’s a journey through time, nestled in a building with a past as rich as the stories it holds. Originally, this sturdy log structure served as the carriage house for the Fir Lodge. The lodge was one of Alki Beach’s first year-round homes, built in 1904 by William and Gladys Bernard. William, a prominent Seattleite, founded the city’s first soap company, the Seattle Soap Co. Gladys dedicated her time to children’s charities. They envisioned a tranquil escape, a blend of summer cottage and modern home. But Alki Beach wasn’t quite the paradise they’d imagined. The Log House Museum’s story highlights their challenges. Servants were difficult to retain due to the remote location, Gladys lamented. The unreliable ferry schedule, especially during low tide, made city life inconvenient. Their daughter, Marie, endured long boat commutes to her school in Seattle. As Alki Beach became more accessible, the tranquility they sought vanished. Streetcars brought crowds and the vibrant nightlife of Luna Park disturbed the peace. In 1907, they sold the Fir Lodge to the Seattle Auto and Driving Club. The Log House Museum itself, originally located about 100 feet northwest, was moved around 1908 to accommodate the construction of Stevens Street. Likely at this time, a foundation was added, transforming the stable into a living space. The upstairs, probably once a hayloft, became additional rooms. Over the years, this Douglas fir building served as a home to various Alki families, even housing an antique store at one point. The Southwest Seattle Historical Society acquired the carriage house in 1995. Through community fundraising, they meticulously restored it. The Log House Museum opened its doors in 1997, commemorating the 146th anniversary of the Denny Party’s landing on Alki Beach. Today, the Log House Museum stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving history. It’s not just about the Bernard family’s story. It’s about the evolution of Alki Beach, from a quiet retreat to a bustling community.