Background on the historic importance and use of Olalla's gathering place

A store has served Olalla at this location since at least 1881. Charlie and Mary Nelson bought the property in 1904. At that time, the store/post office also functioned as a boarding house and restaurant as many settlers came without provisions or a place to stay. Dances and music events were held upstairs. In 1946, Hans Greggersen purchased the property and sold a rebuilt store to Al Robbecke in 1960. During this period the store also served food which was enjoyed on the premises. Al's survived until the pandemic and other environmental issues forced its closure in 2021 when the Olsens purchased it, reopening with pizza and beer service in April 2024. 

Also on the property is a circa 1908 structure used as meeting space (34 occupancy, permitted) with a museum showcasing Olalla and its role as a Mosquito Fleet port. The Landing, as it has been renamed, was a warehouse, coffee shop, post office, car repair, pottery studio, haunted house, among other things. It is the last remaining structure in downtown Olalla, and today serves as a much-need community meeting space for AA, sewing group, home-schooled children’s Pokémon club, bible study, birthday parties, celebrations of life, educational lectures and more.