According to various ads from 1903 to 1908 in the Columbia Courier, and the Kennewick Reporter/Courier, the Stag was a “gentleman’s resort” offering wines, liquors, cigars, tobacco, soft drinks, beef tea, oyster cocktails, bouillon, light lunches, newspapers and magazines, and a “good pool table.” Deborah Watkins, the current owner of the building with her husband, Dave, also adds that the building appeared to house a bordello based on the layout of the upper floor which matched many of the contemporary bordellos in Pendleton, Or.

The building itself has outside walls made of brick around 12 to 18 inches deep (forming the major supporting structure for the building). The upper story is supported by floor beams that are unusually large for the time period, making for an exceptionally stable walking surface. One of the most unique features of the building is that the front facade (facing Canal St.) is actually angled to match the street. According to the owners, in the 1940’s, the upstairs was converted into apartments and the ceiling lowered, destroying much of the original interior architectural features of the building.

During its life, the Stag building was occupied by the following businesses: ⁴

• 1945: The Corner Garage (this is probably when the front of the building was altered to add a garage door).
• 1950 to 1959: The Harding Glass Company
• 1960’s: Central Music Co.
• Early 1970’s: Tri-City Upholstery
• 1976: Perfection Glass
• 1977 to 1980: Riverside Upholstery
• 1983: Pawn shop
• 1985 to 1986: Classic Upholstery
• 1989 to 1991: Comm-Tech Electronic (the building currently has an ad on the side of it from this company).
• 1995: Men’s Stuff

Currently, the building is not occupied by a business. Over the past several years, the owners have embarked on a major remodeling of the building. In the upstairs, the original interior walls have been demolished and the plaster on the outside walls have been removed exposing the brick in order to create a loft space. Renovations are also under way downstairs. According to Deborah Watkins, the lower floor will become a coffee/tea house incorporating a “bohemian atmosphere [with] old books, sidewalk seating, poetry reading, wine sipping and fresh flowers.” It will be called “The Old Stag.” During the changes, the goal is to restore the front of the building to its original appearance by removing the 1940’s facade addition and reinstalling a corner entry complete with reproduction woodwork, doors, and glass. During the renovation process, many interesting items were found including an old playing card, featuring a naked woman, wedged between the plaster and brick.

-Article written by Jeremy Wells

Columbia Courier, c. 1904

Kennewick Reporter, Jan 24, 1908

Kennewick Reporter, Jan 30, 1908

Upstairs loft (under renovation), May 2000

Downstairs (under renovation), May 2000