How did the Oyster House get to the Port of Allyn?

It began when Michael O'Sullivan, then president of the North Bay Historical Society and Bonnie Knight from the Port of Allyn, met with representatives from the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) about purchasing the property where the Sargent Oyster House was located. They (DFW) had purchased the property to be used as mitigation for another area. Taylor Shellfish was also interested in saving the building. The person assigned to oversee North Bay had attended University of Washington aquaculture classes in the building and wanted to help preserve its history. Taylor Shellfish was also interested in working with the port to establish an "oyster bar" in the building as they were quite successful in other locations and this would provide funds to maintain the project. Fish & Wildlife and the South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group already had a grant to take out the Oyster House for restoration of the shoreline. After two years of working with various agencies including local, state and federal environmental and historical preservation agencies and the tribes, a memorandum of understanding was agreed to and signed by 14 entities. DFW was to sell the building to the port for $1 and move it to the port's waterfront park and the port was to work with the North Bay Historical Society for restoration. The port later entered in an agreement with the North Bay Historical Society for restoration and ongoing maintenance of the building and museum. This all began in 2011. Although there has been a lot of frustration and challenges, it truly has been a labor of love for all involved.

■ This article was written as a collaboration between Port of Allyn Commissioner Judy Scott and the North Bay Historical Society.