Kate Martin-Proprietress of the Logger Bar
There is not a more iconic symbol in Blue Lake than the legendary Logger Bar. For our current Business Spotlight we spoke to Kate Martin, proprietress of the Logger:
What was your inspiration for buying the Logger Bar?
I wanted a nice place to drink without driving!
When did you move to Blue Lake and what other jobs had you done previously?
I moved to Blue Lake from Arcata in 1998. I’ve been a waitress, social worker, manager of a traveling circus and vaudeville show, fundraiser and house painter.
Briefly tell us about the history of the Logger Bar- when built, interesting facts, etc.
The sign on the Logger Bar says 1899, but from the research I’ve recently done, the first bartender was fired in 1892, so I’m assuming it is more like 1889. It is listed as one of California’s oldest continually operated bar. At various times, both horses and motorcycles have been ridden into the bar! There’s even been a marriage (current Blue Lake Chamber President, Marvin Samuels and his wife Laurie Sexton in February 2013).
What was involved in the renovation of the Logger Bar?
Everything! There was not a square foot that didn’t need attention. Roofing, floors, electrical, plumbing, etc. The bar was only closed for 5 weeks during the renovations. The most appreciated improvement made was updating the bathrooms. There were at least 100 volunteers that helped save their neighborhood bar. The Logger officially reopened on November 17th, 2012.
What are some of the weekly and monthly recurring events at the Logger?
Free pool on Mondays, ping-pong on Tuesdays, food truck on Fridays, Live Irish Music Session 1st Tuesday of the month, Everything Goes Open Mic 1st Wednesday of the month, Feliz Jueves! (Spanish speaking hour) on the 1st Thursday of the month, Cribbage Tournament 2nd Wednesday of the month, Old Time Music Jam on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month (people can bring their own instruments and join in), and the ever popular potluck dinner on the last Sunday of the month. We also just started Queer Night on the last Saturday of the month, and will have Culture Clash on 1st Saturday of the month, featuring world music, reggae, and hip-hop.
What special annual events does the Logger put on?
We put on a Free BBQ for Super Bowl with a halftime 50/50; an annual Oscar Party and potluck with ballots for voting provided; an outrageous all day St. Patrick’s Day celebration with free corned beef and cabbage, Irish music, traditional dancers and bagpipers. We like to go all out for Halloween and this last year we’ve done our OVER-THE-TOP holiday decorations (which I’m still taking down).
What is your future vision for the Logger Bar and Blue Lake?
I am thrilled about the completion of the Annie and Mary Rail Trail, which will someday connect our community to the coast and give residents and visitors non-motorized access to our community. I’d really love to see the historic downtown of Blue Lake revitalized with a restaurant (or two!), a market, deli, coffee shop, etc. If the existing storefronts were filled in historic downtown, we would never have to leave. I would love to see hitching posts and bike racks everywhere, EV plug-in stations, a field of solar panels, easier river access, expanded trail systems, a disc golf course, and a skate park. Blue Lake is already an amazing place to live, and with more trails and alternative transportation and recreation options, we could really increase our quality of life.
What does Blue Lake mean to you?
Blue Lake means community. I always tell people that the longer I live here, the better it gets.
The Logger Bar is located at 510 Railroad Ave in Blue Lake
Phone #: 668-5000 Check out their website:http://www.loggerbar.com
or visit the Logger Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LoggerBar?ref=br_tf
All Business Spotlights
April 2018:Jewell Distillery
June 2014:Wallace & Hinz
Winter 2014: Rick Willits Wood Floors