From Galway to Boston....To Seattle
June 6th, 1889, a fire raged through a 30-block area of Seattle along Elliot Bay. Most of the wooden buildings were destroyed including a structure built by engineer and businessperson James Coleman, on the foundation of the retired clipper ship, Windward. In the aftermath, Colman rebuilt on the same site, which was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings in 1972.
This section of the Coleman Building served as a cafeteria dubbed 'The Coleman Lunch' from 1930 to 1975.
In 1968, after graduation from the University of Ireland Galway, a young Jack Geary decided to test his mettle on American shores. Along with his friend, Sean Tyrell, Jack soon found an avid audience for his music in Boston’s Irish American community. Under the names, ‘Freedom Folk’ and ‘Harvest Home,’ Geary released a number of well received albums. In 1970, Jack married a Seattle native named, Terri Warden. The two relocated to Seattle with their son, Colin, in 1993 and with the help of old schoolmate, Declan Fury, opened the Owl ’N Thistle (named by former Scottish proprietress, Bonnie McGregor. We simply added the “Irish Pub” part).
So, come on in! Enjoy the spirits, the fare, and the craic!
