ABOUT DOC'S

Our Story

 

In 1933, at the urging of Roy E. Sheldon my first grandfather and Ralph Osborn, “Art Matthews” decided to start a tavern in Ocean Park. He traveled to Olympia to get the license and a Tavern known as “THE WHALEBONE” was established at this site. The name came from the fact that dead whales which had washed up on the beach were buried under what is now the Northwest section of the Tavern. An opened at 12 Noon on the 4th of July 1933 and closed an hour later at 1:00PM. To participate in a fast pitch baseball game. A team picture and uniform are on the back wall.

 

In 1936, Art was forced to move. A local leaseholder, following the Good Book, decided that his property shouldn’t house a drinking establishment. It seems that the Methodists controlled Ocean Park and a couple of devout Methodists operated a Bakery across the street. They advertised “Home Baking”, so Art mischievously advertised “Home Breaking”.

 

Art didn’t give up. He had a new building built at the site which was old Richfield Station (now Jack’s Country Store’s new addition). The Tavern, complete, including labor and materials, cost $7,440.00. He remained at “Arts and operated it until 1944, when he sold it to “A-Doc” Watson. The A$ stood for “Always Works” so he said but was Arlen Woodrow.

 

DOC’S Tavern, in business for 88 years, is the oldest Tavern or Bar in our area, as the liquor license was purchased immediately following prohibition. It has only been owned by three owners, which is nearly unheard of in the liquor business. The second owner was Arlen “Doc” Watson. “Doc” Watson operated DOC’S Tavern for 36 years and remains legendary local tavern history; he and owner of 46 years and counting is Don Sheldon, with his wife Jenny helping much of the time is carrying the torch. Don started working at the bar for his second father, the deceased Doc Watson since 1959.

 

Before the building housed DOC’S TAVERN was a tavern, it had many uses. An Ice Cream Parlor (from which the stools are still used), Bowling Alley, W.W.II. Recruiting Office, Wool Shop, Retail, Restaurant, Bakery, real estate office, apartments and a Gas Station. The tavern is build over underground storage tanks and was built in 1883. There is a big difference in the exact age. The tavern was built in 1883 and was moved to its current location together. This was discovered as we replaced the wall studs and hand carried down the wall connecting the two together.

 

Doc, a Merchant Marine, worked on ships while his wife ran the Tavern. Doc would return home while not on duty and managed the tavern. He was a very frugal man and the Tavern patrons and workers often favored frugality. A deal was worked out so the original site was purchased by Doc in 1948. Doc, being superstitious, kept the name “Arts and built a lasting trade. In 1968, the building was enlarged to include pool tables. Doc ran the tavern for many years and built a lasting reputation in the Tavern industry and community.

 

In 1976, Don Sheldon began working at “Arts” under the guidance of Doc Watson, and in 1979, was hired as a manager of the tavern. Doc died on April 16, 1980, while enjoying his favorite pastime, fishing. Don Sheldon then purchased “ARTS” and renamed it “DOC’S TAVERN” in Doc’s memory.

 

In 1982, Doc and Friends enlarged one more time to make more room for the Big TV, Shuffleboard, Dance Floor and Dart Games. Docs has been a leader in establishing pool leagues, dart leagues, fantasy football and ladies’ softball leagues. Doc has also supported local fundraisers and all youth activities as well as strongly supporting the SENIOR CENTER and Humane Society building. In fact, each time Ocean Park needs a hand it can count on DOC’S to lend a hand. If you look around the walls you will see many interesting photos and artifacts as well as the many awards we have won over the years and photos of many people having a good time. There is also a suggestion box, and we would love to hear your comments about any facet of DOCS tavern.

 

DOC’S still runs on. I’ve been operating the tavern for 45+ years and have worked here for 48 years. Where have the years gone? The customers of Doc’s backbone, and we appreciate your support. After all these years I know why DOC loved the tavern business, and that reason is the “CUSTOMERS” for making life interesting with few dull moments.

 

There are asterisks around the other two owners of DOCS and ART can be seen in the baseball photo in the case with the baseball jersey and DOC can be seen in our logo and on the wall wearing his long johns.

 

We hope you enjoy your time at DOC’S. Jenny and I certainly thank you for your support.

 

YOUR FRIENDS: Don and Jenny Sheldon