New life for the Duck Inn

When Judy Smith was asked by this writer what she would like to say about the fact that she was having to leave her home, the "Duck Inn," in Skamokawa, after having lived there for 25 years, she said, "I don't think there's anymore to say. I think you said it all the last time you wrote about our final weekend here."

For Judy, it's tough to say goodbye to all the friends she's made over all the years she's been here and tougher yet to see the place she's called home for all these years, torn apart from stem to stern as "Skamokawa Pete's Duck Inn" vanishes before her eyes.

The Duck Inn first came to be in the early 1950's. Hoby Thacker remembers moving to the Skamokawa area in 1951, and Les Silverman was just making the deal on the property, and he believes it was the next year that "Les' Duck Inn" came into being.

Ray Bauer remembers hauling lumber from Long Bell Lumber Co. to start the construction. It was smaller then, as both ends of the place were expanded years later. When Silverman sold it to the Bill Scheibers, it was re-named "L & B's Duck Inn" for Bill and his wife.

Since then, it's had several owners and operators, some of whom didn't last long and have come and gone without much fanfare. One of the more memorable owners, and who had it the longest, was "Skamokawa Pete" (Arthur) Peterson.

Pete was one of those guys who loved to talk and made a lot of friends. He could be hard-nosed when he wanted to be, or an absolute charmer when he was so inclined, and it didn't hurt that he had his Rodney Dangerfield imitation down pat, with his "I can't get no respect" routine. On August 11, 2008, disaster struck, and a car accident between Stella and Longview ended Pete's life.

Three years later, it looked like the Duck Inn was going to be filing bankruptcy. Last parties were held, and tears were shed as no one could believe the place they go to meet friends, have class reunions, attend wedding or funeral receptions or just visit with people on a daily basis was coming to a close. Then suddenly a glimmer of hope started spreading like wild fire with rumors of a sale and new owners. Finally, people heard the word "sold," and the next chapter for the Duck Inn began.

Logan Britt, a 31-year-old from California and manager of the Skamokawa Resort, is the new owner. When describing his plans for the Duck, he said, yes, it will remain "The Duck Inn." It might not be "Skamokawa Pete's Duck Inn," but Pete's picture will be on the wall, and he'll not be forgotten.

Logan's plans to have a picture wall where fisherman can brag about their biggest catch, hunters can show off their trophy elk, or birthday party memories can be shared. It will be a wall of connections to those who frequent the place. The inner decor may be new, but the theme will be what the local area is all about, country living. There will be stained glass windows depicting trees and animals and fish. Logan plans to add a fireplace in the lounge, bring in live bands, and construct decks off to the side for smokers.

Logan hired Bjorge Construction, the crew set to work right away last week, getting down to the bare bones to see what they would be dealing with in the building's structure. In a couple of days, all that was left were studs and framework where walls and ceilings used to be. Some of Logan's plans were going to be determined by what they discovered. Some things were obvious, like leveling the floor.

More locals have been hired already, such as Gretchen Mahitka, who will manage the restaurant. Plans are to have specialty nights, such as an Italian food night or a seafood night. The new menu will be smaller but yet have variety. Good food is a priority for Logan. He said the restaurant area will look great and have a nice, comfortable feel about it, but nothing overly fancy that would drive the locals or tourists away.

Logan's going to be a busy young man, managing the Skamokawa Resort complex and also operating the "new" lounge and restaurant in town. Store manager Michelle Collupy will assume more responsibilities at the complex, and Logan will be back and forth between the two places.

Speculation is high in Skamokawa on whether there will be a view from the dining area when it gets re-arranged, as many Duck Inn patrons thought having the entire restaurant area facing the water and that gorgeous view would be the best way to go. Logan said some things are still undecided but he knows one thing for sure, "You won't think it's the same place when I get done."

The Duck's patrons can hardly wait until April so they can see for themselves.

(Jester Properties, LLC

(Don and Arlene Jester)

(Logan Britt Enterprises)