History of the
Ryan's Tavern Building

The History of the Ryan's Tavern Building

The Ryan's Tavern property is the combination of three buildings each with multiple addresses on several floors. The 231 and 233 High Street addresses were first recorded in the 1892 city directory. Occupants of 231 included a paint store, grocer, druggist, and Gus Lados Boot and Shoe Shining. Occupants of 233 were an attorney, then a dry goods store (1920's), and from 1922-1967 Shoupe's Band, the business and home of a music teacher.

In 1892, the 235 building (the kitchen side of the pub) was Winkler & Straub--Men's furnishers & Hatters. In 1912, it was the Boot & Shoe Shining Parlor and Fred Mayer Music. In 1931, Jonson Brothers' confectioners opened and in 1938 it became Jonson Brothers' Restaurant. They closed in 1970 but the loft they built as a private dining room still stands and is used as an office over the Ryan's Tavern kitchen. The City Directory lists Gold Star Chili as the occupant in 1970; however, Jonson family members report that the building was sold to an individual and then reopened as Skyline Chili who stayed until 1997. In 2001 High Street Chili came, in 2002 Weber's Grill, and from 2005 to late 2006 the Cozy Café.

From 1892-1920, 237 High Street (the bar side of the restaurant part of the pub) listed Seidensticker, a seller of silver and plated ware. Later it became an optician's office.

In 1922, 237-241 High Street (the other section of the restaurant side) became F.W. Woolworth through 1954. In 1955 Martin's Town and Country Fashions combined the two buildings and operated their store until 1983. In 1985 it was Dunlap's Clothing. In 2001 it was Extravagant Bargains Thrift Store. In 2006 it became Ryan's Tavern. Other businesses associated with the property were: a paperhanger, dentist, music teacher, painter, optician, bookkeeper, furniture store, and several photographers.