Second and Yesler, Seattle, 1907
Photographer Webster & Steve
Signs in image: [Merchants] Despatch Transportation Co.
New York Central Lines. Wilson-[M...] Books & [Stationer...].
Furnished Rooms. Globe Medical Co. D. Goldfarb, Tailor.
Lovera Havana Cigars - Wm. Gottstein. Standard Laundry (on wagon).
Joseph Finkelberg Diamond Broker - Jewelry [...] Spectacles.
Chicago Collateral Bank - Chicago Loan Office. The Bohemian. P-I.
Idle Hour Cut Plug. C.W. [Mulle...]. Hotel Merchant.
Merchants Cafe - Olympia Beer on Draught.
118 years old.
Seattle's oldest restaurant, this fixture of downtown
was once a saloon and a brothel.
The bar was brought around Cape Horn by schooner in the 1800s.

The Merchants Cafe. 109 Yesler Way.
Designed by W. E. Boone
The Merchant's Cafe itself has a colorful history, 
dating even before its association with the Klondike gold rush.
It is thought to be the oldest existing restaurant in Pioneer Square. 
From 1889 to 1910 its basement served as a "Sunday bank"
 for those trading gold dust. The upper floors of the building 
were originally designed as office space, althouigh in the 
1900's and 1910's, these flooors are said to have housed a brothel. 
A photo from 1910 shows a sign advertising "Masquerade costumes" 
below the third floor. 
By the 1930's, the upper floors were occupied as a hotel. 
Photos of the period show an incredible amount of activity 
in front of the building: many signs and large crowds of people.

Crowd watching fire fighters at Mt. Fuji Hotel, Seattle, 1938
         Photographer Staff Photographer
         Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The Mt. Fuji Hotel was located at 115 Yesler Way.
Signs in image read: Immigration Counselor. Sea Breeze - Entertainment.
Block's - Men's Shoes. Shoes $5. Sam Shucklin[?] Co. Inc. United Cigars.
Pioneer Square Cafe. Cigars. Waffles. Frank's Rapid Shoe Repair.
Mt. Fuji Hotel - 25 cents & up. Mt. Fuji Hotel - Housekeeping Rooms.
Eagle Cafe. Hotel. Merchants Cafe.