MOBY DICK (SCIENCE) HOTEL

HISTORY

1920’s

In the 1920’s a railroad man named Theo Russel arrived at the “Clam Shell Railroad” train station in Nahcotta, Washington to join the oyster farming and cultivation that was a huge industry at the time. Mr. Russel fell in love with and married a local woman named Margaret. He built the Moby Dick for his new bride in 1929 in the style of railroad hotels. It has operated primarily as a destination hotel ever since. The Moby Dick Hotel has a history of serving the public as a hostelry and restaurant and one time included a 9-hole golf course.

During WWII, fearing potential land invasion, the elite Coast Guard Equestrian Unit billeted at the Moby Dick to patrol the beaches on horseback. Forty officers were housed upstairs in the Hotel. Barracks for enlisted men and stables for 100 horses were located on adjacent property. In 1948 a night at the Moby Dick was the prize for “Queen for a Day”, the popular radio show.

Late 1980’s

In the late 1980’s Frtizi and Edward Cohen acquired and revived the Depression-era hotel in the spirit of the 1930’s and established oyster beds and an organic garden. In 1998 the hotel opened the stunning sauna Pavilion which has a large deck sitting at the edge of the Bay, offering a special and unique perspective of this wild and natural location.

2020’s

In 2024 Fearless Fund, the non-profit organization founded by Fritzi assumes the management of the hotel. With a dedicated vision, they channel their efforts into transforming it into a vibrant hub tailored for scientists to delve into their projects, all while continuing to extend a warm welcome to guests who cherish its who value its storied past and genuine character.