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Building Businesses in Early Downtown Walla Walla

John and Catherine Stahl were born in Germany, met in California during the gold rush, and came to Walla Walla in 1870. They soon purchased the City Brewery located on Second Street where Stardust Lanes bowling alley now stands. In 1880 they erected a brick brewery on the site, as well as a brick home next door, where they lived. After John's death in 1884, Catherine Stahl successfully continued running the business. The Stahls also built an opera house next to what is now the plaza at 1st and Main Streets in downtown Walla Walla.

John and Catherine are portrayed by Stahl's great-great-grandson David Emigh and his wife Jill, owners of Shady Lawn Antiques. Museum visitors are invited to question Mr. and Mrs. Stahl about the early days of Walla Walla and visit the Museum’s many displays and historic buildings. The Living History program begins at 2:00 p.m. in the pioneer settlement.

Museum hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily. Admission is free to members, children under 6, and through a reciprocal agreement Tamástslikt Cultural Institute's Inwai Circle cardholders and enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation; $3 for children ages 6-12; $6 for seniors (62+) and students; and $7 for adults. Your admission cost can be applied to a membership, which includes free admission to all Living History performances, priced beginning at $25. For more information, contact Fort Walla Walla Museum at 509-525-7703 or email: info@fortwallawallamuseum.org.