The Bair at The Bair Drug and Hardware

10/02/2026

Ever wondered about the story behind the antique cash register sitting on our counter? 🪙⚙️
This original National Cash Register (NCR) Class 1000 was built in the 1910s–1920s. If you look closely at the keys on the left, you’ll see buttons for "TIRES & TUBES," "OIL," and "GREASE"—meaning it was originally custom-built for a local gas station or auto garage before settling into its home at Bair Hardware!

Back in the day, every time a clerk pressed down those dollar and cent keys, an internal spring mechanism tripped the top glass flags, rang a bell, and popped the heavy wooden drawer open.

It’s one of our favorite historical details in the building. Next time you’re in for coffee or lunch, take a closer look at a piece of 100-year-old local history!

09/29/2026

Did you know Steilacoom has its very own custom board game? 🎲

The Game of Steilacoom” features local landmarks like Sunnyside Beach, Pioneer School, Town Hall, and—of course—The Bair Drug & Hardware Co!

It’s always fun stumbling across unique pieces of local history right inside our doors. Have you ever played this classic, or do you spot your favorite neighborhood landmark on the board?

09/25/2026

It takes a village, but around here, it takes a truly extraordinary community of volunteers. 💙

From the dedicated neighbors running our town events and serving on civic boards, to local groups like the Steilacoom Garden Club—who work tirelessly planting, beautifying, and donating fresh produce to our local food pantry—hundreds of people give their time and heart to keep Steilacoom special. 🌸🥕

Whether you’re setting up tables for a festival, tending a community garden bed, serving on a committee, or lending a quiet helping hand behind the scenes: thank you. Steilacoom is a warmer, stronger, and better place because of you.
Tag a local volunteer or group below who deserves a huge shoutout! 👇

Who is a local volunteer you’re thankful for? Give them a shoutout in the comments!

Interested in volunteering? Here are a few places to consider:

Volunteer We rely heavily on the generosity of individuals of all ages who contribute their time, skills, and resources. Many families choose to volunteer together as a group, creating meaningful shared experiences. You don’t need to be a member to volunteer with us—everyone is welcome! Voluntee...

09/23/2026

Steilacoom’s story didn’t begin when our historic building was built—it began thousands of years ago with the Steilacoom Tribe, the original stewards and traditional inhabitants of these lands, waters, and shores. 🌲🌊
We are deeply grateful to live and gather in a community with such rich heritage and living history. Just up the street at 1515 Lafayette Street, the Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center & Museum works to preserve, protect, and celebrate tribal history, culture, and traditions for future generations.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting for the afternoon, we encourage everyone to learn more about our neighbors and the deep history of the land we call home.

📍 Visit the Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center & Museum (1515 Lafayette St)
🔗 Learn more about their cultural programs, history, and updates at: steilacoomtribe.blogspot.com or follow them at .tribe

Have you visited the Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center & Museum? Share your experience in the comments!

The Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center is the Home of the Steilacoom Tribe: an original Treaty Tribe that signed the Medicine Creek Treaty in 1854.

09/21/2026

Strong communities are built together. 🤝 We love partnering with local organizations, school groups, and community centers to support the town that supports us every day.

09/18/2026

Morning walk down to the waterfront? 🌊 Grab a warm handcrafted latte and a fresh pastry before heading out to enjoy the view. There’s nothing quite like a peaceful morning in Steilacoom.

How do you start your ideal weekend morning?
Stop by on your next morning stroll!

09/16/2026

From holiday brunches to simple Sunday catch-ups, making room at the table for family is what we do best. 🥞🍳 We’re proud to be the backdrop for your family traditions, big and small.
What’s your go-to family brunch order at The Bair?
Tell us your favorite brunch order!

09/14/2026

The 50th Annual Apple Squeeze in Steilacoom will take place Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in downtown Steilacoom

Community is at the heart of everything we do! 🍎🍂 Mark your calendars for upcoming local traditions like the Annual Apple Squeeze and town gatherings. Whether you’re stopping in before an event or grabbing a treat after, our doors are always open to fuel your day

Who are you bringing along with you this weekend? Tag your event buddy! 👇

Tag your weekend event buddy!
https://www.thebairbistro.com/localevents

09/11/2026

Steilacoom holds so much history, and we feel lucky every day to call the historic Bair Drug & Hardware building our home. From classic soda fountain nostalgia to warm morning coffee, we love being a gathering space for friends and neighbors. ☕️❤️
What’s your favorite memory or spot around town? Drop it in the comments!

09/09/2026

Stepping into The Bair in Steilacoom isn't just a meal—it’s a trip straight back to 1895. ☕🥞✨

Originally built by pharmacist W.L. Bair, this iconic spot has been the heart of the community for over a century. Here are a few cool pieces of history you might not know:

🚃 THE TROLLEY CONNECTION
W.L. Bair moved the shop to Lafayette Street in 1895 specifically to catch passengers getting off the new Tacoma Trolley line.

💡 STEILACOOM'S FIRST ELECTRIC LIGHTS
Hooked directly into the trolley's power line, the shop got the town's very first electric lights. Legend says the lights inside would dim whenever a trolley was approaching so patrons knew it was time to head outside!

🍦 SODA FOUNTAIN NOSTALGIA
A 1906 expansion added the soda fountain, serving up classic phosphates and ice cream that inspired the vibe you still feel today.

📮 THE ULTIMATE ONE-STOP SHOP
Over the decades, it served as the local pharmacy, post office, hardware store, bait shop, and soda fountain—often all at the same time.

Today, it operates as a Living Museum & Bistro. You can sit at the original turn-of-the-century marble counter, soak in the antique artifacts, and enjoy incredible scratch-made breakfast and lunch.

If you love local PNW history and great comfort food, this place is a must-visit! ❤️

📍 The Bair | Steilacoom, WA

📖 Read the full story: https://www.thebairbistro.com/ourhistory