THE DOG HOUSE COLLECTION
www.groeschen.com
September 13, 2007
Whidbey Island, Washington The Dog House. A place to hang on Whidbey Island. Built in 1908 by the Olympic Game Club. Used as a basketball gymnasium. Infamous boxing matches were held there. Plays staged. Vaudville shows held. In 1933 during prohibition it became the Dog House Tavern. It's also decorated with some nice chainsaw carved woodcarvings both indoors and out created by the local carver scene.
I was commissioned to carve a memorial bench. The memorial was for Pete Jacobs, long time owner and one cool cat. Julie, his daughter asked me to carve a chair for them, but it worked out to be a 3 person bench. Perfect for Julie, my brother Greg, and their future daughter, (name in works) Teagan. (my future niece) I sensed Pete would of liked that.
The Historic Dog House Tavern
Pete Jacobs was a really good guy. I have known him since 21 yrs of age. I was attracted to the ambiance of the place. I would go before the movie started across the street or afterwards, or to meet friends. It being conviently located. Pete always said hello, even if the place was packed. His demeanor, a calm strong. The only time I ever seen him upset (and he still was gentle) was when a guy lifted up the ancient pool table trying to get a ball out. Pete kicked him out saying he ruined the leverage of the table.
Almost a year and half ago, my brother who was working there said he was really worried about Pete...he didn't look good. A few days later I was in the Star Store and so was Pete, we kept bumping into each other in the aisles. I had an odd sensation difficult to explain. Finally we met again at the check out, him behind me, we met eyes, and he said, "there she is" to me. I smiled. I heard he went home feed his birds and dogs, and had a massive heart attack. I was the last person to see him in his alive state at the Star Store. I have this feeling he is back on his star wishing us earthlings well. Bye Pete.
In Solid Western Red Cedar. A bench which can seat three people comfortably.
Pete was a bird lover. I thought a heron appropriate,
since the bench is placed close to the shore.
He also had two beloved basset hounds.
Back View of the bench, notice the moon.
View from the bench, gateway to the Puget Sound.
Totems, left by Mike McVay carved in 1976, right, carver unknown.
Left, early stylized totem pole by Mike McVay, Middle, Sea Captain by Steve Backus. Right, Sea Otters by Pat McVay
Left, Hound Dog by Pat McVay. Right, Eagle by Alex Flynn.
Salmon mural called Business Man's Lunch by Pat McVay
Heron Reflection clever utilizies the crack in the slab by Pat McVay
Bench in the restaurant waiting area by Pat McVay.
September 13, 2007
Whidbey Island, Washington The Dog House. A place to hang on Whidbey Island. Built in 1908 by the Olympic Game Club. Used as a basketball gymnasium. Infamous boxing matches were held there. Plays staged. Vaudville shows held. In 1933 during prohibition it became the Dog House Tavern. It's also decorated with some nice chainsaw carved woodcarvings both indoors and out created by the local carver scene.
I was commissioned to carve a memorial bench. The memorial was for Pete Jacobs, long time owner and one cool cat. Julie, his daughter asked me to carve a chair for them, but it worked out to be a 3 person bench. Perfect for Julie, my brother Greg, and their future daughter, (name in works) Teagan. (my future niece) I sensed Pete would of liked that.
The Historic Dog House Tavern
Pete Jacobs was a really good guy. I have known him since 21 yrs of age. I was attracted to the ambiance of the place. I would go before the movie started across the street or afterwards, or to meet friends. It being conviently located. Pete always said hello, even if the place was packed. His demeanor, a calm strong. The only time I ever seen him upset (and he still was gentle) was when a guy lifted up the ancient pool table trying to get a ball out. Pete kicked him out saying he ruined the leverage of the table.
Almost a year and half ago, my brother who was working there said he was really worried about Pete...he didn't look good. A few days later I was in the Star Store and so was Pete, we kept bumping into each other in the aisles. I had an odd sensation difficult to explain. Finally we met again at the check out, him behind me, we met eyes, and he said, "there she is" to me. I smiled. I heard he went home feed his birds and dogs, and had a massive heart attack. I was the last person to see him in his alive state at the Star Store. I have this feeling he is back on his star wishing us earthlings well. Bye Pete.
In Solid Western Red Cedar. A bench which can seat three people comfortably.
Pete was a bird lover. I thought a heron appropriate,
since the bench is placed close to the shore.
He also had two beloved basset hounds.
Back View of the bench, notice the moon.
View from the bench, gateway to the Puget Sound.
Totems, left by Mike McVay carved in 1976, right, carver unknown.
Left, early stylized totem pole by Mike McVay, Middle, Sea Captain by Steve Backus. Right, Sea Otters by Pat McVay
Left, Hound Dog by Pat McVay. Right, Eagle by Alex Flynn.
Salmon mural called Business Man's Lunch by Pat McVay
Heron Reflection clever utilizies the crack in the slab by Pat McVay
Bench in the restaurant waiting area by Pat McVay.
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