Madam Editor,

I write to bid fond farewell to a Starbuck, Washington institution. Rebecca’s Lodge closed its doors after serving its last meal on Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Tiina and I drove to Starbuck from Waitsburg that morning to mark the end of an era and to enjoy a great breakfast.

The house was full of folks catching up with family and friends. Being a small town (population 120), everyone minded their own business. More or less.

It was about 9:30 a.m. when a young couple sat with their children at the next table. They began by ordering brimming full “Imperial Pints” (20oz) of Laht Neppur beer, which escaped no one’s attention. The couple was joined by a friend who blurted aloud what we were all thinking: “Boy! That’s a bit aggressive at this hour”.

Licking foam from his upper lip, the fellow responded, “well, we figured this will be the last time we’ll enjoy a draft beer in Starbuck any time soon.”

Touché! I considered joining them for a toast but stuck to coffee because I had to drive Tiina’s ’78 Ford F150 on bald tires back to Waitsburg on icy roads.

When Carol Wildman (the owner) asked what we’d like for breakfast, I asked what she would recommend. “Everything!” she replied. With the same well-earned confidence and attention to detail, Carol and her husband, Floyd, did a wonderful job renovating the 1910-era Starbuck Drug Company building -and keeping the lights on in this charming town.

I will miss this warm gathering place, and I hope someone steps in to fill the void. Kindly pass the word: the Wildman’s may be willing to pass the baton to the right buyer. The value of safe, warm, and welcoming gathering spaces in rural towns with hot coffee and farm-fresh eggs cannot be overstated.

Perhaps, for this reason, Carol was genuinely interested in what Tiina and I were doing in Waitsburg, but she was too busy taking care of all her guests to complete a sentence. Still, I couldn’t help asking why she was closing shop.

“Well,” she replied, “I got old. It’s just time to do something else.” She continued, “…and tomorrow, I’ll be a free woman! So, I’ll be sure to come out and visit.”

If you’ve enjoyed Rebecca’s Lodge or simply grateful for the Wildman’s keeping the lights on in Starbuck, add them to your holiday card list. (Rebecca’s Lodge, 211 Main Street, Starbuck WA 99359) A simple “Thank You” goes a long way.

With appreciation,

Joe Roberts

The Royal Block