The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Wildmans hope new gathering spot will preserve history and create jobs

STARBUCK-When Carol and Floyd Wildman open a restaurant in the century-old building at 211 Main Street in Starbuck, they hope to provide a much-needed gathering place and create a few jobs for some local people.

Carol Wildman said the building was originally the Starbuck Drug Store and was owned and operated by Vernon Whiting and Son until 1926 when the building was purchased by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was given to the Columbia Daughters of Rebekah Lodge No. 310 for their use.

Wildman said her mother, Ada Actor, was a long-time member of the Rebekahs and she is thinking about naming the restaurant "The Rebekah Café".

The Wildmans bought the building in 1987 and had been using it for storage before coming up with the idea of opening a restaurant.

"We've always wanted to preserve it for its historic value," Wildman said. "We're not the type to go on a world cruise or buy an RV, but this gives us pleasure to turn a run-down building into a business."

Wildman said she is planning to create a corner inside the restaurant for patrons to peruse some of Starbuck's local history.

So far the Wildmans have had all exterior brick work pointed, tucked, and cleaned, replaced the windows, rewired and re-plumbed the entire building, added insulation and sheet rock, and installed central heat and air conditioning. A crew is currently restoring the original quarter sawn wood floors.

Wildman said the appliances are to be delivered before Christmas

"All that's left to do is the paint and finish work," said Wildman.

"Yes", Wildman knows what she is getting into. She said she has heard some cautionary tales about the restaurant business, but she is determined.

"I'm a strong believer in "Do it and things will work out," she said.

Wildman said she will be happy, "As long as it pays the bills and gives people a few jobs."

The Wildmans are no stranger to the hospitality business, or to hard work. They have owned and operated Aunt Jennie's B&B in Starbuck for the last 12 years.

Wildman said she hopes the restaurant is ready for a February opening. She said she plans to serve home-style cooking with breakfast and lunch served daily, and dinner served, occasionally.

For job information contact the Wildmans by phone at: (509)399-2372.