Photogtaphy by Mildred E. Lykens
(Joslyn House Bed & Breakfast)
706 West Steuben
Bingen, Washington
Original Owners: Erastus and Mary Joslyn
Current Owners: Eric and Diana Greene
In the Fall of 1852, Erastus Joslyn and his wife, Mary, arrived on the North Shore to become the first white settlers. They built a house and barn, planted an orchard, set out small fruit trees and started a dairy…which was better than a gold mine in that early day. After their first house was destroyed by the Yakama Indians, they rebuilt their home in 1860. The Joslyns enthusiastically welcomed the Jewetts and Suksdorfs to the shore in the 1870s. Each of these families ultimately settled in the two cities—White Salmon and Bingen after several feuds.
The second owners were the Suksdorfs, a prominent immigrant German family. In 1880 they put on an addition. The house boasts over 7,000 square feet, seven bedrooms, two parlors, two dining rooms, sitting room and three part-kitchens. The attic has 1,500 square feet. Three original chandeliers once gas powered, remain. When the current owners took occupancy, they found personal belongings of previous owners. One “find” was a complete set of Meakin Red Willow English China.
All 66 windows and six exterior doors are original. The first floor ceilings are 12’ high; on the second floor, 10’.