Carlsborg Store

Carlsborg Store Artisan Mercantile & Restoration Co.

OPEN Wed-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm
Quality Goods & Supplies
-Curated Vintage
-Fine Organic Teas
-Local Makers
-Boutique Body Care
-Furniture Repair and Restoration Services
-Local History

Japanese Folk Art & Textile Trunk Show Extravaganza. Hosted by world traveler and collector Nita Lynn, proprietor of Liv...
02/14/2026

Japanese Folk Art & Textile Trunk Show Extravaganza. Hosted by world traveler and collector Nita Lynn, proprietor of Live Indigo Trading Co. Two days only! Saturday, February 28th and Sunday, March 1st, 10:30 am - 5:30 pm.

Nita Lynn will be bringing vintage and antique indigo textiles, clothing, and a wide variety of furniture and wares including.. Japanese indigo kasuri, farmers clothing, kimono, as well as remnant pieces and panels of indigo dyed cotton for repurposing along with many other Mingei items in the collection.

More details to come. An event page will be created soon. Follow our pages and subscribe to our newsletter at www.carlsborgstore.com to find out more about this and other events to come.

Special guest appearance from the renowned Dr. Keenan and her Botanical Solutions. Many of you may remember Lynn from Renaissance Massage & Cafe. Overlooking the glorious views of the Port Angeles harbor and the serene environment she created there. While known for many things, highly amongst them is her line of Organic Lip Balms and Lotions. Dr. Keenan has revived her Botanical Solutions and will be available for conversation during the event.

Also in attendance will be Elias Scalise, a wood fire potter who uses a traditional Japanese cave, Anagama, kiln. He sees himself as a collaborator with the clay, the fire, and the natural materials he uses. His handmade glazes use traditional materials including different kinds of ash, feldspar, silica and more. The glaze reacts with the fire to make glass and the most interesting textures form. Elias’s deep reverence for Japanese and Korean ceramics is evident in his creations. The thought of people using his hand made vessels, an act of ceremony or as simply as a cup used daily, is Elias’ greatest joy.

Carlsborg Store will also be contributing a selection of furniture, art, and decor from our personal collection and providing a variety of Japanese green tea tastings from our selection of fine organic loose leaf teas, including, Sencha, Genmaicha, and Matcha throughout the day.

We look forward to seeing you.

CARLSBORG STORE
761 Carlsborg Rd.
www.carlsborgstore.com

Second chair in the set completed. One of the earliest forms of seat weaving, examples of rush have been found in the to...
02/06/2026

Second chair in the set completed.

One of the earliest forms of seat weaving, examples of rush have been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs dating back as far as 3000 BC. Using natural materials such as cattails, bulrushes, reeds and sea grass, this method of weaving found its way throughout Europe. In tact examples from the 14th century still remain today. During the 17th century, a rising trend in fabrics and upholstery was the status symbol for wealth. Though the rush trend was in decline, this craft remained a staple of rural cottages and farmhouse furniture. Eventually the Industrial Revolution made upholstered furniture more accessible to the middle class. But still, the tradition of seat weaving traveled with the settlers to Colonial America and in the late 1800s saw a rise in popularity with the Arts and Crafts movement. Designers such as Williams Morris focused on simplicity and reviving quality craftsmanship. Fiber rush was invented in America in 1904, primarily due to a trade embargo. This man-made twisted paper product was a more affordable alternative for the imported rattan reed and much less laborious than the gathering and twisting of natural cattail rush. Once again confirming that economics influence artisan design and that necessity is the mother of invention.

www.carlsborgstore.com

100 years ago today, the Carlsborg Annual Review, December 21st, 1925. Vol. 1, No. 2. While contracting to build one of...
12/21/2025

100 years ago today, the Carlsborg Annual Review, December 21st, 1925. Vol. 1, No. 2.

While contracting to build one of the country’s largest dry docks in Bremerton WA for the U.S. Government, Carlsborg’s founder, C.J. Erikson, conceived the idea to open up the Olympic Peninsula with an outlet by railroad. According to the Carlsborg Annual Review, this ambitious project had more to do with the development of this district than any other thing. “Since the arrival of the railroad, there has been introduced pulp and paper manufacturing and the lumber and agricultural development has been greatly intensified.” During the time of the railroad construction, known today as the Olympic Discovery Trail, Erikson’s interests led him to the lumber industry. Carlsborg proper along with the Carlsborg Mill and Timber Company were established in 1915. Named after Erikson’s hometown in Sweden.

The roaring 20’s were a time of economic and cultural prosperity. The ending of WW1 and Spanish Flu pandemic gave way to a blossoming decade of jazz music, flapper fashion and the fast rise of modern technologies such as automobiles, radio, telephones and film. Fiscal conservative and Republican Vice President Calvin Coolidge assumed presidency after the death of President Warren G Harding in 1923. Coolidge was a strong supporter for women’s suffrage and in 1924 signed the Indian Citizenship Act which granted U.S. Citizenship to all Native Americans. He was widely admired for his support of racial equality though there is still much debate amongst historians about his laissez-faire approach to economics contributing to the onset of the Great Depression.

This 2nd issue of the Carlsborg Annual Review and the previous 1st issue, which was printed on December 15th 1920, both focused heavily on real estate and optimistic Carlsborg living propaganda. Advertisements showcasing Carlsborg’s amenities, property listings and many insightful testimonies from and about the residents.

“Charles Johnson the yard foreman and shipper, believes that more cars of lumber going out means more money coming in.”

“Mrs. W. E. Stevens in co-operation with other ladies gave a social dance here last week. Free music was supplied by the Vautier boys. The proceeds were for the benefit of the children’s clinic.“

These pages are filled with literary delights. Several articles describing why Carlsborg is the ideal place to live, Clallam County Fruit Growers Association’s loganberry statistics, space fillers about Homer’s “The Iliad” and basic music theory lessons, anonymous quotes and winter encouragements reminding us “only a few months more till bathing girls will be back on the magazine covers”.

The 1925 Carlsborg Annual Review is best summarized by the editor himself.. though if Vol. 3 was to miraculously rise again today, French critic and journalist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr said it best in 1849. “The more things change, the more they stay the same”.

“GOOD PLACE FOR A HOME

Carlsborg, Wash.
Dec. 10th 1925

Editor Carlsborg Annual Review:

Carlsborg is a good place for a man to make a home:

The land is very productive; the irrigation water the cheapest in the state; climate can’t be beat; a great place for berries and poultry; plenty of good land at reasonable cost; also this land will produce alfalfa and clover in abundance, potatoes, in fact the best all-round country I ever lived in.

For a man making a start to get a home, there is plenty of work in the mills and camps at good wages.

In my estimation, this district is hard to beat.

Respectfully
A.B. Amerman”

www.carlsborgstore.com

Come relax and enjoy the thoughtfully curated Carlsborg Store. Explore local history, quality goods, seasonal decor and ...
11/15/2025

Come relax and enjoy the thoughtfully curated Carlsborg Store. Explore local history, quality goods, seasonal decor and unique gifts. Featuring local makers, restored collectables and handmade one of a kind finds.

Warm up with daily tastings from our wide variety of organic loose leaf teas and coffee as you browse. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. We look forward to your visit! Happy Holidays!

761 Carlsborg Rd, Sequim
Regular Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday 10:30am - 5:30pm.
Holiday Hours:
Monday and Tuesday December 22nd & 23rd 10:30am - 5:30pm
Christmas Eve 10:30am - 3:30pm.
Closed Christmas Day.
www.carlsborgstore.com

While the ticking of clocks in various stages chime away in the background, a steady stream of sentimental repairs circu...
10/04/2025

While the ticking of clocks in various stages chime away in the background, a steady stream of sentimental repairs circulate through the restoration shop. This hand-woven cane accent chair was recently completed and reunited with a grateful customer.

www.carlsborgstore.com

Carlsborg Mill & Timber Company Store Script, circa 1925-1935. During the latter part of the 19th century company towns ...
09/21/2025

Carlsborg Mill & Timber Company Store Script, circa 1925-1935.

During the latter part of the 19th century company towns were prominent across America. Industries such as coal mining, railroad manufacturing and lumber camps were the main occupations. Established in remote locations, jobs were often far away from neighboring towns. As a solution to housing and commerce, companies found it beneficial to own all the buildings and businesses for the developing community. Providing amenities such as schools, churches and libraries. This created a stronger community and would encourage a more productive workforce. Sometimes even leading to expansion that rivaled the larger neighboring cities.

But more often the reality of these monopoly towns was far from altruistic. These remote locations combined with lack of transportation prevented employees from shopping elsewhere or finding other jobs. Employees were often paid in company money (script) which was only redeemable in the company owned stores. Housing costs were deducted directly from their paychecks and exorbitant cost of living increases regularly led to debt. Forcing the employees to continue working until cleared.

As with Carlsborg, it was common for these small towns to remain unincorporated. The lack of elected officials and city government stifled people’s say in local affairs. Limiting infrastructure, ordinances and law enforcement. Further tightening the grip monopolies had on their employees. With the nature of extracting businesses, once the resources were depleted the companies moved on. Leaving a deserted and failing community in its wake.

Carlsborg’s founder Charles Erickson began construction on the railway stretching from Port Angeles to Port Townsend in 1914. The first passenger train from Port Angeles to Sequim departed on July 21st, of that same year. In the summer of 1915, Erickson broke ground on the Carlsborg Mill and Timber Co. which he named in honor of his hometown in Sweden. Buildings and housing were quickly erected. Some were drug in on skids from the original local settlement of New Dungeness. Including the Carlsborg Store building we know today.

Clallam County infrastructure was growing rapidly and the Olympic Peninsula communities were becoming connected. The businesses that arose from the newly established Mill Town, such as the Carlsborg Store, Post Office, Movie Theater and Tavern were symbiotic yet privately owned. Old Town Carlsborg company mill houses still remain today along Carlsborg and Runnion roads. Mill workers and surrounding farmers were reliant on the goods and services provided in this little hamlet. Motorized vehicles were becoming more accessible and in 1920 the first paved route, known today as Old Olympic Hwy, was completed.

The trend of company money became a necessity for some operations during the Great Depression. When the stock market crashed in 1929, larger institutions used this alternative legal tender to keep production going while funds were scarce. But this could only last for so long. The much too common exploitation and abuse of workers led to the Wagner Act of 1935. Allowing private sector employees to organize into trade unions. As part of FDR’s New Deal, The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established rules and regulations for federal minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor. Also included was the ban on company money. Though difficult to enforce, this led to a steep decline in company towns and their substitute money. It wasn’t until 1967 when the coal unions and congress officially made company script illegal.

In 1930 the average hourly wage for a lumber mill employee, like the ones at Carlsborg Mill & Timber Co. was less than $0.36 an hour. Skilled labor, such as lead sawyer, making a little bit more and unskilled labor making significantly less, due to the unestablished minimum wage. The average work week consisted of six 10-hour days.

This $1 Carlsborg Store trade token that I often carry around in my pocket for show and tell opportunities would be worth almost $20 in today’s equivalent, though to me, the deeper significance is much more valuable.

“You load 16 tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don’t you call me, ‘cause I can’t go,
I owe my soul to the company store.”

www.carlsborgstore.com

FEATURED ARTISAN - Jamie Bickle of Dang Brave Girl Jewelry. A true working artisan dedicated to her craft, Jamie’s commi...
09/18/2025

FEATURED ARTISAN - Jamie Bickle of Dang Brave Girl Jewelry.

A true working artisan dedicated to her craft, Jamie’s commitment to her profession is evident in every piece she creates. From hand-knotted gemstone and leather malas to the most precious selections of stones and silver, Jamie’s pieces find balance between the refined and rustic. Revealing what happens when skill and intention is combined with the authenticity of handmade.

Known for her seasonal collections, Dang Brave Girl pieces often reflect the environment that surrounds her here on the Olympic Peninsula. Themes of mountains, trees, suns and flowers radiate in her wearable art along with mindful messages of hope and determination. The Dang Brave Girl moniker is one of grace, strength and inspiration for those she creates.

Dang Brave Girl Jewelry has been a member of our Carlsborg Artisan Collective since the beginning. Come see the regularly updated rotation of curated goods this talented local artisan brings to the store.

www.carlsborgstore.com
Dang Brave Girl

Wrapping up the week with a special little batch of chair repair and cane replacement.
08/03/2025

Wrapping up the week with a special little batch of chair repair and cane replacement.

Summer Splash! Get SeaSoaked! Join us Sunday, August 10th, 10:30am - 5:30pm for a special pop up event with award winn...
08/02/2025

Summer Splash! Get SeaSoaked!

Join us Sunday, August 10th, 10:30am - 5:30pm for a special pop up event with award winning organic body care creatrix, Nikol, from Seasoaked Skin Co.

Learn about the many benefits of seaweed and salt water for skin and body. Find out why these power packed oils, soaps, and salts already have a local cult following. We’ll have samples to try here and at home. Plus, stock up and save with in store specials!

Summer Clothing Spectacular

We’re stocking up the store with fun in the sun decor and fashion finds!

Hot Deals on Vintage Clothing & Accessories including $5, $10, & $15 bargains! Plus, 25%-50% off Select summer scarves, hats and accessories from our artisan makers.

Iced Tea Tastings from our selection of Organic Loose Leaf Teas.

Try our favorite refreshing teas served cold. Including our newest additions, beachy Tropical Coconut Oolong and hydrating Raspberry Hibiscus Green Tea.

We look forward to seeing you.
www.carlsborgstore.com

Current special on the tea menu is the new Coconut Oolong. Combining organic pineapple and coconut with the floral and d...
07/26/2025

Current special on the tea menu is the new Coconut Oolong. Combining organic pineapple and coconut with the floral and delicately sweet Bao Zhong Oolong. Tropical, light, and creamy this low in caffeine tea is a great introduction to the wonders of oolong. An enjoyable iced option for a summer treat.

We have over 40 varieties of fine organic loose leaf teas, sold fresh by the ounce. From the light whites to full body black teas and beneficial botanicals in between there is something for every discerning tea drinker. This includes power packed matcha powders, delicious chai spices, and the smooth aged Pu’er teas. All are organically grown and sustainably harvested by some of the best tea growers around the world.

www.carlsborgstore.com

Address

761 Carlsborg Road
Sequim, WA
98382

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 10:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 10:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday 10:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+13606832729

Website

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