![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern20.jpg)
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Most business-fixture auctions are anti-climactic … days or weeks after the shutdown, with the business space a near-empty echo of its past. But Alki Tavern, ending its 38-year run this Sunday, decided not to do it that way. Tavern owner Gill McLynne (above) decided to auction off the memorabilia last night – in a raucous atmosphere among friends, with the tavern still open and rocking. WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was there. No surprise, it drew a crowd:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern02.jpg)
Adam Price served as auctioneer:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern18.jpg)
Any winning bid was cause for celebration – here’s Marshall Thomas to celebrate:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern27.jpg)
Ahead, some of what was bid on – no, not all beer signs!
Patrons were raising numbers as well as glasses:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern05.jpg)
Steven Bartel removed his Marilyn Monroe tin sign from the wall after winning it:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern25.jpg)
The Tavern has long held a Janis Joplin image too:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern31.jpg)
It drew Sandy Murray‘s attention:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern32.jpg)
Some of the memorabilia was personal – Tom Herron, below left, and Jack Van Campen read a note on the wall of Alki Tavern saying that she met her husband in the bar. (Herron also met his spouse at Alki Tavern.)
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern01.jpg)
Here’s that note:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern12.jpg)
But the notes of the night on Wednesday were the handwritten bidding cards:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern24.jpg)
Many beer signs, of course. Some with brands you’d recognize anywhere – Meagan Smith held up a sign with the Clydesdales:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern16.jpg)
Then, there was Alki Ale, brewed just for Alki Tavern:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern15.jpg)
Moose Drool Brown Ale, touted by the sign that Rick Whittier took down:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern29.jpg)
Fat Tire:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern14.jpg)
The neon signs were tested as the auction proceeded:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern08.jpg)
They lent a glow to the memory-filled room.
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern10.jpg)
One by one, the items went, mirrors included:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern28.jpg)
Here’s Meagan again, this time with Coors Light memorabilia:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern06.jpg)
And the call for bids continued:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern23.jpg)
In the end, it’s only rock ‘n’ roll:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern30.jpg)
So, a toast from the auctioneer:
![](https://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/AlkiTavern07.jpg)
And now it’s on to the final four nights. Tonight, one last Taco Thursday – tomorrow, the Last Call Ball, with Tim Turner Band, Randy Hansen, Child, “and other special guests” – as promised by the tavern’s poster – starting at 8 pm. Right now, no live music’s planned during the weekend, as the Alki Tavern’s time at 1321 Harbor Avenue comes semi-quietly to a close.
P.S. No specific development proposal on the books for the site yet – we’ve checked the city files again.
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