WEST SEATTLE HISTORY: Remember this business?

On a day when you might be looking for diversion … how about some history? Local preservationist/entrepreneur John Bennett texted us that photo, saying he just bought this at an estate sale. So far, we’ve found a bit of information about Helen’s Hol’N One Donuts – while this says 4454 California SW, the city lists the building as 4452 California SW – most recently a real-estate office. The building dates to 1956; this site says the donut shop was there 1957-1960, with proprietor Helen Allen then operating Helen’s Fine Foods with husband Earl.

Auntie September 12, 2020 (2:28 pm)

Makes me think of Mary’s Chow House that used to be on California Ave., back in the 70s. Mary made the best chicken fried steak (with hash browns and cream gravy) ever!

John Bennett September 12, 2020 (4:57 pm)

Not to be confused with the Spudnuts that was on the corner of California and Genesee.

Chemist September 12, 2020 (8:26 pm)

I’ll ask my dad. Donuts in proximity to Holy Rosary school and his walk home would have likely left an impression.

Zebby Day September 14, 2020 (12:24 pm)

My family owned the franchise in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii for Hol’n One Donuts from the mid 1950’s until the late 1980’s. We had a warehouse on Lake Union and actual donut shops in Lake City, University Village, Aurora Village and a shop in Portland. I’m not sure how Helen might have been selling Hol’n One Donuts in West Seattle. Any relative who could answer that question is no longer with us. Curiously enough our Great Aunt HELEN owned a Hol’n One Shop at Ocean Shores for years. Thank you Mr. Bennett for your find, and thanks to West Seattle Blog for bringing it to our attention. Quite a blast from the past!

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