The historic Eisenbeis Cracker Factory was part of the downtown walking tour offered by the Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival on Sunday. It was built by Prussian baker Charles Eisenbeis, the city’s first mayor, in 1888. The factory specialized in provisions for ocean-bound shipping: hardtack, ship’s bread, and biscuits.
The present day Cracker Factory has come a long way since its industrial beginnings. Presently for sale, it is described as “newly envisioned” by its artist and contractor owners. The steel oven from the factory remains but the building has been extensively remodeled. The white walls they found inside the building turned out to be not painted but coated with flour from its years as a bakery.
Charles Eisenbeis was quite a successful businessman. He built a number of buildings in Port Townsend and one of his descendents, Fred Eisenbeis, operated a grocery store in what later became known as the Elks Building. It’s not as clear as the First National Bank portion of the ghost signs above but you can see reference to both the Cracker Factory and the Grocery Store in the top ghost sign.
So, are you saying this is now being sold as a personal residence which is what I’m concluding, especially with those double garage doors. Looks very nice. I’d probably buy it but some folks say I’m already “crackers.”
Great building! Love the long oven and the ghost sign.
The ground floor is an open area and used as a gallery and the second floor has a kitchen and large area that we were told is used for art classes. (It has beautiful wood floors and we had to take off our shoes or cover them with booties. I can’t imagine having art classes in such a space.) The top floor has a bedroom and small living room area. It’s been rebuilt to current code. Asking price: $937,770.
Only $937,770? Let me check my bank account and I’ll get back to you. Stay right where you are! Heh, heh.
We’re in Tampa. Thanks for your care and concern!
I love local history – and charming old buildings.