Our story began 15 years ago

Multiple bottles of flavored syrup with pump dispensers on a table, with a blurred background of a room with hanging lights, windows, and shelves.

Carving something new in an old space

Since the idea that formed in saving the Haller House over 15 years ago, there was always an idea to operate a Victorian-style soda fountain in the space. The house, being filled with education and interpretational history of the area, needed a fun respite that everyone could enjoy.

However, Historic Whidbey, being an history focused non-profit, did not feel they had the knowledge or bandwidth to handle such a unique endeavor. So, over the years the founders of the mercantile worked closely with the organization to hammer out the details until we were all able to find an opportunity that worked for everyone. The collaboration has led us to the mercantile that you see today.

The mercantile and soda fountain opened July 4th of 2026, coinciding with our nation’s 250th birthday. Since then, we have been learning and creating what we hope is to be a unique and rememberable experience.

Interior of a cozy store with wooden floors, white-painted walls, and several tables displaying various products including jars, souvenirs, and candies. Large windows let in natural light, and framed pictures and signs decorate the walls. Pendant lights hang from the ceiling, adding a warm glow.

The Haller House

A two-story house with beige siding, brown trim, and a dark grey roof. It has multiple windows and an elevated porch with stairs leading to the front door. Surrounding trees and a clear blue sky are in the background.
A two-story house with beige siding, brown trim, and a dark grey roof. It has multiple windows and an elevated porch with stairs leading to the front door. Surrounding trees and a clear blue sky are in the background.

Since 2013 Historic Whidbey’s prime project has been the acquisition and rehabilitation of the 1866 Colonel Granville and Henrietta Haller House at 1 NE Front Street in Coupeville.  This historic house was the grandest pioneer home on Whidbey Island when it was built, but it was in danger of succumbing to demolition by neglect by 2012.  Thanks to a committed and generous community, Historic Whidbey was able to acquire the house in 2018.  Since then, they have labored to meticulously restore and recreate this treasure to it’s former grandeur. Historic Whidbey operates the front of the home as a territorial heritage center while Haller’s Mercantile operates the Soda Fountain and gift shop.

The image shows the interior of a room with a fireplace, wall-mounted lamps, a wooden door, and framed artwork on the walls. There is a large window with a view of trees outside, and the room has wood flooring and patterned wallpaper.
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