-
In 1913, Union, Washington hotelman Henry Strumer opened Alderbrook as a resort destination unlike any other in the Northwest. In the days when no roads existed, resort guests traveled by steamer to Union and over to the resort via boat launch. Mr. Strumer operated the Inn for approximately 12 years, and in 1927 sold the resort to Ms. Clara Eastwood and Ms. Jessie Mustard. Once married, Ms. Mustard sold her interest to Ms. Eloise Flagg.
Clara and Eloise were responsible for developing the property into a fine saltwater resort. These two innkeepers, became known affectionately as "Alderbrook Girls". In the early days, the accommodations consisted mainly of tent frames with orange and black striped canvas sides, each with a wood stove. Ms. Eastwood was known to have called the area "Stovepipe Alley". The Alderbrook creek, was used as a community refrigerator where guests placed their butter, milk, etc. first into a box and then into the creek to keep the food cold.
During the depression era, Alderbrook Girls enlarged the property to 360 acres. Later, after World War II, the Alderbrook Girls retired. They sold Alderbrook to the Schafer Logging and Lumber Company of Aberdeen in 1947. During the Schafer ownership, extensive improvements were made including remodeling of the Inn and building 21 beautiful cottages. A short time later, the Dickman Lumber Company bought a large tract of timber from the Schafer's and with it, acquired Alderbrook. Mr. Dickman operated the Inn until 1959, when he placed it on the market through Hoodsport real estate broker, Wes Johnson. Mr. Johnson purchased Alderbrook for himself, expanding and operating it for 32 years, until he passed away in June of 1992. Between 1992 and 1998, the resort was managed by the heirs of Mr. Johnson. In 1998, Alderbrook was purchased by Crista Ministries who operated the property as a conference center for seminars on Christian topics. Crista Ministries sold Alderbrook to North Forty Lodging in late 2001.
Alderbrook Resort & Spa under North Forty Lodging has developed a master plan that combines incorporating certain elements of the "old" Alderbrook with additions and rebuilding virtually everything on property. Part of the incredible project incorporates moving State Route 106 into the hillside above the resort, planting the creek with Salmon, remodeling the Cottages and Lodge, adding a new guest room wing and a world class Spa and Fitness Center. The unique indoor, Canal front swimming pool and whirlpool Jacuzzi have been refurbished. The extensive landscaping design incorporates the natural beauty of the area. Included is revitalized stream for Salmon habitat with resting pools that run through out the property.
MTM Luxury Lodging is the operator of Alderbrook as it prepares for its grand re-opening. Additionally, MTM operates a number of the finest hotels in lodges in the state of Washington. Information on MTM Luxury Lodging and its properties may be found at www.mtmluxurylodging.com
Alderbrook Resort & Spa personifies the essence of "the spirit of Hood Canal" and is poised to again become, the premier destination resort experience in the Northwest
