A Short History of the Dock Restaurant
Written By: David Wilkins, Town Historian
In May of 1951, an old commercial fisherman by the name of Mote Hurt, who at the time was approaching 70, decided it was time to slow down on his commercial fishing and open up a bait and tackle shop. Mote and his wife Leona, along with son Clarence Lee, bought Lot #14 in Old Leavenworth from Ruben Small for $25.00. Clarence Lee had some friends of his help in constructing the original part of the building. The building was of concrete block construction, concrete floor and wood frame overhead. The size of the building was about 20' x 28'. Along with a full line of bait and tackle, they also obtained dealerships selling Mercury outboards and Lone-Star boats and trailers. A gas pump was installed out front and they sold Ashland Gasoline.
Shortly after opening the shop, Mote and his family were instrumental in starting a boat club. The boat club got off to a good start and was soon able to pave Nelson Street from Front Street to the river for a launching ramp. A gas dock with two pumps was installed just above the ramp. This was a real boost for the weekend summer trade in Old Leavenworth.
In 1962, Mote died and his wife Leona and son Clarence ran the shop for a short time closing in late fall 1962. In 1963, Leona rented the building to Bob and Nattie Davis. Nattie and her sister ran a short order cafe and ice cream shop in the building for about two seasons. After that, several others ran small bait shops out of the building including Alvin and Dorothy Smith who bought the building from Leona in July of 1969.
In January of 1976, Cedric and Peg Apple bought the building and converted it to what is know known as "The Dock." Cedric and Peg received their license to serve beer and opened for business on Derby Day of 1977. During their ownership of the building they made several expansions. Cedric and Peg ran a good business with good food and a friendly atmosphere. In July of 1998, the Wyandotte Community Corporation, owned by Douglas and Josie Breeden, bought the business. Since that time, the corporation has made many building improvements, along with adding weekend entertainment, outside dining and a seasonal boat dock for those on the river, while always striving to continue serving good food with a friendly atmosphere for the public.