Review: Exploring Olympia’s folklore and haunted history with Ira Wesley Kitmacher and Pretty Gritty Tours 

Rachel Benton

A cultural institution, I had heard of Pretty Gritty Tours before, but it wasn’t until this year that I realized they offered tours in Olympia — and not just any old tour. 

When I reached out to Pretty Gritty Tours, I had no idea that my guide would be a fellow “Joltie,” the columnist behind "History’s Hidden Mysteries," the one and only Ira Wesley Kitmacher. I’m so grateful for the opportunity not only to learn more about Olympia’s wonderfully eccentric history, but also to get to know Kitmacher a little better along the way. 

A true class act, Kitmacher was humorous, incredibly knowledgeable, and had the kind of demeanor that made him a natural and truly memorable tour guide. 

Individuals can register for a tour on their own and make friends with other members in their group, which can include up to 25 people, but it’s even more fun to bring friends and family!

Joining me on the walking tour was my sister, Faith Benton, whose presence was the cherry on top and made an already special experience even more unforgettable for me.  

In this review, I hope to convey how iconic these tours are and why they deserve a spot on your calendar, especially with Halloween approaching. To do that, I have to fight every instinct tempting me to regurgitate the fascinating facts Kitmacher shares far more smoothly than I ever could. 

If something I briefly mention sparks your interest, run, don’t walk, to reserve your spot on one of the tours. They can sell out quickly, so don’t wait — reserve your spot today! 

 The review 

Walking the streets of downtown Olympia with Kitmacher and our group of 17, I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever see our town’s familiar spaces the same way again. So many stories of heroes, villains, and everyday working people completely turn the idea of local history on its head. 

Personally, I am very selective about the thrilling content I watch. I am much more of an Agatha Christie, "The Twilight Zone," and Alfred Hitchcock kind of gal than a fan of modern horror movies. Side note: I love "The Twilight Zone" so much that I write a weekly series about it here.  

What I appreciated about this tour was the way Kitmacher talked about ghosts without making me feel scared or uncomfortable. Whether the term “weenie” refers to someone who gets scared easily or someone who simply loves Halloween, this tour is for all the weenies! 

Kitmacher’s tour is filled with pirate ghost stories, and fascinating stories of buildings and streets that will make you see Olympia in a whole new way. Naturally, some stories fascinated me more than others. When you go on the tour, Kitmacher will tell you about all these points of interest — and so much more, including:  

• During the Great Depression, Capitol Lake wasn’t even a lake or an area filled with water. Instead, the area was home to a shantytown that locals referred to as “Little Hollywood.” 

• There are sunken ships beneath our waterfront, with its crew still lingering at the bottom. 

• We have our own sea serpent, Caddy the Cadborosaurus. 

• The State Theater was once home to a jail, which housed the last public hanging in 1904. 

• Capitol Theater has multiple ghosts, including one that always takes residence in the back of the audience. 

• Olympia had its own Red Light District, and one of the “doorstop babies” born there became Olympia Mayor Jesse Trullinger. 

• The Spar Cafe not only has its own resident ghost, but it also has a secret tunnel that leads to the old Capitol. That tunnel is not accessible, unfortunately!  

The naysayers might ask: What is the point of folklore or ghost stories in our modern society? My answer is this: They are fun, but they are also part of the local fabric that has shaped our unique culture for generations. 

Learning these kinds of stories is one of the most fascinating ways to learn history because you aren’t just learning about things that may, or may not, have happened in the past; you get to hear about what the people of the past talked about.

You can’t deny how fascinating gossip, old wives’ tales, tall tales, and ghost stories can be! When you listen to these stories, and tell them to others, you get to continue a conversation that started long ago. How cool is that? 

I believe that when we choose to invest in and learn more about local history, it makes us better people — both as individuals and as a collective community.

We have a responsibility to make sure these stories are not forgotten. This tour is a fun and engaging way to do just that, offering a tangible way to preserve our history for the next generation.  

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.