Who’s Who in Yelm Mrs. Katie Pollman
Nisqually Valley News November 19, 1942
In the spotlight for this week’s “Who’s Who in Yelm” is Mrs. Katie Pollman, wife of Ray Pollman, local plumber and half owner and proprietor of The Green Lantern, one of the town’ most popular eating spots.
Mrs. Pollman was born and raised in Minnesota, but moved to Bellingham, Washington, in 1907, where she and Mr. Pollman met and were married. After living several years in Chehalis and Tenino, where Mr. Pollman was in the blacksmith business, the couple moved to this community in 1918, at which time they resided at Glenloch Farms on Lawrence Lake.
“We didn’t move into town until 1926 and it was shortly after that that Mrs. Dain and I, at Mrs. Dain’s suggestion opened up the Green Lantern in the spot occupied by Joe’s Place, Mrs. Pollman stated.
It wasn’t long before their business became too large for the quarter which they occupied at that time and the firm was compelled to move to its current site. in the same block.
“I can remember when it was necessary for us to do business which a dust cloth in one hand with which to constantly clean the counter before the main street was paved,” reminisced Mrs. Pollman.
New street and houses aren’t the only changes which the businesswoman has noticed Yelm for she mentioned the fact that the populace has been eternally changing since The Green Lantern first opened its doors. Due to the central location of their shop all newcomers seem to drop in to ask for information and directions from Mrs. Pollman, who can proudly claim an acquaintanceship with everyone in town.