Olympia Milk Plants Bombed, 1936

On February 20, 1936, downtown Olympia experienced a devastating series of explosions that damaged the Olympia Milk Producers’ Association plant and completely destroyed the Sanitary Dairy. The first explosion occurred at 1:10 a. m. , followed by a second, larger blast at 1:29 a. m.

, which injured several individuals and shattered windows across the city. Investigators determined that dynamite was used in the attacks, but the perpetrators were never caught. Local business owners Marcel Levesque and Joseph Patrico offered a $100 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. The Sanitary Dairy had previously faced challenges, including a fire in 1929 and economic struggles during the Great Depression, which forced them to switch to cash-and-carry operations. The explosions resulted in estimated losses of $40,000, prompting a quick response from the local community and law enforcement.

Both businesses adapted by salvaging materials and relocating operations. The incident underscored tensions within the dairy industry during a tumultuous period in Olympia’s history.