It is but few places where nature has been so kind and lavishing with
her store of grandeur as in Bellingham Bay. Sweet in music, the happy
ripples dance to kiss the pebbled borders of the twin cities--New
Whatcom and Fairhaven. Above the din of their tumults stands the
white-haired Mt. Baker with a snowy hood drawn down his broad shoulders,
throwing glimpses of awe over a gay landscape. About four miles from
these sister cities smiles Lake Whatcom, where living gondolas ride on
its glassy bosom from shore to shore.
[Illustration: MT. BAKER, SEEN FROM FAIRHAVEN.]
In early days Scandinavians gave heed to this happy land of verdure and
songs. About forty years ago they visited the bay and reconnoitered the
country. Everson, a Norwegian by birth, was among the first pioneers.
The last ten years a number of Norwegians, Swedes and Danes have located
in both New Whatcom and Fairhaven, and rank among the leading business
men of the two cities.
[Illustration: FISHING IN BELLINGHAM BAY.]
O. B. Barba, a prominent lawyer of New Whatcom, born in Norway, but
raised and educated in Wisconsin, came here, 1890, and has steadily
invited the confidence of his countrymen and the people in general.
Ole Oien has the honor of being the first Scandinavian elected to
county office in Whatcom county. He was born in Toten, Norway, came to
Bellingham Bay several years ago, and at the last election was chosen to
the office of county clerk. He is a man of energy and intelligence, and
may rise to higher trust and honor in the gift of the people.
Olaf Udness and Charley Erholm, the former born in Norway and the latter
in Finland, emigrated here, 1889. They are proprietors of the Pacific
Steam Laundry, and prominent in business and social circles.
Thomas Dahlquist, a native of Sweden, and one of the leading grocers in
New Whatcom, landed in Bellingham Bay, 1889, and has gained the esteem
of all the people. His wife was born in Norway and is regarded as the
foremost Scandinavian lady in the city.
John Larsen, owner of the only first-class music store in Bellingham
Bay, is an able business man. His wife is an influential member of the
Norwegian Synod church.
A. G. Wickman, born in Sweden, cast his eye for the first time over
Bellingham Bay, August 2, 1889. He is a man of keen intellect and sound
judgment, and possesses the air of a true gentleman. He is a merchant
tailor and enjoys a lucrative business.
P. Osberg and George Martinsen are well-known contractors, the firm
being Osberg and Martinsen. My pen would not be true to these gentlemen
without the following assertion: "Osberg and Martinsen's ingenious work
has commanded technical honor to the Scandinavians."
P. Jacobsen, a son of Denmark, is likewise a man of mechanical aptitude.
He is a skillful blacksmith and a true gentleman.
In Fairhaven we find many popular Scandinavians, men who are held
in high esteem by the people. Rev. T. J. Moen is one who enjoys the
respect and love of the community. He was born in Talgen, Norway, where
he received his early education. In 1879 he graduated from Hamar
Seminarium, among the highest in scholarship, and two years later
emigrated to America, where he secured a position as teacher of
religion. His ambition was to be a minister of the gospel, and in 1889
entered Augsburg Seminarium, spent one year in the academic department,
then stept into the theological college and graduated with honor after
three years of diligent study. He came to New Whatcom seven years ago
as pastor of the United Lutheran church, and has met with success in his
responsible vocation.
Mrs. T. J. Moen, a lady of intelligence and fine training, was born in
Rollag, Numedal, Norway, and came to America while a lass of six years.
At the age of nineteen she was united in holy matrimony to Rev. T. J.
Moen. She is an earnest worker in the Sunday school, likewise attentive
to her fireside duties.
J. M. Scarseth and Chris. Grue, proprietors of the Wisconsin Grocery,
rank as the foremost merchants of Fairhaven. Scarseth was born in
Wisconsin of Norwegian parents and Grue in Norway. They came to
Bellingham Bay, 1889.
Henry Christian Engeberg is a Dane by birth, a fine scholar and a
careful druggist. He is a graduate of the University of Copenhagen
and came to Fairhaven ten years ago.
B. W. Benson, a real estate dealer, is a man of true Norse type, social,
honest and intelligent. He was born in Norway, and came to Bellingham
Bay, 1889.
A. L. Stenvig, the only merchant tailor in Fairhaven, traces his
birthplace to Norway. He came to this city ten years ago, worked
for others at first, but now owns a paying establishment.
Gust. Linden, a native of Sweden, O. M. C. Henning and Chris. Keel, born
in Norway, have been in Fairhaven since 1890, and have worked themselves
up from meager circumstances to affluence and honor. They are
representatives of the industrial classes, possessed of mechanical
ingenuity and prominent members of the Lutheran church.
Mrs. Henning, wife of O. M. C. Henning, is a woman of learning and
elevated character, being an energetic worker in the United Lutheran
church. Her oldest daughter, Mrs. Richard, is a popular teacher in the
city schools of Fairhaven.
SCATTERED SCANDINAVIAN COMMUNITIES, POULSBO AND OTHER PLACES.