features, facts & figures about Ferndale
2024
Ferndale Almanac
Supplement of the Ferndale Record
Published Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Thank you for supporting our schools! Thank you for supporting our schools!
INTERSTATE5HWY
Welcome to Ferndale, circa 2024
What is an almanac?
An almanac is traditionally an annual publication that contains dates, statistical information and tables that relate to the coming year. The Ferndale Community Almanac is a little different. It is a snapshot of Ferndale as it exists in the year of publication. In this case, that year is 2024.
In our first piece, "A Comprehensive Plan For Growth," Mayor Greg Hansen writes that "thoughtfully managed growth will help to ensure that Ferndale remains a community where individuals want to live, work, shop and play."
On page 8 we begin a new feature called "Great Places To Work In Ferndale." Four Ferndale residents tell us where they work, what they like about their work, and why you should work there if given the opportunity.
Next, we check in with Andgar Home Comfort, a heating, cooling, indoor air quality and plumbing services business that serves Whatcom, Skagit and North Snohomish counties. Andgar has been in business since 1973. Fifty years is a long time to be in business these days.
Finally, our very own Jan Brown recently dug through our old Ferndale Record newspapers for interesting stories every 10 years for the past 100 years. From news to sports to the world of advertising, "A Look Back At Ferndale" is a glimpse of the many things that have happened in Ferndale in the past century. Brown started in 1924 and finished in 2014.
In another 10 years, this year's Ferndale stories will be in the 2034 look back.
We hope you enjoy this year's collection of local stories.
— Bill Helm, Ferndale Record editor
Hours: Monday-Thursday
Kitchen open 4pm-11pm Bar 4pm-12am Friday
Kitchen open 4pm-11pm Bar 4pm-2am Saturday
Kitchen open 11am-11pm Bar 11am-2am Sunday
Kitchen open 11am-11pm Bar 11am-12am (Football season hours will vary) 2038
A comprehensive plan for growth
Growth in Ferndale has always been a topic of conversation. It does not take much to recognize the incredible growth we have experienced in Ferndale; 77% growth in population over the past 20 years and 29% growth in population over the past 10 years.*
Every seven years, the City of Ferndale goes through a Comprehensive Plan update process, which is required by the State of Washington to manage the extraordinary growth in our region.
This process begins with an official 20-year population growth estimate from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). For this Comprehensive Plan update, the OFM estimates that Ferndale will grow by approximately 10,900 people by 2045. This would make our population approximately 27,200 people – or approximately 65% growth in population.
information to plan for how and where the city will grow, where individuals will work, and the infrastructure, parks, and other amenities needed to provide for all of our new Ferndale neighbors.
Ferndale is in the middle of our Comprehensive Plan Update and one thing is clear: Ferndale will continue to grow.
The city uses this
The Comprehensive Plan update process requires that all the cities and Whatcom County discuss growth and what it means for their individual communities while looking for ways to collaborate and complement each other as we grow.
All of this to say, as mayor, growth in Ferndale is top of mind for me. Over the past four years, the Ferndale community has made huge investments in the infrastructure necessary to adequately serve our community today and into the future: a wastewater treatment plant, a new major thoroughfare into and out of
the city, a beautiful modern high school, new water sources, expanded and updated water treatment facilities, and in the spring of 2025 the City of Ferndale expects to begin construction of the Civic Campus, which means building a new City Hall and Municipal Court Facility just east of the Ferndale Library while also converting the current City Hall to be used by community service organizations.
With these investments, the City of
Ferndale will be able to continue to provide the services our community expects while also looking toward the future needs of a modern city – seeking to position the City to effectively and efficiently manage our continuing growth.
Over the next 18 months, Ferndale City Staff and the City Council will work through the Comprehensive Plan update discussing and planning for how growth will impact: Land Use; Housing; Economic Development; our Transportation network; our Capital Facilities (water infrastructure, parks, city buildings, and more); and Utilities. Thoughtfully managed growth will help to ensure that Ferndale remains a community where individuals want to live, work, shop and play.
Greg Hansen Mayor of Ferndale
* Ferndale’s 2004 population was 9,305, the 2014 population was 12,710, and 2024 population is 16,430. FROM THE MAYOR
Ferndale By The Numbers
City census figures *
• Population
Population estimates (July 2023): 15,992
Population estimates (2023): 15,995
Population (April 2020 census): 15,048
Population (April 2010 census): 11,415
• Age and sex
Female: 52.6%
Male: 47.4%
Children younger than age 5: 9%
Children younger than age 18: 29.1%
Senior citizens (65 and older): 13.9%
• Ethnicity
Caucasian: 77.6%
African American: 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.7%
Asian: 7.1%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4%
Hispanic or Latino: 13.3%
Two or more races: 7.4%
• Population Characteristics (2017-2021)
Veterans: 938
Foreign born: 14.4%
• Housing (2018-2022)
Owner-occupied: 65.6%
Median value of owneroccupied: $429,000
Median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage: $1,967
Median selected monthly owner costs without a mortgage: $579
Median gross rent: $1,341
• Families and living arrangements (20182022)
Households: 5,179
Persons per household: 2.92
Living in same house one year ago (percent of persons ages 1 year and older: 86.5%
Language other than English spoken at home, percentage of persons ages 5 years and older: 19.6%
• Computer and Internet use (2018-2022)
Households with a computer: 95.9%
Households with a broadband Internet subscription: 92.1%
• Education (2018-2028)
High school graduate or greater, ages 25 years and older: 94.2%
Bachelor’s degree or greater, ages 25 years and older: 33.2%
• Health
With disability, younger than age 65 (2018-2022): 8.2%
Persons without health insurance: 10.7%
• Economy (2018-2022)
In civilian labor force, male and female, ages 16 and older: 64.7%
In civilian labor force, female, ages 16 and older: 56.5%
• Transportation (20182022)
Mean travel time to work, minutes, workers ages 16 and older: 21.4
• Income and poverty
Median household income (2018-2028): $82,466 Per-capita income for previous 12 months (2018-
2022): $33,508
Persons in poverty: 10.9%
* Figures from the US Census Bureau. Figures retrieved on Aug. 9. Data derived from Population Estimates, American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, Current Population Survey, Small Area Health Insurance Estimates, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, State and County Housing Unit Estimates, County Business Patterns, Non-Employer Statistics, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners and Building Permits.
** Ferndale School District’s report card from the Washington State Report Card from the Washington Office of Public Instruction
Great places to work in Ferndale
With a need to serve close to 16,000 residents, it's no surprise that Ferndale's municipality and its business owners offer their residents more than a few good jobs. This is a new feature in the Ferndale Almanac: Great places to work. On the next few pages we share with you a few people who work in Ferndale. They'll tell us what they do, why they do it and why you should consider working for who they work for.
Ben Boyko
Interim Fire Chief, Whatcom County Fire District No. 7
My name is Ben Boyko, and I am currently serving as the interim fire chief at Whatcom County Fire District No. 7 in Ferndale. Over the past 20 years, I have dedicated my career to firefighting and emergency services, steadily advancing through various roles including firefighter, paramedic, lieutenant, division chief of medical services, and assistant chief of operations. My decision to pursue a career in this field stemmed from a deep desire to serve my community and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The opportunity to combine leadership with hands-on emergency response work has been both challenging and rewarding, shaping me into the leader I am today.
My favorite part of the job is leading a dedicated team of professionals who share a common goal of protecting and serving our community. Whether it’s coordinating a complex emergency response, developing training programs or managing daily operations, I find immense satisfaction in fostering a positive team environment
and ensuring that our personnel are well- prepared for any situation. The camaraderie and sense of purpose that come
with this line of work are unparalleled and knowing that we are making a real difference in people’s lives every day is what drives me to continue in this profession.
I strongly encourage others to consider working for Whatcom County Fire District No. 7. Our department offers a supportive and collaborative environment where every member is valued and has the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. We are committed to continuous training and development, ensuring that our personnel are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. Additionally, the sense of community and shared mission within our department creates a fulfilling and purpose-driven work experience. If you are looking for a career where you can make a significant impact while working alongside dedicated professionals, WCFD No. 7 is the place for you.
GREAT PLACES TO WORK
Megan Juenemann
Communications and Community Relations Officer, City of Ferndale
I was born and raised in Bellingham, where I graduated from Western Washington University in 2012 with my bachelor’s degree in communications. Following graduation, I married my high school sweetheart Nick, and we backpacked through Europe. After the birth of our first daughter, Margaux, I started my career as stay-at-home parent. In 2016, we moved to Ferndale and purchased our first home. Eight years and three more children later, we have found our forever home in Ferndale and have grown a deep appreciation and love for this community.
Being a stay-athome parent was the most challenging and rewarding job I’ve ever had. While I am thankful for the time, I was able to spend at home raising my children, I felt a calling to be more involved in the community. In 2021, my husband and I made a big switch; he became the stay-at-
home parent, and I started a new role as the community engagement coordinator for a local foster care agency. My passion for community and connection grew, and soon I was given the opportunity to serve as the executive director of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. I am thankful for the relationships I was able to build in that role, which only fueled my appetite for serving my community. When I saw the City of Ferndale was hiring a new communications and community relations officer, I decided to take the leap and have been extremely happy and appreciative of my new position in this incredible city. My favorite part of my job is being able to serve, support and connect with the community in which I’m raising my children and care so deeply for.
Working for the City of Ferndale, especially as a resident of this city, presents exciting opportunities to engage with
the community and work toward making a positive impact for the present and future residents of Ferndale. The City of Ferndale is constantly striving to listen to the com-
munity’s needs and make thoughtful decisions with the best intentions for the people who live here. Many city staff members were and/ or are Ferndale residents and truly want
to see the city continue to succeed. I am proud to work for a jurisdiction that takes pride in supporting Ferndale to be the best place to live, work, shop and play
GREAT PLACES TO WORK
Alix Prior
Branch Manager, Ferndale Library
I am the branch manager of the Ferndale Library, and it is my dream job. As an avid reader and lifelong lover of libraries, my mother worked in a library and my grandmother was a teacher’s aide, the library was one of our first stops after relocating from Portland, OR. I discovered the opportunity to work with Whatcom County Library System during a regular visit with my 2-year-old son. I have a master’s in social work and spent a decade working with survivors of domestic violence and
families experiencing houselessness. Working in a library combines my public services background with my love for community, learning and, of course, reading. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, drinking coffee, hot yoga and playing with my children.
What I love most about working at the library is contributing to creating a safe, free and welcoming space for all people to connect, learn and access vital resources. I enjoy building relationships with
patrons and working in the community in which I live. I am humbled daily by the creative and hard work of the Ferndale Library’s staff to inspire community engagement and share about our services –make sure to like us on Facebook.
The Whatcom County Library System offers employment and volunteer opportunities throughout Whatcom County. It is a great way to feel connected to the community in a meaningful way. I am constantly learning.
GREAT PLACES TO WORK
Bo Westford
Public Works Supervisor, City of Ferndale
I am lifetime Whatcom County resident, father of two, daughter Drew of Pullman, and son Brett of Malta, Montana, married to Nicole Westford. Raised in Ferndale with my sister Shanon Hardie, by parents Monty and Bonnie Westford, attended Ferndale schools from elementary at North Bellingham, middle school at Vista, and finally high school at Ferndale. I enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball all four years of high school and remain friends with many old teammates and classmates.
After graduating high school, I started into the workforce, mostly construction type jobs. I saw an advertisement for the City of Ferndale’s Public Works Department, and I applied to join the crew. What better way to make a living than working for the community you grew up in. Over my 25 years I was presented with opportunities to move into leadership roles
and currently serve as Public Works supervisor. I enjoy working with the public, community organizations and stakeholders to support Ferndale traditions and legacies, meeting new people, and I am fortunate to have great coworkers. Our Public Works crew is outstanding, a dedicated group that truly believes in service to the community. I have established
lifelong friendships with several current and past city employees, which I cherish. There are several things about my job that I could point to as a favorite, but I really get a kick out watching those around me have success and feel satisfied after a day’s work.
Working for the city presents many challenges, and working through them is what keeps
me going. As Public Works employees, we work on streets, parks, water systems, sewer systems, stormwater, facility maintenance and of course flood fights and snow removal. There is an opportunity to learn something new every day, and that this job attracts those that thrive in a challenging yet rewarding atmosphere. Our group within Public Works has well over 300
years of experience, ranging from almost 30 years to newly hired, and because of that diversity, we have been able to create and maintain a dynamic team culture. For those out there contemplating getting into a Public Works career, I say do it, but choose the best fit for you and within a jurisdiction that has pride in itself and the community, Ferndale is that place for me and many others.
Five decades strong for Andgar Home Comfort
Open since 1973, Andgar Home Comfort is a heating, cooling, indoor air quality and plumbing services business that serves Whatcom, Skagit and North Snohomish counties.
At its website, andgarhvac.com, Andgar states its simple philosophy. “We treat our customers the way we’d want to be treated by any home service provider: with respect, integrity and professionalism.
Recently, Dale Van Rooyen, residential heating & cooling manager of Andgar Home Comfort and a 33-year veteran of Andgar Corporation, caught up with the Ferndale Almanac to tell us more about the many ways Andgar has remained relevant for five-plus decades. The following is from that Q&A session.
Andgar Home Comfort is at 6920 Salashan Parkway, Suite A-102, Ferndale. Email servicedept@ andgar.com for more information. Call/text
Open since 1973, Andgar Home Comfort is a heating, cooling, indoor air quality and plumbing services business that serves Whatcom, Skagit and North Snohomish counties. (Photos courtesy Andgar Home Comfort)
360-366-9900, or visit andgarhvac.com. Hours are from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. M-F.
Ferndale Almanac: Who is Andgar, and who do you serve?
Dale Van Rooyen: We are a heating, cooling, fabrication company at our core. We started back in
1973. We serve our community: Whatcom and Skagit counties, primarily, but we do travel a little further south into Snohomish and King counties. If we need, we follow our customers wherever they have our need for our services.
Almanac: How many people worked
there in 1973? Today, how many people does Andgar employ? Is Andgar in the same building/location from 1973?
Van Rooyen: We started out with just a handful of employees. The communities we serve, they’ve allowed us to grow.
People liked our services and respond-
ed to our attention to their needs. It became a very referral driven business where customers referred us to other people that had sheet metal and HVAC needs and we were able to serve them. Andgar continued to grow and we now have over 200 people working for us in four distinct
product areas.
Andgar is the development of a business from our two original owners, Andy and Gary. You combine those two names and that’s where the name Andgar came from. They were two high school friends. They went to trade schools down in Seattle, both in the sheet metal industry, worked for a while down there, and wanted to come back to their local community up here Lynden. So in 1973, Andy and Gary purchased what was then Van’s Sheet Metal in Lynden, changed the name to Andgar Corporation and started doing work in the heating, cooling, ventilation and sheet metal fabrication for Whatcom and Skagit county residents.
From there, our founders were very entrepreneurial guys. It didn’t take very many times for people to ask before we said “yes, we can” to all sorts of work. That grew Andgar Corporation into the multifaceted business we are today. We do more than just heating, cooling, refrigeration, fabrication. We do architectural metals at a very large scale high rises down in Seattle, metal roofings of custom sized homes. Also, we do food
processing equipment fabrication. We design, build, develop a lot of stainless foodgrade equipment, conveyors, dumpers, fillers, equipment that serves the food processing industry.
Andgar’s business has expanded a whole lot in the years since 1973.
We’re very diverse. But what unifies all the types of work we do, is that we are very willing to try to troubleshoot, and develop a better way to solve the problem that customers came to us to help solve. And we really like to see ourselves as problem solvers. I think our strength comes from this wealth of experience and knowledge across many types of mechanical and industrial solutions.
In that process, in all aspects of the different types of work we do, we like to educate along the way. We want our customers to understand what we’re doing and how it’s going to benefit them. Also, we like to be very forward thinking for them. Feedback from our customer base drives our strength in problem solving and innovating solutions.
Almanac: What sets Andgar apart from other similar companies, particu-
larly in the local community?
Van Rooyen: What stands out for Andgar Home Comfort is that we care that we live among our customers. We enjoy seeing our customers in the stores at the sports fields, at schools and knowing that we’ve done a great job for them and that they’re a satisfied customer. They’ve been willing and happy to refer us to their friends and neighbors. And that’s ultimately what’s most important to us is that they’ve had a good experience with every service that we’ve provided. We look forward to seeing them out in the community.
Almanac: Can you discuss the importance of the customer experience and Andgar Home Comfort as an approach to business?
Van Rooyen: Customer satisfaction is our top priority. From the very beginning of a project when somebody calls us up and we have an opportunity to go out to install new or service the HVAC or plumbing systems in their home, we take care, we look diligently at what problems their comfort systems have, and plan the best way to help them. Most impor-
tantly, it’s their home. It’s their equipment that we’re working on to make them comfortable. So including them in the process all the way along is absolutely important for our business. In the end, it’s a collaborative project between Andgar Home Comfort and our homeowner customers that we get to take care of. Everyone goes away feeling good about the work and the relationship in the end.
Almanac: How does Andgar prioritize that customer service aspect of the business?
Van Rooyen: Every customer is a priority to us. That said, there are certain projects that are a higher priority when a customer calls us. If someone’s furnace doesn’t work and it’s very cold outside, or there are health issues going on when plumbing fails. We understand the urgency of these service requests, and we’ll prioritize certain projects ahead of others because we want to make sure that the people that need us most urgently, get that immediate intention.
Almanac: With customer service being such a core integral value and driving force for the company,
how do you prioritize and show that value of customer satisfaction in every interaction you do on a day to day basis?
Van Rooyen: At Andgar, service means that we have an opportunity to fully serve our customers, not just mechanically adjust their equipment. We get to come into people’s homes, to share the skills and knowledge that our talented technicians have developed over the years, to solve problems that lead to our customers being comfortable in their homes.
It’s in our company DNA to analyze and resolve issues that our customers have and create that satisfied customer with a personalized solution. Service is providing peace of mind for our customers. Service is building trust. Service is building that relationship. Service is going out and troubleshooting. Service is very relational and very relationship building. It’s creating trust and respecting our customers. Service is personal. Solving a need, answering the call, helping those in need.
So it’s attention to detail that we have out on our projects,
Continued on next page
making sure that everything that we do is going to be of the utmost quality for our customers. We show our customers that we care about their satisfaction through the attention to detail that we have, starting at the very beginning, with their inquiry. We respond quickly, get information out, educate our customers along the way, keep them informed and communicate well, which is super important to their overall satisfaction with our work.
Then even once we’re on the job site, our technicians are great at keeping customer service top of mind, and letting the customer know what they need to know at the end of the project. We always make sure we’ve done a good job of cleaning up behind ourselves and have paid close attention to all the details.
Yeah, I’d say we prioritize customer satisfaction through
attention to detail.
Almanac: What motivated the decision to really publicize the residential heating, cooling and plumbing side of the business as its own unique brand, as Andgar Home Comfort? What motivated this as being “we see a need for this and we really want to make this our front foot for-
ward” kind of idea?
Van Rooyen: We came to a point that it was vital that we bring out Andgar Home Comfort to be visible alongside our Andgar Corporation businesses. Over the years, Andgar has always been known for the quality work and craftsmanship we do in the commercial mechanical and fabrication areas. We
have always provided residential work, but we never really put a spotlight on that. We wanted to brand Andgar Home Comfort so we can broadcast the message that we take care of you in your home too. You have a trusted partner in home heating, cooling, service, plumbing, and all the aspects that you might need
to be comfortable at home.
Our motivation for creating an independent identity for Andgar’s residential business is really to make sure that as the next generation of homeowners, and as new people coming in growing our communities, that they also knew and could recognize the work we do inside homes.
So it’s very exciting for us at Andgar to be able to launch our Andgar Home Comfort brand because it gives us an opportunity to highlight and create a unique identity for that residential work that we’ve been doing for so many years, but we really hadn’t called attention to. So this is that opportunity to do that. We’re going to be able to market Andgar Home Com-
fort accordingly and let everybody know that we’re more than just the commercial mechanical side of our business. We’re here to take care of your home for you.
Almanac: What message would you like to convey to the community about Andgar’s dedication to providing exceptional home comfort in the years to come?
Van Rooyen: It’s really important for us to be able to earn the business that we get. We don’t take it lightly. When we come into a home, it’s because we’ve been invited and we want to continue treating your home, your family, your pets with respect. We do that not just for a business opportunity, but to also offer our customers the ability to feel
We changed our hours just a bit. We are here 12pm to 9pm Tuesday through Saturday. Come get all your favorites. Fish & Chips or Cheeseburger, maybe a deep fried Twinkie. Again thank you all for the support. You are all amazing.”
good about recommending us to others. We know that business goes beyond just transactions for services; our goal is lifetime relationships with people in our community, that we are ready to and happy to help when they need us.
As the future of Andgar Home Comfort grows, we want to make sure that we’re adding more
and more value to all of our customers. We want our customers to feel like it’s very easy to do business with us.
At Andgar we understand that without our community, we don’t have any customers. We want to make sure that throughout all the services that we provide that we’re customer first, community minded and that everything that we do, we’re thankful for the support of the communities where we work.
As our communities grow, we’re super excited for the future and all the new things that are gonna come with it. We’re excited to be able to answer questions and provide solutions in peoples’ homes. We’re gonna keep up with industry technology and energy changes in heating, cooling, plumbing and indoor air quality, and we’re going to actively share those solutions with our communities.
A look back at Ferndale
From news to sports to the world of advertising, the following is a glimpse of the many things that have happened in Ferndale, every 10 years, for the past 100 years.
1924
March 7
Cancelled checks your receipts
People with checking accounts in this bank never have disputes over paying bills. Their cancelled check is a legal receipt. And a checking account here is safe and convenient. First National Bank of Ferndale. Total resources over $490,000. Member Federal Reserve System.
April 11
Civic Club is after women
Women of Ferndale’s newlyformed civic club Monday night adopted a plan of seeking memberships during the current two weeks. Women who have already signed up as willing to become members of such a club were divided into two teams, under the capacity of Mrs. H. J. Evans and Mrs. H. B. Douglas. Every woman in Ferndale is desired as a member of the club, whose purpose will be for the betterment of the community in whatever way the women deem best. Dues will be nominal, only 25 cents.
July 11
Contractor here to start bridge
With arrival of W. A. Byers, of the W. A. Byers Construction Company of Spokane, contractors who will build the
new bridge over the Nooksack River here on the state highway and also a carload of tools this week.
Ferndale people are hoping that the contractor will employ as many local men as possible, as it will help this city which is nearest to the bridge.
July 25
Ferndale welcomes new garage Manner brothers open fine building
Former Mountain View garagemen have built new home here, which shows faith in Ferndale as good prosperous community
Obtain Chevrolet agency Joe and George Manner are proprietors.
Feeling that the only way to make a real bid for the business of Ferndale people was to build a new home and to start right, the two brothers obtained the site at Main and Second, and started the construction of their large concrete garage.
Oct. 9
Ferndale farmers win sugar beet prizes
That sugar beets grown around Ferndale are of the highest quality was proved beyond a doubt when it was announced that local farmers
had captured first and third places at the county fair. H. K. Russel won first prize for the best sugar beets. He also won a $25 special prize put up by the Bellingham National Bank. Mr. H. D. McKay won third prize and also a special prize of $10 by the Bellingham National Bank. The beets were judged according to type rather than size, which speaks well for the quality of the beets raised in this district.
1934
June 21
Who Has the Oldest Car? Drake has a 1912 Old Cars are often referred
to as old wrecks, heaps and what have you, but we wonder just who have the oldest car in the district? On display in the front window of Skaarup’s garage on Third Street is a 1912 Overland, owned by R. W. Drake and incidentally, we understand it has been driven many a mile and will continue to do so. The car has right side drive, gas lights with the tank pressure still high enough to operate the lights, a horn and everything. What the Record would like to know, who has the oldest car in the district?
Is there one any older than 1912?
Aug. 9
Old settlers hope to pay off debt
When trustees meet Saturday, last of pavilion indebtedness of $1,000 may be paid in full. At the last meeting of the year, it is hoped the association will be financially able to have the trustees vote to pay off the last $1,000 indebtedness against the park. This last $1,000 was of the bond issue sold a few years ago when the new
of Ferndale and the Ferndale district interested in orthopedic work is invited to attend a meeting Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. at the legion home where a Ferndale Orthopedic Guild will be organized. The invitation is very general, as it is hoped to form a large guild to aid the new orthopedic ward in a Bellingham hospital, so the committee in charge hopes for a large attendance that day. Mrs. B. T. Drake of Bellingham will be present to assist in the organization of a guild here.
Dec. 13
Gulf celebrates mortgage burning
pavilion was constructed. The association has been making annual payments on this bond issue, but this year it is hoped to pay off the last $1,000 and interest. The new $1,200 floor of this pavilion is already paid for. Some small improvements may be ordered by the board on Saturday, besides voting bills and winding up the year’s business.
Oct. 18
Orthopedic Guild to be Organized
Any lady of the community
The $250 mortgage on the property of Gulf Grange was burned in a little ceremony at the organization’s meeting Thursday evening, Dec. 6. The grange acquired the site of its hall last February from Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Roessel, and in this short time have raised enough money to pay off the indebtedness against the property including recent improvements such as enlarging the hall 20 feet, painting the interior, sealed up the kitchen, purchased a new stove and installed a new ventilating system.
1944
May 18
What You Buy with war bonds - Free the Seas
Before we win the final battle with Hitler’s Nazis all navy men are agreed we must win the battle of the Atlantic: that is free the sea lanes of the German U-boats.
A year ago we built 54 cruisers and nearly 200 destroyers or just about enough for
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a two-ocean navy
Now we’ve have come to realize that this war is to the finish winner take all, and our government is building a fiveocean navy. That is why we are being asked to increase our subscriptions for War Bonds. That is why we must do it. U.S. Treasury Department.
Oct. 26
B-29 grew up in Second Air Force - Develop training program in western states Colorado Spring, Colorado. Now that the world’s mightiest weapon, the Superfortress, known as the B-29, has
been launched against the Japanese homeland, officials say that it may be told that the long months of preparation for its development were completed within the Second Air Force, center of planning for the bulk of this country’s four-motor bomber operational training.
Command jurisdiction of the very heavy bomber program was placed within the Second Air Force with headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado in November 1943, because it had pioneered this country’s heavy bombardment training program. The Second Air Force, which had its beginning as the
has been here for the past year; and on the right is Dave Dunkin, who works part-time on the days off of the other men. The three are standing in front of the force’s paddy wagon.
July 8
Land proposed for Birch Bay Park; Rumored deal will be closed today
Although no official announcement has been made by the state park department, it was reported in Ferndale this morning that negotiations were to be completed today for the purchase by the state park department, of a large tract of land at Birch Bay for a state park. This nearly 300 acres is owned by the Helwig estate and two others, was wanted for a state park. The many people and newspapers behind the project felt that this land should be bought by the state, where people could have a public park to camp and picnic at this wonderful bathing spot of the Northwest.
Northwest Air District with headquarters at Spokane in January 1941, is now the largest Air Force in the country with bases in 22 states.
1954
April 25
Ferndale now has three-man police force
In keeping with the recent decision of the town council that a second full-time police officer should be added in Ferndale, the Record gives you these three handsome men. On the left is Lorne Jensen, who has joined the force on a six months temporary appointment; center, Marshal Keith Nelson, who
Sept. 2
3,200 Tons of Peas
The Ferndale Kelley-Farquhar plant of Ferndale has processed over 3,200 tons of green peas this year reports manager, Bud Bartlett. Green peas will be completed this week. This is the largest tonnage of peas ever handled by the plant. Broccoli has started arriving and will be processed daily until Nov. 1. From 200 to 300 crates are arriving daily. Green corn will start arriving Sept. 15. Due to the backward cold summer, corn tonnage has been hurt.
Continued on page 20
Oct. 21, 1954
One refinery fire truck arrives
The first of two fire trucks for General Petroleum at the refinery arrived last Friday driven up from Los Angeles. In the picture looking it over after its arrival were Roy J. Taylor, Bryce G. Stout and Clair Dunn.
Louis Adelstein
Mel Adelstein
Mel Adelstein
Carrie Adelstein
Sadie Adelstein
Louis Adelstein
Rick Adelstein
It is hoped that some hot weather will come to ripen the corn.
Editor’s note: Part of this plant is still standing opposite and to the south of Cruisin’ Coffee on Portal Way. But building is not remarkable nor has a name on it.
Sept. 30
Wilson awarded furnace company honors Allen Wilson at Ferndale was presented a plaque and also a diamond tie clasp in recognition of his progressive work as a Lennox Furnace Dealer. Shown in the picture being given the award is Wilson on the left and G. R. Wilcox, district Lennox company engineer on the right. Wilson has sold the highest percentage of his quota in recent weeks.
1964
Jan. 15
Ferndale Skating Rink Schedule
Notice: Ferndale skating rink Wednesday, Friday, Saturday night. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Kiddies Skating Saturday to Sunday 2-4 p.m. Wednesday night family night for $1 per family. Rentals 10 cents extra. Fun for all . Private parties call DU 4-3252.
March 18
Irwin Hardware Open House
The new Irwin Hardware store attracts attention to the passerby as goods are out on pegboards and islands where they can be seen and examined. Mick is standing next to one of the new tool displays. They will hold open house March 19-21 in new location on Main Street in the former Safeway building.
June 17
Red Top Drive-In sells 2,300 hamburgers in one day Mr. and Mrs. Erm Holtzheimer and son, John, had big day
Monday, and accomplished what they desired and planned. They decided to give their customers bargain prices to celebrate their fifth anniversary. This they did by offering hamburgers at 10 cents, soft freeze cones and cold drinks at five cents, for eight hours only on Monday which is not the best day of the week to offer specials. By the end of the day they sold 2,300 hamburgers in one day.
June 24
Great Northern Industrial Park Spur (in Custer)
Great Northern railway
officials in Seattle disclosed this week to Whatcom County Industrial Development Council the awarding with contractor: Morrison Knudsen Company Incorporated for the building of 8 1/2 miles of railway spur. This spur will run from the oil refinery in the Ferndale Industrial area and Mountain View Industrial District. The new line will depart from Great Northern railway’s main line six miles north of Ferndale going eight-and-onehalf miles to the Mobil Oil company refinery. Construction will start in July with MK company doing all
necessary work except the actual track laying which will be by Great Northern and should be completed by sometime in the fall.
Oct. 21
Tug and barge lay new cable Lummi islanders watched with interest last Wednesday as a tug and barge worked back-and-forth across Hales Pass from before daylight until late afternoon. The project under watch was the was laying of telephone cable across the pass which is one step in Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone’s plan to link island telephones to the Bellingham systems.
1974
Jan. 30
FHS new district administration
Open house, Saturday, 1-5 p.m.
Located on Vista Drive in Ferndale near entrance to Vista Middle School: You are cordially invited to personally inspect this new school district facility and meet with your superintendent, office personnel and school directors both past and present. Dr. James C. Norris, superintendent.
Continued on next page
Aug. 21
Loretta Dazzles
Overflow Crowd
Drawing an overflow crowd at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden last week was Loretta Lynn, a former Custer area resident. She and her husband, Mooney, now keep busy most of the year touring the country giving performances. The country and western singer began her career at the Northwest Washington Fair several years ago.
1984
June 6
Free cheese to be distributed
The next monthly distribution of USDA Commodities, cheese and butter, to lowincome residents will start Monday, June 25 at various locations. Everyone should go to the distribution site serving the area in which they live. These commodities are surplus government property. In order to receive this product, a self-declaration of low-income must be made by signature and address on a log sheet. Jan Brown, Ferndale Record ad manager, said “this had the greatest tasting cheese, made wonderful cheese bread.”
Sept. 5
Expo 86 hearing to be held Friday
The visitors are coming. Millions of United States and Canadian residents will either travel through or make special trips to the Evergreen State during their visit to EXPO ‘86 in Vancouver, B.C. State Sen. Lowell Person (DBurlington), Chairman of the Senate Transportation Com-
mittee, said that “it’s very important for us to have public thoughts on the preparations Washington needs to make for EXPO ‘86. Improvements considers for I-5 in our area include rest stops, information centers, improved direction and distance signs. Further, according to state Sen. H.A. Barney Goltz (DBellingham) “we need to look at ways of improving border crossing and easing congestion in Blaine” as well as “the border crossings and state ferry terminals which will need increased law enforcement assistance. Goltz has been active in helping plan for EXPO ‘86.
Oct. 10
Brown & Cole celebrate 75th anniversary with opening In tandem with its 75th year in business, Brown and Cole will celebrate the Diamond Premier Opening of its completely remodeled store, the former Ferndale Thriftway at Third and Main. The community is invited to the store Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. with the ribbon-cutting ceremony and concluding at 8 p.m.
Visitors will be welcomed into the new store, a unique concept in Whatcom County with the flavor and feeling of a European-style marketplace. There will be samples from the new DelicatessenBakery and expanded grocery section, the opportunity to enjoy entertainment and the chance to enter drawings for many prizes.
1994
Nov. 2
Pumpkin People Winner The Display “Mom’s at Play”
by Grand Illusion at Dutch Cleaners won last week’s Pumpkin People Contest in Ferndale. Grand Illusion refers to three mothers who are painting murals throughout Ferndale. In the contest, honorable mention went to Fire District 7, the City of Ferndale and Ferndale Dental Clinic for their creations.
Nov. 9
County Library System started at Mountain View
50 Years Ago
Mina Morsman personally built bookshelves for the first library 50 years ago. The rural Mountain View School pictured here with Mina Morsman had been recently closed down and dismantled, but a small “teachers cottage” building remained on the Morsman’s property on Lake Terrell Road. Mina remembers getting her brainstorm of starting the Mountain View Library. Mina said, “I woke my husband up at two in the morning and said to him, ‘why can’t we use the teachers cottage?’ Then I went to Ferndale the next morning and got lumber to make the shelves, and paint and nails from the hardware. Everybody helped out. That was is the early 1940s and it was the energy and vision like Mina’s that gave birth to what is now the Whatcom County Library System which celebrates its 50th birthday this week.
2004
April 14
Ferndale Drug celebrates 100 years of service
Steve Swenenson, former owner of Ferndale Drug when it was located on Main
Street, readies a prescription for a customer. Swenenson and his family were killed in a plane crash but weren’t found for more than a decade. Walt and Donna Pollman bought the store in 1959.
June 16
Pioneer restaurant and lounge sold
Along with changes on Main Street, one of its longstanding businesses has sold. Brian Tines, owner of Bellingham businesses The Royal and Fairhaven Pub & Martini, purchased the business June 1. Tines plans to reopen July 7 or 8 under the new name of Mainstreet Bar and Grill. He plans to have live music, karaoke and a large food menu. That menu will include the Pub’s famous Tuesday burger special for $2.95 and other things like steaks, burgers and sandwiches along with a large selection of appetizers.
Oct. 7
Espresso to open on Washington
Mug Shots is owned by long time Blaine residents, Pat and Ted Blakeslee. Jamie Rubright, 12-year resident and former paraeducator for the Ferndale School District will manage the store until she is able to purchase it and become the owner. Rubright said the Mug Shots crew looks forward to starting Ferndale resident’s day with a “flavorable mug of coffee, a friendly chuckle and a genuine smile.”
Nov. 24
Louws Truss to open next
Continued on page 24
Church Directory
Portal Way Church of Christ
Jan. 18, 1984
Old Main Determined a Fire Hazard
Old Main at Ferndale High School has been determined a fire hazard for students and staff by the county fire marshal. Unless it is brought up to a standard in a year it cannot be used. Although the shell is structurally sound, the inside must be radically modernize. Cost of the renovations are approximate $30 a square foot is considerably less than replacing at the cost of $80 a square foot.
month in Ferndale Louws Truss to open next month in Ferndale. Jack Louws, owner and Lynden mayor, anticipates the move to the new location at 1431 Sunset Ave. near Cascade Dafo Inc. Transportation is a big key and this location is close to the I-5 interchange and 80% of his clients are in Bellingham and south.
2014 April 14
Ice Cream coming to downtown Ferndale Checkered Apron plans for June 1 opening on Third A unique partnership will provide Ferndale
with a downtown bakery and ice cream parlor this summer.
Barb O’Brine, owner of Barb’s Pies & Pastries, is teaming up with friend, Lynda York to serve her baked goods downtown in a newly renovated unit on Third Avenue.
The shop will be a cafe and hard ice cream parlor, serving fresh bread, pastries, doughnuts, coffee and soups.
O’Brine said York’s Checkered Apron brand food has already been served at the Northwest Washington Fair, but the intent has always been to have a stand-along business.
As for O’Brine’s bak-
ery, she said the plan is to keep her current baking location in the Oxford Carnation building and use the Third Avenue site as a retail spot. She eventually hopes to remodel the current retail location in the Carnation building into a Cake Studio.
June 4
Star Park gets fundraising boost The Ferndale City Council voted Monday to spend 5% of the city’s Real Estate Excise Tax revenue stream toward the final cost of the planned regional Star Park project next to Pioneer Park.
City Clerk Sam Taylor said staff members are optimistic about the potential for securing a competitive state grant judging by the feedback received when the project was presented last month in Olympia. The city commitment amounts to $70,000 over several years. Private donations have amounted to $22,545. The project will take about $300,000 to complete.
Oct. 26
Ferndale Library reopens Ferndale Library employee Chad Pepin was one of many sets of hands working to
move thousands of volumes of books from the previous temporary location in Pioneer Pavilion and into the finished library on Main Street. The library is opening for the first time in the new spot today.
Nov. 19
Ferndale Library cuts opens a new chapter
Dignitaries, friends, staff and patrons of the Ferndale Library were on hand Saturday morning to officially cut the ceremonial ribbon at the new facility. The library had already technically opened in the weeks previous.
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