Olde Fashioned Christmas 2022

Mission Statement

The business and purpose of the Ferndale Historical Society shall be to educate the community on the history of Whatcom County, promote Pioneer Village and tourism, and bring together those people interested in preserving history and maintaining the Pioneer Village log cabins and collections. The corporation’s major function will be to discover, collect and maintain any material, which may help to estab lish or illustrate the history of the area.

General membership meetings are held in the Tillicum House the last Tuesday of each month (none in December) at 6pm. Come check us out!

Ferndale Heritage Society Pioneer Village Annual Activities:

• Education Program: Hundreds of local school children attend an educational experience that is ongoing at Pioneer Park for two weeks in April and May.

• Guided Tours Guided Tours of Historic Pioneer Park Village run from May 15 to September 15. Tours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30am to 4:30pm. Cost is $5 per person.

• Fashion Show: Fashion Show: Vintage fashion shows are performed per special event requests made to Louise Sager, Heritage Society member.

• Olde Fashioned Christmas: Olde Fashioned Christmas: This two-day event takes place annually the first weekend in December.

• Lighted Christmas Stroll: The second and third weekends in December. Free event Friday and Sat urday nights, 5 – 8pm.

• Pioneer Village Rental Facilities: For your next event, enjoy the beauty of our rental facilities available to rent throughout the year. The Tillicum House accommodates 60 guests and has a fully equipped kitchen. The Log Cabin Church is a unique quaint church that accommodates up to 40 guests. These two rental facilities are perfect for meetings, receptions, office parties, and holiday gatherings. We offer either facility for daytime (8am to 6pm) rentals. Both facilities are located in historical Pioneer Village, 2002 Cherry Street, (off First Street) in Ferndale, WA.

Our wonderful walkways throughout the park make it more accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Many buildings are now easily accessible by wheelchair from the paths into the first floor of the building.

Per City of Ferndale Ordinances, No Dogs allowed within all of the fenced area (Pioneer Village) of Pioneer Park. (Ord. 2110 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 1258 § 1, 2001; Ord. 1189 § 1, 1998). Certified Service Dogs are allowed.

For more information, please contact:

Community Coordinator

P.O. Box 3127

Ferndale, WA 98248

Telephone: 360-384-6461

Website: Website: www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com

Email: Email: park@ferndaleheritagesociety.com

Heritage Society Welcome

Celebrating 30 Years of Memories

For our 30th anniversary, we are celebrating our longestserving volunteers and honoring their dedication over the years. Many past members were instrumental in forming and building up the society to what it is now. From keep ing the grounds looking good, selecting and putting up beautiful lights and decorations, to maintaining each of the cabins, handling publicity and organizing educational programs, our volunteers have put countless hours repair ing and maintaining the village against the effects of extreme weather and the ravages of time.

In the individual cabin section, we have showcased some of our current members who were on the roster in 1995 and continue to be active today. Some others who deserve mentioning are Ruth Ashe, Kathy Chasteen, Linda Fassett, Linda Harkleroad, Barb Hernandez and Jackie King. Many members are no longer able to participate due to physical limitations. We thank all our members, some who were only involved for a short time and those involved for many years, and we continue to invite any and all to join our society.

Barbel Marquart has been one of our longest-serving volunteers. To the right, we would like to share a delight ful essay that her granddaughter, Andrea Beilner, had written about her own experiences as a volunteer from a very young age. Andrea has captured the essence of why

we do what we do and why Pioneer Village is so important to Ferndale’s past, present and future.

Andrea is now 30 years old, has a photography business and lives in Seattle.

We invite you again this year to step into the warmth and brightness of each of the cabins to explore the treasures inside, participate in the activities offered in the Pavilion, and enjoy the sights and sounds of an olde fashioned Pio neer Christmas! In the Pavilion, all can enjoy refreshments compliments of WECU and be entertained by local musi cians and high school students while children make a holiday craft or go ice fishing. Your participation and en joyment will continue to warm the hearts of all our wonder ful volunteers, as it has done for the last 30 years!

Please don’t forget to thank our wonderful volunteers for their many hours of preparation and hosting, especially those who have been with us since the very beginning. Proceeds from our events maintain and support continued improvements, acquisitions, and educational programs for historic Pioneer Village.

We wish you and yours the very best during this holiday season.

-Ferndale Heritage Society

My Memories of Pioneer Park

By Andrea Beilner

I was three years old when I first volunteered at Pioneer Park with my grandma. I have been a member of the Heritage Society since then, and now I am 14 years old. My grandma, Barbel Marquart, was very smart to volunteer us. It is an experience that I look forward to every summer and Christmastime. I will never stop coming back to visit and coming back to volunteer. I love Pioneer Park.

My favorite thing about Pioneer Park is the fun I have with my grandma and seeing the friends that I haven’t seen in a long time, since I live in Bothell now. When my grandma and I volunteer, we like to talk to the many people that come through the houses. It seems like we make new friends every year. Usually, we sit in the Jenni House. I love its cozy kitchen, dancehall attic and big front porch. I also like to spend time volunteering in the schoolhouse because I enjoy passing on the history of Ferndale, or Jam as it was formerly known, to visitors. My brother enjoys the store to buy candy, and the printing office where he gets to set his name in old fashioned type. The best memory that I have is the time that I was in the newspaper. The picture in the paper showed me and some friends washing clothes with an old-fashioned wash basin, washboard and wringer. Being in the park is like being in old times. I have made soap, candles, rag dolls and other old-fashioned crafts as part of demonstrations. Volunteering at Pioneer Park is sometimes hard work, but it is the fun kind of hard work that makes you feel good about what you are doing.

The parade is also a big part of my experiences at Pioneer Park. The very first parade I was in, I pulled a little wagon that my mom had decorated with pioneer antiques. I marched with my grandma in the Kiddy Parade. We won first place and got to be in the Grand Parade. Each year, I look forward to riding on the float for the Heritage Society.

Pioneer Park is also beautiful during Christmas when it transforms into a Christmas Village. The cabins are warm and cozy. My grandma and I fill the Jenni House with the scent of gingerbread. Each house is decorated differently with pine boughs, pinecones and old-fashioned handicrafts. I love to make little ornaments with the children who visit. But the highlight of Christmas at Pioneer Park is writing my annual letter to Santa Claus.

The reason that I have volunteered every year since I was three is that I enjoy looking at the buildings, participating in the events and activities and being a part of history. I love the cabins because they are marvelously made. The events are creative, and the excitement is infectious. Each season is fun. The winter is enjoyable because families come, it is cold, and I get to wear beautiful dresses. The summer is also wonderful with its color and when tons of children come to play in the grass, I can run barefoot and have homemade ice cream. I love all these things about the park.

Live Weekend Entertainment in the Pavilion & the Village

The Ticket Booth

Your first stop at the park is the ticket booth outside the Tillicum House, where Steve and his helpers collect money from the ticket sales. This smiling group of volunteers and gate greeters will start your Olde Fashioned Christmas visit with a cheerful greeting and all the information you need for a magical trip back in time through the Christmases of the past. Besides the Headquarters cabin (built onsite in 1925), the Tillicum House was also built onsite at the Village and functions as the gathering place for meetings and special events.

The Granary

Snowmen decorations, a Christmas tree and volunteers coordinated by Julie Aamot will welcome you to this unique log cabin. The Granary was built by John Gischer in 1887 on Marine Drive in Birch Bay and houses many of the artifacts used by Gischer on his homestead. See the many hands-on farming and logging artifacts that have been used over the years in our local area.

The Church

Our Zion Congregational Church was built in 1876 on California Creek, close to the corner of Loomis Trail Road near Blaine. This was the first church built in Whatcom County and has been a sanctuary for Pacific Northwest settlers and pioneers ever since. Currently this church continues to host small weddings. Selah Binarao-Walker was recently married in this church and has stepped up to be the lead for the church for decorations and scheduling. Come on in and sit for a reflective moment in one of the old wooden pews.

Foster House

Choo! Choo! Once again, the popular train collection of Larry Hanson will circle around an old-time city of Ferndale that Larry has created. After watching the train, look around the Foster House at the many early pioneer and Native American artifacts. Check out Tom Brand's massive Santa collection that will be watching you to see if you are naughty or nice!

The Shields House

If the walls could talk (and some folks believe they do), they’d be thanking the Sagers for taking such good care of their majestic Shields house. The Shields House was built on the Old Guide Road south of Wiser Lake in 1885. It was the second building moved to Pioneer Park in 1950.

After 30 years, Louise and Ken Sager are still the keepers of the Shields house. Louise was one of the four ladies who started the Ferndale Heritage Society in 1993 and was there in 1992 for the first Olde Fashioned Christmas event. “We were bundled up in wool and fur clothing as the log cabins didn’t have any heat in them at that time,” said Louise. “But what we started has become such a heartfelt annual tradition for so many visitors.”

The Sagers, along with their helpers, will be serving up their famous mini “apple pie” as visitors can stroll through the downstairs of the house. The tinsel draped tree in the living room will bring back memories for many. 100 years of hats are shown in the bathroom. To reminisce there is a Hallmark car collection on display in the hallway case.

Parker House - General Store

“Ye Ol Shopkeeper” is a well-deserved title that goes to Serena Leibrant, another 30-year member and still giving the Parker House General store it’s sparkle. Beth Buckland has been the assistant keeper also for those 30 years. These ladies along with their support staff of volunteers are on hand to help you make the perfect selection of unique gifts for children of all ages who call this their favorite time of year. Stocked on the shelves are exciting gifts such as Olde English Crackers and Pioneer Village souvenirs. All proceeds from store sales go back to fund park projects and ongoing maintenance.

The Pharmacy)

Walt and Donna Pollman were the owners of Ferndale Drug and Pharmacy in Ferndale for many years. The Pollmans created the total pharmacy experience upstairs in the Parker House for a trip back in time. Donna, a founding member of the Heritage Society, was very involved until she wasn’t able due to logistics. Barb Ingram has stepped up and will be decorating the pharmacy and organizing the hosts.

Rogers House, Veteran’s Museum

Writing and receiving handwritten letters between service personnel and loved ones during times of active duty were the most cherished connections between home and abroad. To showcase this sacred tradition, Legion volunteers will be displaying a vast stamp collection.

The Rogers House, which was built in 1877 by A. A. Rogers, is home to the American Legion Veteran's Museum. It honors the men and women who have served and are currently serving in all branches of the military.

Van Buren CabinFirst National Bank of Ferndale

As we showcase our 30-year members, we also need to showcase our newest members. Pam and Dan Williams recently joined because Pam worked as a Pioneer Village Summer tour guide and fell in love with our village. Dan volunteered to host the Van Buren cabin this past Old Settlers Picnic weekend and was hooked. We welcome the Williams and their enthusiasm. This cabin was built in 1879 and located on Van Buren Road, when the Van Buren cabin came to Pioneer Village it became the "First National Bank of Ferndale". Check out the variety of early banking artifacts on display. The prize item is a "cannon ball" safe from the old Custer State Bank. The combination has been lost, but a stethoscope will be available for anyone wishing to take a "crack" at it. Fully one half of any gold found inside will go to the person who can work the combination! (Or one genuine $American$ dollar bill, whichever is greater in value.) Good luck!

The Larson House

Kay and Fred Sutcliffe are 30-year members of the Heritage Society and remain very active donating hours of their time to make the village the “Jewel of Ferndale” that it is. Fred’s devotion and inspirations are the reason we have this village today. Prior to retiring from Ferndale Public Works, Fred found these cabins from around Whatcom County and coordinated the moves to their present-day sites in Pioneer Village. “Fred is our best local Ferndale historian,” you can ask him anything and he’ll either know your answer or tell you the best story. Kay co-coordinates with Julie Aamot for the spring education program and is the lead person for maintaining the amazing colorful flower beds that surround the cabins during the summer months. The windows in the Larson cabin will be aglow with lights and antique toys.

The Larsen Cabin is said to have been built by Johann Jern in 1893. It was located on the West Badger Road. The Cabin's architecture, precise cuts of the cedar with large square nails on each corner and was moved to Pioneer Village in 2007.

The Barr Barn

Welcome to the Barr Barn for Olde Fashioned Christmas 2022. There is a tremendous void this year in the barn. Our beloved member, Paul Nelson passed away earlier this year from cancer. Paul was a member who could always be counted on to show up and help out with whatever needed to be done. Paul loved Pioneer Village. See Paul’s memorial horseshoe hanging on the huge overhead wooden beam. To keep Paul’s legacy going, his wife Gail, who has been involved all along, will retain the tradition of having two of her precious Spotted Draft horses on display.

Once again, the Barr Barn will be hosting the sleigh photo booth for a 2022 Christmas picture for you and your guests. While at the Barn, check out the complete draft horse harness collection and Gail’s colorful Christmas decorations.

A large nativity scene will be set up in the south lean-to. The Barr Barn was originally located where Ferndale Haggen is now.

Mountain View Schoolhouse

We are so excited to announce the first opening of the Mt. View Schoolhouse during this 2022 event. Built in 1916 as a teacher’s cottage on the West Mountain View School campus, the building was located at Lake Terrell and Douglas Road in Ferndale. It later became a classroom to house additional students. In 1945, the building became a library and community meeting center. Intalco took charge in 1989, moving the schoolhouse to their property to protect it. The building was relocated to Pioneer Village in 2017 where it now displays all of its history, complete with a teacher’s living quarters and a research library. Heritage members are working to complete the most extensive collection of Ferndale High School annuals, starting back to 1931. Let Bonnie know if you have one to donate.

Bonnie Weisen will be hosting this building and can tell you stories about when she was the librarian in the schoolhouse at its original location 30 years ago.

Pioneer Park’s Outhouse

Careful when you stop by and PEEK into the Outhouse, there’s a surprise tenant! John and Valerie Goetz have created some humor and are also displaying what that outhouse was really used for back in the Pioneer times. You know they collected their old Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Ward catalogs, now you know why. We really appreciate today's indoor plumbing!

The Jenni House

The Jenni House has seen a lot of different Christmas themes over the past 30 years. Chuck and Betty Eichenberger were the original hosts in the Jenni House with Baerbel Marquart assisting. Now for many years Baerbel has been the person in charge and gets very creative with what is on display in the Jenni. Some of Baerbel favorite themes were a German Christmas, Scandinavian, Native American, the History of the Angel, wildlife, and snowmen are just a few to mention. Many times, it’s the homemade ornaments that truly sparkle. Baerbel told us “Right after Christmas I start thinking about the theme to showcase for the next year’s Olde Fashioned Christmas... I start knitting or crafting because it’s a lot of fun making something new to share”.

Baerbel is another cherished 30-year society member who besides leading the Jenni House, assists with tours, education program and models in the vintage fashion shows. Marie Honrud has joined in decorating this year.

Lopas House, the Print Shop

Visiting the Lopas house this year could be like a first-time visit. Major renovations in 2020 renewed this impressive cabin. Thanks to Dick Mills, James Burgess and others, including monetary donations from Ferndale Ace Hardware, this upgraded cabin welcomes you. Check out all the snowman decorations hung with care for your enjoyment by Juanita Coolidge.

Lopas House was built in 1879 by Edwin Lopas, a former stove molder from Illinois. He was Postmaster at Mountain View from 1899 to 1908. In 1990, Intalco donated the cabin to Pioneer Park where it now displays a full array of Printing Industry memorabilia to include the "Linotype" Model 1914, typesetting machine.

Barrett Post Office

"The first time I volunteered in the Barrett post office, I was asked by then Ferndale Postmaster Chet Speziale in 1994,” said Linda Cline. "At that time, I was the postmaster in Lake Stevens, WA. I was impressed by the personal collection of Chet's to showcase so much local history.

I had always loved the mail. My Grandmothers always sent letters to me when I was growing up. The Postal Museum was fascinating to me as I would daydream about living in that log cabin and waiting on my customers. I still send letters to friends and family for all the holidays.

Now all these years later, my husband Jim and I still enjoy volunteering and giving back to the Ferndale community where I grew up. Now, we have our granddaughter Jordyn volunteering at the post office too. My mother, Sherry, volunteered for many years also at the park until she was no longer able."

The Barrett House or the old Trudder Post Office was built in 1874. Besides lots of postal memorabilia, on display will be Winter Holiday Plants and the stories behind them. Kids are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa to mail in the special Santa North pole mailbox. We asked Santa to write back to each child who mails one. See the “To Santa” letter template on page 13 of this program book. Santa and his helpers responded back to over 350 letters last year!

The Holeman House - School House

This classic one-room schoolhouse has had a few 30-year volunteers like Elinor King and Christina Connor. Bonnie Weisen has coordinated the schoolhouse for many years but has now moved over to her beloved Mt. View Schoolhouse. Elinor and her whole family are all involved with all events like the parade, park maintenance and gate greeting. Even the youngest great grands are now helping with pavilion crafts and cabin hosting.

Come in and learn the story of Santa Claus and look at the many Santas displayed in the schoolhouse. While at the schoolhouse, children 12 and under are invited to sit at an old school desk, write a letter to Santa Claus at the North Pole to be mailed in the Barrett Post Office special mailbox, for delivery to Santa. Santa and his helpers work hard to see that all letters are answered in time for Christmas. Don’t forget to write your full name and complete address NEATLY and CLEARLY on your letter so that Santa will know exactly where to send his letter back to you. The letter template is included on page 13 of this program book.

The Holeman House, built in 1890, was donated to Pioneer Park in 1985. This building was located on Mountain View Road.

Pioneer Pavilion

It might be damp and chilly outside but here in the Pavilion it’s warm and friendly. Enjoy the hot coffee or cocoa which have all been donated by our local WECU (Whatcom Education Credit Union). Marie and her helpers are serving delicious cookies donated by local businesses. Check the bulletin board to see who has donated and be sure to thank those businesses next time you visit them. The Pavilion is where children can make a holiday craft, do some ice fishing and all ages can be entertained by local musicians and high school students that donate their time and talents to add to our holiday spirit. Admire the “30 years of memories” Christmas tree decorated by John Hansen. Your last stop in the pavilion will be to visit with that special guest dressed in red. Santa will be taking your special gift requests and is available to pose for quick pictures.

Christmas Carols

Let it Snow

Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we’ve no place to go, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn’t show signs of stopping, And I’ve bought some corn for popping, The lights are turned way down low, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss good night, How I’ll hate going out in the storm! But if you’ll really hold me tight, All the way home I’ll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying, And, my dear, we’re still good-bying, But as long as you love me so, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior Was born on christmas day To save us all from satan’s power When we were gone astray Oh tiding of comfort and joy From God our heavenly father The blessed angel came And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same How that in bethlehem was born The son of God by name Oh tidings of comfort and joy(repeat) Fear not said the angel Let nothing you affright This day is born a savior Of the pure virgin bright To free all those who trust in him From satan’s power and might Oh tidings of comfort and joy (repeat) And when they came to Bethlehem Where our dear savior lay They found him in the manger Where oxen feed on hay His mother Mary kneeled down And to the lord did pray Oh tidings of comfort and joy (repeat) God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior Was born on christmas day

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the heavens looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me I pray! Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there.

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the heavens looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

You know Dasher and Dancer And Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid And Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (reindeer) Had a very shiny nose (like a light bulb) And if you ever saw it (saw it) You would even say it glows (like a flash light) All of the other reindeer (reindeer)

Used to laugh and call him names (like Pinocchio)

They never let poor Rudolph (Rudolph)

Play in any reindeer games (like Monopoly)

Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say (Ho Ho Ho)

Rudolph with your nose so bright Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight? Then all the reindeer loved him (loved him) And they shouted out with glee (yippee)

“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (reindeer)

You’ll go down in history!” (like Columbus)

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!

All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly host sing, Alleluia, Christ, the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light, Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light From now on, our troubles will be out of sight Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Make the Yule-tide gay, From now on, our troubles will be miles away. Here were are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who are dear to us gather near to us once more. Through the years we all will be together

If the Fates allow Hang a shining star upon the highest bough. And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say, He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day. There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found. For when they placed it on his head he began to dance around. O, Frosty the snowman was alive as he could be, And the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and me.

Thumpetty thump thump, thumpetty thump thump, Look at Frosty go. Thumpetty thump thump, thumpetty thump thump, Over the hills of snow. Frosty the snowman knew the sun was hot that day, So he said, “Let’s run and we’ll have some fun now before I melt away.” Down to the village, with a broom stick in his hand, Running here and there all around the square saying, Catch me if you can. He led them down the streets of town right to the traffic cop. And he only paused a moment when he heard him holler “Stop!” For Frosty the snow man had to hurry on his way, But he waved goodbye saying, “Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again some day.”

Thumpetty thump thump, thumpetty thump thump, Look at Frosty go. Thumpetty thump thump, thumpetty thump thump, Over the hills of snow.

Acknowledgements

The Ferndale Heritage Society would like to sincerely thank the following businesses and individuals for their contributions to the 2022 Olde Fashioned Christmas event. Without contribu tions such as these it would be difficult for us to continue to provide this non-commercial community event at such a minimal cost to our visitors.

We deeply appreciate Small’s Northwest Evergreens on Northwest Road, a local Ferndale Christmas tree farm for their donation of the live Christmas tree as you enter the park. This is a great place to find your perfect tree.

Thank you to Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) for donating all the hot beverages for the Olde Fashioned Christmas and the Lighted Christmas Stroll.

City of Ferndale for use of the park, Pavilion and Tourism grant money for advertising, printing and postage.

Thanks to these local Ferndale businesses: Asian Bistro, Barb’s Pies & Pastries, Grocery Outlet, Haggen, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Tractor Supply and Ferndale Pharmacy.

VanWingerden Garden Center on Portal Way for poinsettias.

Jim and Sharon Campbell, McDonalds Restaurants for treasure chest toys.

Walton Beverage in Ferndale for lots of copies of the “to Santa” letters.

We would also like to thank all the businesses and individuals who advertised and supported our program through purchasing advertising in this program book. Thanks to the Ferndale Record and staff for their energy to make this program book a keepsake.