History of Blaine Washington, 1884-1959

“History of Blaine Washington, 1884-1959” offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Blaine, Washington’s rich history and cultural heritage. Published in 1959 to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Blaine, this book captures the essence of a community that has thrived on the principles of peace and cooperation. Situated in Whatcom County, Blaine’s unique geographical location near the Canadian border plays a pivotal role in its identity, an aspect vividly illustrated through the symbol of the International Peace Arch.

The narrative begins with the Semiahmoo Indians, the original inhabitants, whose respect for nature and peace laid the foundational ethos of the area. This spirit of peace is a recurring theme, embodied in the International Peace Arch and celebrated in community events that bring together people from both sides of the border. The book delves into the lives of pioneers who shaped the town, the evolution of government services, and the vital role of immigration and border patrol services in the town’s development.

Through chapters that range from pioneer stories to the modern-day challenges and triumphs of the 1950s, readers are introduced to the individuals and families who contributed to the growth of Blaine. A detailed account of local churches, organizations, and the significance of fishing and education offer a glimpse into the daily life and the community’s core values. Special sections on neighboring towns and notable families, such as the Cain family, enrich the narrative with personal stories and historical insights.

This book is not just a historical account but a celebration of a community’s enduring spirit of unity and cooperation. The list of featured surnames mentioned is a testament to the diverse contributions to Blaine’s development. With chapters dedicated to sports, public schools, and local journalism, it paints a comprehensive picture of a vibrant community that values its past while looking forward to a future built on mutual respect and shared values.

In summary, “History of Blaine Washington, 1884-1959” is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of Blaine, Washington. It provides a deep understanding of how this unique town has remained a place where nations and families come together in peace, beautifully encapsulated by the serene vigil of the International Peace Arch over “Our Town.”

This copy of the original book has been reproduced by offset. Photographs consequently are not of original quality.

Table of Contents

1. Pioneers of Peace — Prologue, p. 6
2. History of Blaine Washington, p. 9
3. Those Who Helped Build, p. 25
4. Pioneer Stories, p. 45
5. The Great Jewel Robbery, p. 46
6. Paul Wolten’s Goats, p. 46
7. Blaine, Washington today (1959), p. 49
8. Government Services, p. 57
9. U.S. Immigration and Border Patrol, p. 58
10. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, p. 59
11. U.S. Department of Agriculture, p. 59
12. Blaine Air Force Station, p. 60
13. Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels, p. 60
14. Neighboring Towns
15. Churches, p. 65
16. Organizations, p. 68
17. Fishing, p. 75
18. The Pulse of the City, p. 79
19. The Cain Family, p. 82
20. The Perils of Early Day Motoring, p. 85
21. Blaine High School Athletics, p. 86
22. Blaine Public Schools, p. 90
23. Icelanders of Blaine, p. 94
24. Birch Bay, p. 94
25. Point Roberts, p. 95
26. The Blaine Journal, p. 96
27. Reynolds Post No. 32, p. 100
28. Index

Featured Surnames:

Abbott, Adames, Ahrens, Anderson, Arbuckle, Baeten, Bainter, Balch, Bannister, Barber, Barnett, Bathen, Behme, Bertrand, Bice, Bitterman, Bobblett, Bond, Bonnema, Bowles, Breidford, Brown, Bruns, Brunson, Bullock, Bunbury, Burk, Burnley, Cain, Christie, Clark, Cornish, Creasey, Croy, Danielson, DeMent, Dexter, Dickerson, Dodd, Dohner, Ellsperman, Elwood, Evans, Evens, Ewing, Faber, Farnum, Fenton, Foss, Gilday, Goodfellow, Grundlach, Hansen, Hanson, Harvey, Hawkins, Henspeter, Hinckley, Hollinger, Holzheimer, Horgdal, Hovey, Hoyt, Hunter, Hurd, Jackman, Jacobsen, Johnson, Jones, Kagey, Keeler, Kemp, Keyes, King, Kingsley, Kitzel, Kley, Larsen, Larson, Levien, Lindsey, Livingston, Logan, MacDonald, MacMillan, Maneval, Martin, Martinson, Mason, McDonald, McElmon, McPherson, Mead, Merritt, Messenger, Metivier, Middleton, Milhollin, Miller, Montfort, Morrison, Murne, Murphy, Nelson, Newell, Nicoll, Oertel, Olsen, Otley, Owen, Palmer, Paul, Pendleton, Peterson, Petterson, Pettit, Pickett, Pinckney, Pinkney, Porter, Pratt, Prendergast, Priester, Prunner, Quirt, Radford, Rasmussen, Rassmussen, Richards, Roberts, Rogers, Rohrbacher, Roper, Runge, Rutledge, Saffern, Savings, Schlader, Scott, Seely, Seelye, Seffern, Shaw, Shay, Sheets, Smith, Snow, Stewart, Still, Stoneson, Stoops, Straumford, Sutherland, Tanner, Tarte, Thomas, Thompson, Tyson, Upson, Van Luven, Van Wingerden, Vogt, Waage, Walsh, Ward, West, Whitcomb, White, Williams, Willison, Wilmont, Wilson, Wolten, Wyrick, and Yeager.

Source

Wolten, Mrs. David, chief editor, Mrs. Arthur Christiansen, Dave Miller, Mrs. Glen Skelton, editors; Pioneers of peace – diamond jubilee anniversary, Blaine, Wash., 1884-1959, Bellingham, Washington : Union Print. Co., 1959.