The Podcast: Bathing Beaches of B'ham (Part 2)
Bathing Beaches of B-Ham (Part 2): Put a “B” on It
Summary
In this episode we explore bathing beaches at Squalicum Beach and Fort Bellingham, as part two of a two-part series on historical beach resorts of Bellingham, Washington. It’s hard to imagine thousands of Bellinghamsters spending a day at the seaside at these locations today, but around the 1920s these bathing beaches really picked up where the White City left off, with dancing pavilions, natatoriums and amusement parks. Of course there is some weird drama and old-time goss thrown in for good measure. We’d love to see a seaside bathing beach resort brought back in Bellingham… if our “brownfields” could be made safe for such things. At least we want knit wool tank suits and put a “B” on it!
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REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
“3,000 Children to Be Entertained at Squalicum Beach Resort Next Monday.” Bellingham Herald, June 13, 1925.
“Bathhouse Manager Put On Trial For Assault.” Bellingham Herald, October 10, 1921.
“Bathing Beach Will be Modernized.” Bellingham Herald, July 9, 1914.
“Bathing Is Popular: Beaches From Bellingham to Blaine Are Lined Sunday.” Bellingham Herald, July 2, 1923.
“Bathing ‘Trust’ Has Squalicum Beach Cornered.” Bellingham Herald, Aug 7, 1915.
“Beach Project Up: County Agrees to Maintain Bath House at Squalicum.” Bellingham Herald, July 1, 1936.
“Blaney Will Build: $50,000 Natatorium Will Rise at Squalicum Beach.” Bellingham Herald, September 19, 1927.
“Brownfields.” United States Environmental Protection Agency. June 16, 2023.
“Celebration of Labor Day Big Success: Thousands Assemble at Squalicum Beach for Program.” Bellingham Herald, September 3, 1923.
Cocker, Rick. “Bathing in Bellingham Bay.” Bellingham Herald July 4, 1976.
“Dance Hall Burns: Fire Destroys Pavillion at Fort Bellingham.” Bellingham Herald, December 1, 1927.
“Dancing Pavilion At Squalicum Beach Burned.” Bellingham Herald, July 3, 1922.
Diehl, Anna. “Bellingham’s Waterfront Parks: Natural Developments Among Industrial History.” Whatcom Talk
“Fort Bellingham Bathing Beach Opens for the Summer Next Sunday, June 1.” Bellingham Herald, May 30, 1924.
Griffin, Brian L. “Boulevard Park & Taylor Avenue Dock on the Old Bellingham Waterfront.” Knox Cellars Publishing Company, 2007.
“Improvements to Popular Bathing Beach.” Bellingham Herald, March 9, 1914.
Khan, Dean. “Old Timer Helps Uncover the Truth About an Overgrown Swimming Pool.” Bellingham Herald, January 29, 2006.
Khan, Dean. “Tale of Old Swimming Pool Stirs Lifeguard’s Memory.” Bellingham Herald, February 19, 2006.
“Martells Were Born in Portland: Trick Bicycle Riders Known on Two Continents Were Pupils in the Park School - Found Fame Suddenly and Happiness Together.” Oregon Journal July 17, 1904.
“New Beach is Ready: Grand Opening at Squalicum to be Held Tomorrow.” Bellingham Herald, June 29, 1923.
“New Plywood Plant to Be Operated Here.” Bellingham Herald, November 9, 1949.
“New Resort to Open: Bathing Beach at Fort Bellingham Opens Tomorrow.” Bellingham Herald, June 7, 1922.
“No Free Beach Here: Charge of 10 Cents for All Who Bathe at Squalicum.” Bellingham Herald June 20, 1921.
“Official Inspector of Bathing Suits on Squalicum Beach and Part of Pacific Has Some Job.” Bellingham Herald, August 14, 1915.
Oliver, Nicole. “City acquires portion of pier at Little Squalicum Park: An incredible asset, waterfront pier to be improved for public use.” City of Bellingham. November 23, 2021.
“The Pier at Little Squalicum Park.” City of Bellingham.
“Pistol Misfire Saves Man’s Life: Attempted Shooting at Hotel Causes Sensation.” Bellingham Herald, September 9, 1921.
“Port Commission to Divert Creek Waters.” Bellingham Herald, Feb 6, 1929.
“The Rail Trail Walking Guide.” Bellingham Railway Museum.
“Recreation Rooms to Be Opened Here Soon.” Bellingham Herald, September 17, 1928.
“Resorts Now Lure: Thousands Flock to Lakes and Seashore for Season.” Bellingham Herald, August 4, 1927.
Robinson, Lucas and Sarah Yates. Bellingham Working Waterfront: A research project examining the transformation of Bellingham's shoreline. (We love this Interactive Story Map!)
“Sailors Enjoy Feed at Squalicum Beach.” Bellingham Herald, August 24, 1923.
“Sea Water Bathing: New Project at Fort Bellingham is Developed.” Bellingham Herald June 28, 1928.
“Squalicum is Leased. J.W. Blaney Takes Ten Year Lease On Bathing Beach.” Bellingham Herald, June 13, 1922.
“Stewart Stole Wife, Asserts Taylor: Bathhouse Man Says He Lived With Woman As Common Law Marriage For Over Six Years.” Bellingham Herald, October 11, 1921.
“Swimming Baths: Mr. J.T. Adams to Establish them in Fairhaven.” Fairhaven Herald April 26, 1891.
“Stunning Suits Worn by Local Bathers.” Bellingham Herald, July 2, 1915.
“Terms Are Reached: Blaney to Remove Squalicum Resort When Required.” Bellingham Herald, June 9, 1926.
“Wife of Taylor is Married to Stewart: Development Offers Motive to Shooting.” Bellingham Herald, September 10, 1921.
We want to thank Devin Champlin and the late, great, Lucas Hicks for the use of the ol’ Gallus Brothers tune “Too Bad West Coast Blues.” You can find that tune and more on bandcamp at https://thegallusbrothers.bandcamp.com/ and https://devinchamplin.bandcamp.com/ and you can find Devin at Champlin Guitars in Bellingham! <3 <3 <3
In this episode we discuss the early history of Bellingham’s historic Hotel Leo, aka the Leopold Hotel. From its earliest days as the Byron House through its take-over and expansion under PNW beer baron Leopold Schmidt. And since it’s spooky season, we include stories about some “potential ghosts” that might be wandering the halls…