The Podcast: Stuffed Bellinghaminals

Podcast

May 16

TAXIDERMY TALES

Summary

In this episode we explore the history of taxidermy in Bellingham, tracing the legacy of various practitioners thereof from "curio collectors" to the founders of our modern museum.

Content warning for dead critters y'all.

P.S. Heads up/FYI “The Normal School” is ye olde name for what is now Western Washington University, we forgot to clarify that before dropping that term repeatedly. 😅

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SLIDE SHOW

A slide show of ephemera related to the episode

John Y. Collins

Seated at left, in his real estate office/museum where he first displayed his collections.

1897 Sanborn Map

Showing the John Y Collins Museum in its "Keeslingville" location on Eldridge Ave (formerly Front Street)

Death of Collins

Collins was committed to the Steilacoom asylum in 1901 and died there in 1903.

Collins Collection at the Normal School

Donated to the newly opened Normal School ca 1900, the Collins Collection became part of the school's "museum."

Nathan L. Davis

Famous taxidermist N.L. Davis practiced in Bellingham between 1909-1920s

Friese Hide & Fur Company

Dealt in wholesale animal hides and furs. Though taxidermy wasn't their specialty, this adjacent company was a major operation in Bellingham for many years.

Northwestern Fur Shop

Furrier John Slaninka operated in Bellingham for many years, cute/creepy animal with human face logo.

Northwestern Fur Tag

Pictured sewn in vintage fur coat

Furrier Walter Neill

Also advertised taxidermy services

Neill Fur Co

Vintage fur coat from the Neill Fur Co.

Undertaker Maulsby

... apparently also did the occasional taxidermy project!

John M. Edson

Amateur ornithologist and taxidermist who helped found the Whatcom Museum, and whose taxidermized bird collection is still featured therein.

John M. Edson

Photo from WWU collections.

1947 Ad for Akers Taxidermy

in first location on 800 block of Holly Street

1956

Bellingham Herald August 9, 1956

The Territorial Courthouse Building

on E Street was home to Akers Taxidermy from 1955-1979

1978

Bellingham Herald Nov 26, 1978

Immanuel School of Industries Building

on I and Astor Streets, was home to Akers Taxidermy from ca 1979 through the early 2000s.

1982

Bellingham Herald June 21, 1982

1984

Bellingham Herald Sep 25, 1984

1987 Ad

Bellingham Herald Sep 29, 1987

1994

Bellingham Herald May 20, 1994

1994

Bellingham Herald June 1, 1994

2001

Bellingham Herald, Oct 31, 2001

The SMATE resource center, WWU

Features natural history collections in "Curiosity Cabinets"

Taxidermized Eagle

In the SMATE resource center at WWU. Origins of these mounts are unclear. They may be from the Collins Collection, from Nathan L. Davis or someone else entirely.

Red-Tailed Hawk

In the SMATE resource center at WWU. Origins of these mounts are unclear. They may be from the Collins Collection, from Nathan L. Davis or someone else entirely.

More bird mounts

In the SMATE resource center at WWU. Origins of these mounts are unclear. They may be from the Collins Collection, from Nathan L. Davis or someone else entirely.

Snowy Owl

In the SMATE resource center at WWU. Origins of these mounts are unclear. They may be from the Collins Collection, from Nathan L. Davis or someone else entirely.