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A sad tribute to Caleb “Flip” Kors

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Caleb “Flip” Kors, 10 years old and a talented juggler, died in an accident last week at his home.  Hundreds, no, thousands of us watched him perform and contributed a dollar to him.  Flip liked the Village Green and he entertained also at the Farmers Market in downtown Bellingham.  His death is a shock and sadness to many in our community.  And many have expressed their sorrow and respects by leaving memorabilia of Flip at the statue of Dirty Dan Harris on the Village Green.  I’m sure many of us in Fairhaven extend our sympathy and condolences to his family.

Let the new year begin

Monday, January 9, 2012

Fairhaven has several fine jewelry shops - and each offers original jewelry by Northwest artisans.  Russ, the owner of Silvery Moon on Harris Avenue, opens his shop this morning by carefully setting up his display counters.  A morning ritual for all jewelers.  Russ has over 30 years in the jewelry business which benefits his customers.  He can explain much about each piece he carries.  He describes his selection as “eclectic jewelry”. 

His Fairhaven.com business listing says he has the “largest selection of hand carved Northcoast Native and First Nations silver jewelry north of Seattle, including the work of Lummi/Elwha artist Al Charles Jr. and Kwakiutl artist Chris Cook.”  You can see his listing by clicking the link just below. 

We invite you to shop Fairhaven for special gifts all year long.  You will find unique one of a kinds at many shops.  There is not a single chain store in Fairhaven.  All shops and restaurants are locally owned.  They are also all locally managed.  And this means more attention to customers and their satisfaction. 

Wrapping up a good year

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Cooperation between the Fairhaven Toy Garden and Paws Awhile gift shop resulted in volunteers gift wrapping Holiday presents.  It was one of many examples of businesses in Fairhaven cooperating on projects, events, promotions and having fun in the historic district.  It was a good year. 

Here Pam Went wraps a present as a volunteer for the Humane Society.  Folks gave donations for the wrapping service during the four weeks leading up to Christmas - raising about $1,000.  Awesome.  Pam organized the event with the Toy Garden owners Robin and Tina, with some space by the front window at the toy shop.  I even found Robin wrapping gifts one day. 

We thank everyone - merchants and residents - of Fairhaven for a wonderful year.  We bring our hopes and plans to 2012. 

Our thanks to the Fairhaven Village Inn

Monday, December 26, 2011

This could be titled “Santa thanks the Fairhaven Village Inn”, but that would be a little presumptuous.  The Village Inn hosted Santa every Saturday from Thanksgiving until Christmas.  The Inn has this this huge chair - a throne actually - that looks like something out of a Maxfield Parrish painting.  Hotel owners Connie and Gene Shannon set this up in the lobby and Santa holds forth from a fine setting.  Above is what is on the seat when Santa is not there.  The Shannons also hosted the free horse drawn wagon rides each Saturday - and led several Fairhaven businesses in paying for the rides so kids and their parents could ride free.  These rides were really popular with the little ones.  The Shannons did this in the spirit of the holiday season.  We thank them.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Old Dirty Dan Harris is cast in bronze on the Village Green.  But through out the year he has been known to wear flowers on the brim of his bowler hat, and to drape a scarf around his neck and to generally enjoy light apparel.  We found him a couple days ago sporting the hat that Santa left behind at the Village Inn.  This statue has become the iconic symbol of Historic Fairhaven.  He was created by Bob McDermott and installed in Apri 2003 and instantly became a favorite of children.  He continues to charm them to this day and we thank Bob for that. 

Many Fairhaven shops open until 6 pm Saturday

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Fairhaven Toy Garden, kitty corner from Village Books, was filled with Santa’s helpers yesterday.  All looking for great gifts for little ones.  Today in Fairhaven, most shops will be open until at least 6 pm for that last minute shopping.  This includes the Toy Garden and Village Books.

Yep, I’m talking to the men.  Fairhaven is great for last minute stuff.  Jewelry shops, books, two toy stores, a great kitchen and cooking shop, glass art, fine hand crafted pottery, and fine hand crafted wooden furniture, lamps, boxes and household accessories.  And much more.  Two flower shops for holiday flowers.  All within a couple historic city blocks.  All in less space than our local big mall. We invite you to Fairhaven for your last minute shopping. 

Holiday shopping till 9 pm tonight, Friday

Friday, December 23, 2011

Village Books is a great place for last minute gifts with books, iPads, children’s toys, and more.  As the above photo shows, a lot of people feel it is a great place to find that gift.  The store is open until 9pm tonight, Friday, and until 6 pm on Saturday, Christmas Eve.  Same for Paper Dreams - the partner shop with cards, calendars and may other gifts.

Most shops in Fairhaven are open until 9 pm tonight, Friday - with most closing a bit earlier - 6 pm - on Christmas Eve.  We invite you to come on down for those hard to find perfect gifts. 

Late Friday shopping in Fairhaven

Friday, December 16, 2011

click image for a larger view

Artwood Gallery is one of many Fairhaven shops staying open until 9 pm each Friday until Christmas.  Gallery manager Erica talks with shoppers browsing the beautiful custom wood furniture and accessories.  This is definitely not your average furniture store.  Every item is hand crafted in the Northwest.  All are one of a kind.  A fine shop to find a unique gift. 

Carolers from Sehome High School sang on different street corners during the evening.  Next Friday, Dec 23, will see most shops open until 9 pm again.  And carolers will again be on the streets providing a festive air for shopping.

A youngster gets up close to enjoy the Holiday Trees setting on the stage of the Village Green.  All of Fairhaven, including shop windows, the street trees and the building roof lines are decorated with lights.  We invite you down for your Holiday shopping. 

Whimsey - where you can find unique gifts

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Whimsey is art, jewelry and gifts.  Open for over 8 years, it is the creation of Cami, shown at her counter helping a customer.  It is one of many unique, locally owned shops in Fairhaven.  It offers Cami’s selection of what is worth your attention.  And helps make shopping in Fairhaven so different from the malls or big box stores.

New to the Whimsey gallery is Love Heals, a line of unique charms, stones and chains from a family run company in Ojai, California.  A philanthropic business, Love Heals jewelry is handmade in the USA from ethically sourced materials.  Stop by the Whimsey gallery to create your own unique necklace, bracelet and earrings.

We invite you to Fairhaven for your gift shopping.  Most shops are open until 9 pm every Friday until Christmas. 

Click the link below to see photos of the items available at Whimsey. 

Fun days start for Fairhaven Holiday Festival

Monday, November 28, 2011

click photo above for larger view
Here are some photos of the fun in Fairhaven this past weekend as the Fairhaven Holiday Festival Opening days.  Above is Good Earth Pottery with its works representing more than 50 local artists. 

The lights floating in the big tree behind Don White’s Skylark’s Cafe.  Don puts special effort into that tree each year - and wows us every time.  Walk up the cobblestone way to fully enjoy.

Jody Finnegan’s 12th Street Shoes always has sharp seasonal windows.

The Grinch is at Village Books most all day every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.  Tim takes the photos - and they can be used for Holiday Cards or just family memories. 

Paws Awhile is a gift shop that benefits the Whatcom Humane Society.  The gifts are for people, not pets, and they have a great selection for Christmas.

Magdalena’s Creperie on 10th Street had an eclectic and enjoyable photography exhibit by Marguerite Crooks and Kate Vredevoogd.  It may still be there. 

Bellingham High School carolers were on the sidewalks on Saturday adding to the holiday cheer.

The Fairhaven Village Inn is hosting the horse drawn wagon rides through the historic streets each Saturday through Dec 24 from noon to 3 pm.  Free - and the kids love it. 

We didn’t forget Santa.  Here he is in the gazebo at Harris and 10th.  He will also be at the Fairhaven Village Inn - seen in the photo down at the end of the block - every Saturday from noon to 3 pm until Christmas. 

Holiday Season opens in Historic Fairhaven

Friday, November 25, 2011

click photo for larger view

Santa assisted at 5 pm in lighting the Festive Forest on the Village Green stage - and the Bellingham High School ‘Showstoppers’ sang carols for the crowd.  It was a beautiful and fun event with music in the air.  Then the singers walked the sidewalks of the historic district, caroling the shoppers.  And the shops were lit with lights for the holidays and stocked with unique gifts for all. 

Tomorrow is Shop Local day - and we just wanted you to know that every shop and restaurant in the historic district is locally owned.  Every one.  We hope many will come down on Saturday and have the most enjoyable shopping that can be imagined. 

Starts Friday - Fairhaven Holiday Festival

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

click poster for larger view

This poster says it all.  And you can check the Event information above for full schedule of all events. 

It starts with the Grinch at Village Books on Friday morning. If you subscribe to the Fairhaven Friends News, then you received this graphic as an email.  You can download an easy to print pdf file of this poster and put it on your home bulletin board.  Lots happening in Fairhaven this weekend - and every weekend until Christmas.  We invite you to Fairhaven. 

We invite you to Historic Fairhaven for shopping

Sunday, November 20, 2011

This coming Friday and Saturday evenings are the opening nights to the month long Fairhaven Holiday Festival.  For over 20 years the historic district has opened the Christmas shopping with all the shops staying open till 9 pm, serving refreshments, having artists in the galleries and shops, and with all the thousands of lights being turned on at the start of Friday evening.  There is no rushing in doors for bargains.  Instead there are many shops with unique Northwest crafted gifts, fine jewelry, art, clothing, shoes, books - and toys.  Fairhaven has two full line toy stores, plus other shops also carry many gifts for children.

Above is Village Books with the unique relaxed Fairhaven ambience in full view.  Casual browsing of good books.  Besides books, you can buy iPads, eBooks, children’s toys and more.  Upstairs is the cozy Book Fare Cafe.  Connected by a wide archway is Paper Dreams with a huge selection of holiday cards, calendars, picture frames, and most any gift or home decor item that involves paper.  Starting this Friday and every Friday until Christmas, most shops will be open until 9 pm.  Come on down to Historic Fairhaven, where shopping is more fun.

Home for the Holidays at the Cruise Terminal

Friday, November 18, 2011

Open until 9:30 tonight, Friday evening, and on Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.  Joyce Hill is presenting the 30th Home for the Holidays, Bellingham’s premier holiday gift show at the Alaska Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven.  Admission is free - but with over 60 vendors the shopping is great.  Parking is plentiful and free.  The Port of Bellingham has decorated the terminal for the Christmas Holidays and it makes this gift show a visual delight.  Come on down to Fairhaven. Take I-5 Exit 250 and follow the signs. 

Halloween photos ready at Fairhaven Pharmacy

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The free photos taken by Gordy Tweit are now available for pickup at the Fairhaven Pharmacy.  The window display will be up until mid week and then the boards will be inside the shop - and you can search for your photos there.  After that they will be put in photo books and you can still pick them up.  In fact, photos from 2009 and 2010 are still available for pickup.

All no charge, courtesy of the Fairhaven Pharmacy, Quicksilver Photo Lab on Cornwall Avenue, and Gordy Tweit.  All three combine their resources each year to donate this to the community.  If you have a little one whose photo was taken by Gordy, you owe it to them to pick up the photos.  The photos will be treasured when they grow up. 

Stop by anytime the Pharmacy is open.  The staff will help you.  Mon-Fri 9:30 am to 6 pm.  Sat 9:30 am to 4 pm. 

High value women’s clothing shops in Fairhaven

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Newly opened Serendipity, a women’s clothing consignment shop, is shown with owner Lisa Lee at the counter.  Lisa and her partners have a very successful shop in Kirlkland and have their new shop in Fairhaven packed with clothing from Kirkland and Bellevue.  Great values can be had on very high quality clothes. 

She just opened last week and is right across 11th Street from Village Books and next to Fairhaven Runners.  And she is open 7 days a week. 

She joins Southside Trends, also a women’s clothing consignment shop, located down on Harris Ave at 9th street to provide Fairhaven with two high value shops for women’s clothing.  Cathy Lee opened her shop in 2006.  Between these two shops, plus others that sell new clothes, shoes and accessories, Fairhaven offers outstanding values and choices for women looking for clothes. 

Southside Trends has a large showroom that is always packed with all types of women’s clothing. 

We invite you to visit Fairhaven for a great shopping experience. Free parking in the entire commercial district. 

Fantastic fun with perfect weather for Halloween

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

As it has for several years now, the weather magically cleared for Halloween eve in Fairhaven.  And the kids dragged their happy parents up and down Harris Avenue and all the side streets.  The historic district was packed.  Above is 11th Street showing the 1800s buildings and the fun that everyone had.  It was just a fun and perfect evening for all - merchants, parents and the little ones.

Gordy Tweit took hundreds of photos of all the costumed folks at the Fairhaven Pharmacy, marking the 49th year he has done this.  All ages, from infants to grand folks, were enjoying Gordy’s generosity.  Gordy is the retired pharmacist and he is assisted each year by the current pharmacist Rob and the staff.  It is their annual gift to the Fairhaven community and we thank them for it.  Photos are no charge and will be ready for pickup in a few days.  We will post a notice at the top of this page when they are ready.

DAvid, of Papa’s Sweets, surrounded by potential tricksters as he doles out candies.

The Toy Garden invited the little ones and their parents into the store to get the treats. 

Bay to Baker also invited the little ones in - and this guy is just really appreciative of that bit of candy.  Batman looks like he better get just as nice a piece, or else. 

Jody at Southside Trends met them at the door.  Yep, the merchants really got into costumes also.

Nancy at Artwood Gallery - the lady bug gives a treat to superman. 

James of Renaissance Celebration is his usual Halloween chair provides candy to a fellow who looks like he knows how to count candies - and James better get it right.

A look up Harris Avenue showing the crowded sidewalks.  Our hat is doffed to all the business owners and employees who prepared their shop windows, bought all the sweets, dressed up in costumes and made the afternoon a fun and exciting event for all the little ones - and also for their parents. 

Treats in Fairhaven - Monday 3 to 6 pm

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Bring the little goblins and princesses and super heroes and ghosts to Fairhaven Monday afternoon from 3pm to 6 pm.  The historic buildings will be looming above the sidewalks - the shop windows are thick with cobwebs, spider webs - and pumpkins.  The business owners will be witches, frankensteins or just themselves - but they will have treats.  Lots of treats. 

The pumpkin above is on an outside dining table at the Big Fat Fish restaurant on 12th Street.  Chef Jordan River did the incredible carving of a Dungeness Crab.  He has another of fish and is carving another tonight for placement somewhere in Fairhaven.  Oh, and another is down at Good Earth Pottery on Harris.  The chef has talents with those cooking knives. 

Again this year, Gordy Tweit will be taking photos of all the little ones at the Fairhaven Pharmacy.  No charge - as it is a yearly tradition of the pharmacy.  Rob, Marci and the staff will be helping Gordy do this for the 49th year.  Yep, he started in 1963.  Yes, kids from that year are bringing their grand children for photos this year. 

Finally - the weather forecast is for clearing skies and the rain stopping over the afternoon.  Might be a perfect crisp Halloween afternoon.

Ready for Halloween

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Nice work by S&S Concrete and the Bellingham Public Works Department.  They knew Halloween afternoon is big in Fairhaven and they did quick work this week replacing broken sidewalks on Harris Avenue.  Above is the final paving that was poured and smoothed this morning.  It will be ready for use on Friday.  What was really nice is how they kept access to the front doors of the shops all during the four days of work.  The S&S crew was just great.  Public Works informed business owners ahead of time and scheduled work to minimize disruptions.  Thanks to both.

And notice the last of the brick planters around the street trees are now gone.  It was time.  They were installed about 28 years ago by the Old Fairhaven Association and were expected to last 20 years.  Well, the growing trees were pushing the planters apart.  Other planters in the historic district have been taken out over the past 10 years.  Below is a photo of the street last week with the planters.  While it does not fully show, the planters were slowly coming apart. 

Paper Dreams has Halloween stuff

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Hats, orange goody bags, scary jewelry, Halloween cards - and who knows what else.  Only those who go inside Paper Dreams can really see what is in there.  Whooohooo. 

Bring the little ones down for treats on Halloween - Monday, Oct 31 from 3 pm to 6 pm.  Most all the shops in the historic district will be providing treats.  Already windows are being decorated and spooky things are being rumored about. The historic streets and buildings are perfect for that old Halloween feeling. 

In the window of Paper Dreams are reflected from across the street some of Fairhaven’s oldest buildings from 1888 and 1890. A tip of the hat to Kelly for the great window display.  Some of Fairhaven’s historic buildings are haunted.  But we are not telling which ones.  You can pick up a brochure at the information gazebo on Halloween that tells about the haunted ones.  the gazebo is located at 10th and Harris next to the Bead Bazaar. 

Gordy Tweit will be taking photos at the Fairhaven Pharmacy - as he has done since 1963.  This will be his 49th year. 

Fairhaven Bike & Ski celebrates 40 years - with a sale

Friday, October 14, 2011

John Hauter started Fairhaven Bikes next to Tony’s new coffee shop back in October 1971 - right where Harris Avenue Cafe is today.  Shown above, John is helping a good customer while Joey looks on from the other side of the service counter.  The place is packed with every type of bike for any type of riding by anyone of any age.  They are literally are hanging from the ceiling. 

A big 40th Anniversary Sale continues through Sunday. Great bargains even on ski equipment which is surprising for this time of year.  John’s staff of experts handle everything that needs to be done for skis and bikes - and carry the clothing and accessories for both sports.  They also rent both - whether for hitting Mt Baker for the opening of ski season or a mountain bike ride on Chuckanut Mountain. 

Fairhaven Bike & Ski is now the oldest business is Fairhaven still owned and managed by the original entrepreneur.  Fairhaven Pharmacy is our oldest business, going back over 100 years.  Tony’s Coffee started at the same time as Fairhaven Bike but has gone through several owners.  Haggen’s Fairhaven Market, Winn’s Drive In and Good Earth Pottery all started in the 1960s but have changed owners one or more times. Gallery West, The Chimney Sweep and Dos Padres all started in the mid 1970s.  John Hauter has the title of longest running owner of a business in Fairhaven.  The skiing and biking are probably one reason he looks much younger and is still fit and enjoying his work. 

Fairhaven Lions Club has a message for us

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Fairhaven Lions Club would like to thank the community of Fairhaven for all the wonderful support shown during our flower watering efforts though out the summer.  Flowers pots were put up in time for the Ski to Sea Race and stayed up though September. Receiving daily waterings, over 350 volunteer hours were required.  Frequent comments of how wonderful the flowers looked were heard, and appreciated.  More Volunteers are needed for next year!  Please contact Fairhaven Lions Club for more information. 

Fairhaven Lions Club website

Phone:  360-746-8206.

John M. Marshall, President of the Fairhaven Lions Club

Local Politics at the Old Firehouse

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Hosting a forum for candidates this evening, the old Fairhaven Fire Station, now the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, provided a perfect cozy venue for candidates and voters.  24 candidates attended, including both from virtually every contested city and county contest.  While the seating capacity is modest, south side Bellingham politics is taken quite seriously and candidates know that.  The place was standing room only. 

Shown above are the Bellingham City Council candidates for the four open seats of the seven on the council.  Two are running unopposed, but they showed anyway to present their views and answer questions.  The Coalition of Southside Neighborhoods produced the forum.  Besides Fairhaven, that includes South Hill, South, Happy Valley and Edgemoor.  It was a very well run forum and all enjoyed it.  A tip of the hat and thanks to all who helped put this on.  We had a perfect opportunity to compare candidates for all local offices.

If you are not familiar with the Firehouse, it was Bellingham’s #2 fire station for almost 80 years.  After a new station was built a few blocks away, it was renovated and is now a community meeting place, coffee shop, theater and classroom.  It hosts classes in dance, martial arts, relaxation, ballet and more.  And it is now showing movies once a month during the winter.  And tonight it hosted a very good political forum.  Thanks folks. 

Fairhaven business owners have more fun

Thursday, September 29, 2011

There are at least a dozen Fairhaven business owners in this photo.  This is a little look behind the scenes in our compact business district.  Each month the business owners schedule a mixer for themselves.  It is hosted by a different business each month.  We call it the monthly Fiver - because it starts at 5:55 pm - to fit with most shops closing at 6 pm.  Tonight the Fairhaven Village Inn co-owner Connie Shannon hosted at her cozy hotel.  That is her with the big smile in the middle of the photo.  These mixers and other social events for business owners are organized by the Old Fairhaven Association.  We thank Connie for the great spread of snacks, tastes and beverages.  And to Ross of Drizzle who provided tastings of a few of his 55 different vinegars. 

Farmers Market completes 2011 season

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The Fairhaven Village Green always looks great in the late afternoon sun and today was especially so.  The rich colors of farm produce and the warm tones of the wooden pergola make a beautiful scene to the eye.  The camera struggles to convey the beauty. And today was the last Wednesday of the Farmer’s Market on the Green for this year.  It will hopefully return next spring. 

Little known is that Bellingham’s Farmer’s Market started in Fairhaven.  Back in the 1990s, Ken Imus allowed his parking lot at 11th and McKenzie to be used each week by a local farmers group.  Their market became quite a success and city hall offered them $35,000 to move to downtown Bellingham.  They did and continued to grow - and about seven years ago they brought back a smaller market to Fairhaven. 

The Village Green seems made for a farmer’s market with its beautiful wooden pergola and central lawn.  But it is a difficult fit because of the extra work setting up on the Green away from the farmer’s trucks, because of the very limited parking for customers, and because of the mid week times.  Each year it is a barely worthwhile event for the vendors and fewer farmers attend while more crafts, clothes and art vendors take their places.  And not all the pergola stalls are filled.  So each year brings new questions about the market.  We shall see about 2012. 

Salmon BBQ features Wild King Salmon

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Serving till on the Village Green were full salmon dinners - BBQed King Salmon with all the trimmings.  Here we see Tasha slicing the salmon into serving sizes and chef Alex tending the grill while Rich Bulman has a serving platter filled. The dinners were $15 and included salmon, corn on the cob, coleslaw, bun, beverage and dessert. 

We want to thank Vis Seafoods for the salmon, Skylark’s Restaurant for the coleslaw, Avenue Bread for the rolls, Joe’s Gardens for the corn on the cob, Katie’s Cupcakes for cupcake desserts, and and Papa’s Sweets and Shangri-La Tea Company for the iced tea.  We also thank all the volunteers who helped make this day. 

Dirty Dan, aka Jim Rich, serving salmon. 

Chef Alex who supervised the grilling of the salmon.

Today - 11 - 5, Sidewalk Sale; 1 pm Salmon BBQ

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Happening now. The Sidewalk Sale is the once a year clearance by most Fairhaven shops.  Each sets up a table on the sidewalk in front of their shop with bargains and big savings.  It is going now and will continue to 5 pm.  The weather is great so come on down.

Salmon BBQ starts at 1 pm and continues until all 500 salmon meals are sold or until 4 pm.  We have never lasted till 4 pm, so come early.  $15 gets you the classic King Salmon, corn on the cob, coleslaw, roll, beverage and desert.  $6 hotdog, desert and beverage for the kids, if you want. 

Great day in the historic district of Fairhaven.  Take I-5 Exit 250. 

Steampunk comes to Fairhaven

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Village Books hosted a Steampunk Masquerade this evening up on the mezzanine, where book readings happen.  Lindsey of VB hosted the event and was most appropriately attired.  Jonathan of The American Museum of Radio & Electricity had a Tesla coil for consenting individuals to partake of the electronic excitement.  (he is seen on the far right with his coil)

Steampunk? It is dressing and acting in the manner of a slightly over the top Victorian personality in the modern world - and - and this is important - and we have not advanced beyond steam power.  No electricity, no gas or diesel engines.  Thus, jetliners are powered by steam.  It is fun.  And that is the perspective of a 70 year old.  I’m probably off a bit.  Google the word and click to view Images.  Oh, and add in to all that - Science Fiction.  Jules Verne, you know.  (and don’t go out without your your touring goggles)

Fairhaven continues to have fun and try new things.  That is what we treasure and hope continues.  We invite you to Historic Fairhaven to have some fun.  Maybe the Sidewalk Sale and Salmon BBQ this Saturday.  Rain or shine - come on down for some fun.

By the way - doesn’t Andy, the Herald photographer, looks inadvertently Steampunk with his belt of lens holsters.  And check out the young guy on the far left with the gas mask and personal defense instrument.

Visitor Information Gazebo gets spruced up

Monday, September 12, 2011

Erica Hume, the manager of Artwood Gallery, is chagrined that we would want a photo of her.  But here she is, on her day off, putting on trim paint after she attached the new Visitor Info sign.  She and her husband Jim earlier installed a new step for more easily getting into the gazebo. 

The gazebo is located at Harris and 10th, next to the Bead Bazaar.  It will be improved even more and information racks will be put inside it for 24 hour visitor information.  The sign points to the Bay to Baker Trading Company, only half a block down Harris, where our complete Visitor Info center is.  Bay to Baker is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. 

We thank Erica.  She is one of many business owners who volunteer in The Old Fairhaven Association to promote our district, preserve the historic buildings and help make Fairhaven a fun place to visit, work and shop.  The last thing she sought was publicity.  She didn’t even know I was down in Fairhaven early Monday morning.  So a bit if recognition is appropriate.  By the way, she also organizes the Holiday Walk in late November and the Solstice Walk in June.  - John Servais

Mount Bakery Fairhaven now open daily

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

A scratch bakery in Fairhaven. Mount Bakery is well known for their downtown Bellingham coffee shop and their outstanding baked sweets.  Well, they have moved their actual bakery to Fairhaven and are open every day of the week at 7 am until 1 pm.  They are located next to Trek Video, where Fairhaven Pizza was.

Above, Leah and Ed work at the counter while Jessica works at the back counter.  Coffee selection is limited to a fine drip grind now, but espresso will be available later this month.  It is a cozy shop, perfect for meeting a friend and enjoying a very fresh baked pastry.  Croissants, twists (made with croissant dough), scones, muffins, several kinds of cookies - and cinnamon rolls.  Really good cinnamon rolls.  And, what they are best known for, their desserts.  Truffles, tarts and cheesecakes.  Plus they offer custom cakes and desserts to order for any of your special occasions. 

We welcome Leah and her crew to Fairhaven.

A medley of bricks by Mark Turner

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Fairhaven portrait photographer, Mark Turner, spent an hour the other day photographing the bricks in Fairhaven.  And we have plenty of old and new examples to explore.  Then he made another of his fun medleys set to music.  It is about 4 minutes long and a fun watch.  Could not help myself from trying to identify where each photo was taken.  I was trying to just enjoy the beauty and patterns. 

Mark does portrait photography and has several books on flowers and nature.  You can find his books at - Village Books, of course.  We thank him for this bit of beauty.

Extra: Mark is doing a family portrait special on Sep 17 & 18 to benefit the Bellingham Food Bank.  This is half price for a family portrait with the entire session fee donated.  He has a page on his website with more information.

Detail of Knights of Phythias Building - 1891

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

click photo for a larger view
A restoration this summer of the brick facade of the 120 years old Knights of Phythias building has revealed again its detail and beauty.  The Phythias were a mens association in the 1800s and they met in a ballroom on the top floor.  Over the decades, the building has seen stores for hardware, clothing, variety, books.  Several other organizations met in the upper floors for many decades.  Today, Pacific Chef, Colophon and Drizzle occupy the building. 

The upper floors have been vacant for decades.  And will remain vacant until the building is renovated.  It is the last major historic building in the historic district of Fairhaven that needs renovation.

Last Outdoor Movie of Summer this Saturday

Thursday, August 25, 2011

If you have not yet enjoyed an outdoor cinema on the Village Green this summer, then Saturday evening is your last chance.  Weather prediction is for a perfect summer day - something we have not had many of this year.  The movie is the classic “The Princess Bride” with live music by Big Sur starting at 7 pm.  The movie starts as soon as it is dark enough.

Bring a low back camp chair or blankets for comfort.  Always treats for sale before the movie.  Relax on the beautiful Village Green and enjoy a summer evening of music, people and a fun movie.  Donations for pre-movie seating is $5.  Big Sur is worth that by itself for their fine Indie, Folk and Popular music. 

New benches enhance the historic district

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Relaxing on one of the new benches in Fairhaven, these two guys are enjoying the sunshine while their wives shop for clothes at Cathy Lee’s Southside Trends consignment shop at Harris and 9th Streets.  Cathy calls it the “Man Bench” and says it is popular.  Six benches were purchased a few years ago with a grant the Old Fairhaven Association received.  Two were never installed.  So a couple weeks ago, Brad Imus and a friend installed the last two. 

Above, Brad installs the second bench at the corner of 11th and Mill Streets - next to the Fairhaven Toy Garden.  The members of the Old Fairhaven Association all volunteer their time, working to keep the historic district attractive. 

While the stars are the 11 historic buildings, the Association has worked to make the district friendly for walking.  Benches help.  As do several new bike racks.  And the hanging baskets of flowers and the banners from light poles.  Even mundane items - such as the new trash receptacles installed last winter.  And there are other current projects the Association is working on.  All done by volunteers who have a sense of community.  Who give of their free time beyond work hours to make the historic district a fun place.  Thanks Brad.  And thanks to the others who make it happen. 

Watering the hanging baskets of flowers

Friday, August 12, 2011

Jan Polen of the Fairhaven Lions Club waters one of the 80 hanging baskets of flowers in our historic district.  Yes, the watering cart - a converted golf cart - has been repaired and put back in service.  Early each morning, 7 days a week, all summer long, the Lions Club members take turns with the watering.  Without daily refreshments, the flowers would wilt and fade in a very few days.

Since about 1995, the Old Fairhaven Association donates each year to the Lions’ charity fund.  And the club members then volunteer their personal time for the watering.  It is one of many activities that help make Fairhaven a beautiful place to visit.  Twice this summer the watering has been stopped as the cart was stolen.  Twice we have recovered it, thanks to help from folks who live on the Bellingham southside, and twice we have repaired the damage and bought new parts for the cart.  It is now stored in what we hope is a secure location. 

If anyone wants to volunteer to help the Lions Club with the watering, contact Jody Finnegan, the owner of 12th Street Shoes and the Association Vice President.  Jan Polen said they are open to non club members helping them. 

Found.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Found, again - truth to be said.  Here is our little, but expensive, watering cart - sans water tank, pump, some wiring and with a few broken things.  But otherwise in good shape.  Where we found it. We thank Amber Bone and Dennis Boher who both live up on the South Hill, for each spotting and reporting the cart. This afternoon the Fairhaven Lions Club volunteers are going to fix it, reinstall the water tank, put on a new pump, and have it ready for watering duty Sunday morning.  And, of course, we have a new storage location. Nuff said about that. 

A number of people took time out from their summer plans over the past two days to help.  Constantine Papadakis of Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse who helped with his pickup truck both days.  Jan Polen and Victor of the Fairhaven Lions Club.  Jody Finnegan of 12th Street Shoes for getting the news out, buying new parts and coordinating the rest of us.  And several others who were ready to help in the coming days. 

There are more important things than hanging baskets of flowers.  And so we have not lost our perspective.  Much of all this is the damn vandalism of stealing and trashing an old, cherished and well cared for cart that is expensive to replace.  It is electric, recycled, carefully maintained, and provides water for beautifying plants in an historic shopping area.  And we put in many hours to keep our little historic district a pleasant place to walk, browse, shop and eat.  Thanks to all who helped or were ready to help.

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