Einar Moen papers, 1898-2015

Overview of the Collection

Title
Einar Moen papers
Dates
1898-2015 (inclusive)
1926-1994 (bulk)
Quantity
0.3 linear feet., (1 box)
Collection Number
XOE_CPNWS0340moen
Summary
This collection documents the role of Einar Moen, a popular local musician, in the rise of jazz in Bellingham. In addition to photos and documents about Einar there are biographical and genealogical materials regarding his family’s origins in the Pacific Northwest based on his relation to the Moens, Mocks and the McKays. The contents of this collection range from 1898-2015, with the bulk of the material dating from 1926 to 1994.
Repository
Western Washington University, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies
Goltz-Murray Archives Building
808 25th St.
Bellingham, WA
98225
Telephone: (360) 650-7534
cpnws@wwu.edu
Access Restrictions

The collection to open to the public.

Languages
English, Norwegian

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

This collection houses materials on Einar Moen (1906-1994). Tobias Moen (1859-1931), Einar’s father, emigrated from Norway to Minnesota and later to Bellingham after being wed to Bergith Halvorson. He subsequently became the minister for various churches in Northwest Washington: Silvana, East Stanwood, Conway, Lawrence, Custer, Ferndale, Blaine and Saxon. Tobias and Bergith would have ten children, Einar being the sixth. Mary Sue Mock (1911-1999) eloped with Einar in 1931 and began a life in Bellingham where they had two children, Marilyn and David. Before marriage, Einar supported himself through performing and began to air broadcasts in 1927 on the new KVOS radio station. Following marriage he gave piano lessons and continued to perform at clubs, theaters and events until his death in 1994.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This collection contains various materials demonstrating the role of Einar Moen, a popular local musician, in the rise of jazz in Bellingham. Einar performed on the piano and organ in classical and contemporary styles. Throughout his career, he organized various dance bands and performed on KVOS broadcasts as well as his solo performances. In addition to photos and documents about Einar there are biographic and genealogical materials regarding his family’s origins in the Pacific Northwest based on his relation to the Moens, Mocks and the McKays. The contents of this collection range from 1898-2015, with the bulk of the material dating from 1926 to 1994. Some photos are photocopies rather than originals.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Einar Moen papers, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Custodial History

Collection was donated by David Moen in 2015.

Processing Note

Collection was processed by Katie Southworth in 2015.

Processing Note

About Harmful Language and Content

To learn more about problematic content in our collections, collection description and teaching tools (including how to provide feedback or request dialogue on this topic), see the following Statement About Potentially Harmful Language and Content

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1 Moen, family jazz materials 2015
1/2 Einar Memorial 1926-1994
1/3 Clippings book 1926-1989
1/4 Einar Moen papers and photos 1898-1989
1/5 Moens, Mocks and McKays 1906-1967

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Jazz musicians -- Washington (State) -- Bellingham.
  • Lutheran Church -- Clergy -- Sources.
  • Piano teachers -- Washington (State) -- Bellingham.

Personal Names

  • Moen, Einar, -- 1906-1994 -- Archives.
  • Moen, Mary Sue, -- 1911-1999 -- Archives.
  • Moen, Tobias J., -- 1859-1931 -- Archives.

Corporate Names

  • KVOS-Radio (Radio station : Bellingham, Wash.) -- Sources.

Form or Genre Terms

  • Albums (Books)
  • Family histories.
  • Photographs.
  • Records (Documents)

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Moen, David Harrison, -- 1940-2020.