Brian L. Griffin papers, 1890-2013

A long time community physician, mountaineer and artist, Dr. Arnold shares his interesting life story.

Incredibly, this woman in her eighties is the daughter of one of the major players of the Fairhaven Boom of 1890. Her father built the Waldron Building still standing on 12th St. in Fairhaven.

John was an early arrival among the "hippy" occupants of Fairhaven in the 1970s. Always an activist, he created "Toad Hall" in the basement of the Nelson Block. Now a staid and respected local business man, John tells of those wild old days in Fairhaven.

Both Bowmans came to the Northwest with their families as infants fleeing the tragedy of the "Dust Bowl." Rising from the depths of the Great Depression to the leadership of one of America's great corporations, they have now retired to the city of their youth. Their generous philanthropy has enriched their community and validated the American Dream.

A longtime resident of the Fort Bellingham area of Bellingham, Muriel relates her family story including early retailing history in downtown Bellingham.

A longtime resident of the Fort Bellingham area of Bellingham, Muriel relates her family story including early retailing history in downtown Bellingham.

Born into a fishing family in the Croatian "Slav" enclave in Fairhaven in the early 1930's, Pete Elich tells his fascinating story of that culture and of his rise to a major administrative position in higher education at WWU. This is a classic American story.

Born in Bellingham to a prominent family, Jo tells of her youth and growing up in Bellingham.

This determined and resourceful woman almost single-handedly saved the iconic old City Hall from demolition after the fire. The Whatcom Museum is indebted to her for its very existence. This fine artist tells about her life and the fight to save the Museum Building in an entertaining interview.

The life story of a well-known Bellingham family long established in the medical community.

Listen to the incredible recall of this longtime Port figure as he relates his long and productive life. Those who knew and loved him will treasure the memory. It is a long story on two discs.

Presentation at the Whatcom Museum. Electronic/digital resource - contact repository re: access.

Electronic/digital file. Contact repository re: access.

Electronic/digital file. Contact repository re: access.

Interviewed by the WWU library staff as a part of the 2007 Campus School reunion program. Much about his life but mostly about the Campus School experience.

Two brothers, one an MD, the other a DDS, tell the story of their bringing up and sharing a fascinating role in the resurrection of Fairhaven.

Joe, now in his early nineties, was raised in lower Fairhaven; a star athlete and student leader at Fairhaven High, a flier during WW2, an engineer, sailor and community leader. His life story tells much about Fairhaven in the twenties.

A hometown boy who went to California, made a fortune, and came home to resurrect Fairhaven. Ken and his family have owned most of the historic village at one time or another, built many of the new buildings, and been responsible for much of its renaissance.

The interesting story of the creation and development of the enclave of Bellingham folks at Doe Bay on Orcas Island. The story is entwined with the history of the Culver/Johanson families.

This longtime Bellingham florist shares his family history and a wonderful tale of the demolition of the iconic Fairhaven Hotel.

Memories of a giant in the radio and television broadcasting world in our region and the nation as recalled by a former employee, Joseph Coons.

Another of the South Bellingham "Slav" fishing community, a longtime educator, Mitch Kinkocich tells about the early days in the Fairhaven ethnic community.

A Bellingham native and lifelong participant in the fishing industry, Martin tells his family story and much of the story of the "Slav" fishing community.

This business and cultural leader tells the story of his family and his bank, Peoples Bank. A Whatcom County success story.

Lifelong Bellingham resident, active boater, wholesale lumber broker, and father of five children, Main tells his family story with flashbacks about the old Yacht Club in Chuckanut Bay.

Sculptor Bob McDermott and Brian Griffin discuss the technique, artistry and construction of the heroic bust of Larrabee which stands in the McKenzie Alley entrance on 11th Street in Fairhaven.

The implausible life story of the artist who created the beloved Dirty Dan Harris statue in Fairhaven Village Green. How an impoverished kid from the South grew to be a great artist, progressing through a rural education, being a submariner in the U.S. Navy, an engineering career, and finally attending art school in retirement. A must see for anyone who dreams artistic dreams.

This remarkable ninety three year old is the daughter of a prominent early attorney and the granddaughter of the civil engineer who built and operated Whatcom County's first railroad, the Bellingham Bay and British Columbia R.R. Grandpa Stangroom was Pierre Cornwall's man in Sehome. An important historical lineage.

The first oral history in the series done many years ago with Brian Griffin's uncle. A great recitation of family stories, with important side bars including The Civil War, Early day Seattle, and the Hanford atomic plant.

The wife of Clemens Mark Miller, she tells a story of the Scandinavian immigrant families who have made such an impact on the Seattle and Pacific Northwest communities. A news reporter and community activist, she has led a full and interesting life.

Interviewed just weeks before his life was claimed by cancer, this remarkable community leader tells of his life. Among his many contributions, Bob Moles can be given credit for the creation of Bellingham's Boulevard Park. He tells how it all happened.

Both Bellingham natives, Ian was a Fairhaven neighbor of Margaret Gray. They share their stories and their memories of the Grays.

The life story of this longtime community leader told on two discs. The scion of a historic pioneer family tells his and the Morse Hardware Company story.

At age 95, Joyce Morse tells her life story with charm, humor and wonderful recall. A tale of covered wagons, homesteading, and Ellis Island evolves over several generations into a powerful story of family, business success, and contribution to our community.

The life story of a Bellingham boy who came from Oklahoma in the late 30's, grew up here, and went out into the world to achieve significant business success. He discusses his life with childhood and lifetime friend Brian Griffin.

"Gordie" is a community treasure with total recall of the past eighty-plus years of Fairhaven history and an incredible personal museum to back it up. To know Gordie is to know Fairhaven.

The daughter of Cecil Morse, first son of pioneer hardware merchant R.I. Morse. A teacher at Bellingham High School, she married local physician Arthur Watts. A friend and confidant of fellow teacher Margaret Gray, she shares her family memories and reminiscences of Miss Gray.

Another member of the Croatian community of Bellingham's Southside, Rose was for many years the night nursing supervisor for St. Joseph's Hospital. This is her story.