A Musician on Skagit River.
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SCANDINAVIANS IN BELLINGHAM BAY.
[CHAPTER XIII.]

It is but few places where nature has been so kind and lavishing with her store of grandeur as in Bellingham Bay. Sweet in music, the happy ripples dance to kiss the pebbled borders of the twin cities—New Whatcom and Fairhaven. Above the din of their tumults stands the white-haired Mt. Baker with a snowy hood drawn down his broad shoulders, throwing glimpses of awe over a gay landscape. About four miles from these sister cities smiles Lake Whatcom, where living gondolas ride on its glassy bosom from shore to shore.

In early days Scandinavians gave heed to this happy land of verdure and songs. About forty years ago they visited the bay and reconnoitered the country. Everson, a Norwegian by birth, was among the first pioneers. The last ten years a number of Norwegians, Swedes and Danes have located in both New Whatcom and Fairhaven, and rank among the leading business men of the two cities.

O. B. Barba, a prominent lawyer of New Whatcom, born in Norway, but raised and educated in Wisconsin, came here, 1890, and has steadily invited the confidence of his countrymen and the people in general.

Ole Oien has the honor of being the first Scandinavian elected to county office in Whatcom county. He was born in Toten, Norway, came to Bellingham Bay several years ago, and at the last election was chosen to the office of county clerk. He is a man of energy and intelligence, and may rise to higher trust and honor in the gift of the people.