In February 1900, Whatcom County purchased approximately 160 acres of land in North Bellingham from the State of Washington for $2,300 (on a mortgage) for use as a county poor farm. Before that, Sisters' Hospital in the town of Fairhaven (now a neighborhood of Bellingham) had been housing the county's poor residents. Using the King County poor farm as a model, Whatcom County cleared four acres of land, planted half with fruit trees, and hired Bellingham architect William Cox (1842-1921) to design and contractor John McDonald to build a two-story, wood-frame building measuring approximately 40 by 80 feet to house up to a dozen "inmates," as they were called at the time. The farm was operational by August 1900. James B. Brand (1840?-1919), a Scottish immigrant who had come to Whatcom County by way of Eastern Washington in 1891, was the farm's first superintendent, but only for a year. Little else is known about the farm until the summer of 1905, when a lengthy exposé was published in the Bellingham Herald that revealed an overall austere and at times harsh life for the 12 old and variously disabled men and one woman who lived there.
Early Residents
Many of those living on the farm were committed for their vices, particularly alcoholism, but apparently for a sweet tooth as well: One resident named L. L. Ingalls escaped to Bellingham when his demands for pie three times per day were not met. In a similar vein, one alcoholic by the name of John Lindsay escaped because he apparently could not understand why they would not feed him breakfast in bed, while another named Bill Pollard (1833-1908) did the same when the farm would not supply him with liquor. Pollard was believed to have been a smuggler in his day, but authorities could never prove it. He ran for county constable in 1906 and insisted his photo be taken with his "big Tom cat on his knee," as it would ensure his victory. Except it didn't. He claimed his placement in the poor farm was an attempt to keep him from being elected.
As was often the case, reasons for staying at the poor farm overlapped. One alcoholic resident named Leonard Gamba was supposedly the "original oyster cocktail man of Bellingham Bay," a leading member of an Italian opera company, and a wealthy merchant in Texas. Another, named W. H. Morris, was said to have been considered wealthy by unknown means, and was lucky enough to eventually be taken in by his daughter in Seattle. Some who were not rich but otherwise healthy, and unemployed, would come to the poor farm for a brief period until finding better work elsewhere. Some ended up at the farm because their families had abandoned them. One by the name of Siebeck was shipped off to Bellingham in 1905 by his daughter to stay with his son, but his son had left Bellingham after allegedly defrauding the proprietors of the Commercial House, a hotel, of thousands of dollars on the promise of a secret formula to cure addictions. The proprietors, upon learning of Siebeck's situation, felt bad for him and took him in until he could be taken to the poor farm.
A deaf woman named Mrs. Metcalf and her three children ended up in the home after her husband skipped town. After he was found in Aberdeen he was tried in court for desertion and compelled to pay $35 per month support for his family. In even sadder cases, some residents were gripped by insanity or depression or simply had grown too weak in their old age to support themselves and had no family willing to care for them. Those who were capable helped care for the farm's chickens, two cows, and four pigs, chopped wood, or mowed the lawn, and all were well fed without regard to the amount of work they could do. However, the interior of the home and its amenities, if you could call them that, left much to be desired:
"The house is … uncompromisingly plain, ugly, and disheartening … Floors are pitifully bare of carpet, the walls bear deep cracks and, in many places … the plastering has crumbled away leaving the bare laths. There are scarcely any pictures to relieve the monotony of … dirty-white walls … In furniture there [are] two filthy lounges in the living room … The beds contain springs entirely worn out, flat and unyielding, mattresses which turn the stomach so dirty have they become, with the stuffing sticking out of numerous holes … A half-dozen or so old magazines have been read and re-read until they are falling to pieces. Their only fresh literature is the Herald and Reveille" ("Over the Hills to the Poor House").
Aside from apparently prompting the county to pressure the farm's superintendent to resign that year, the county did little else than continue to reduce annual funding from a high of $2,470.57 in 1905 to a low of $1,676.23 in 1908. However, the expose seemed to arouse the public's conscience. The Bellingham Herald began reporting on the farm with greater frequency, particular on its motley cast of characters and how they ended up there.
The many different types of residents, each with his or her own unique set of challenges, made the prospect of the farm being a self-sustaining institution an impossibility. A new plan was needed.
Schemes and Reforms
In 1908, instead of increasing the farm's budget back to its previous level, the county sought out additional ways to extract value and cost savings from the poor-farm land. Instead of hiring loggers, the county decided to send prisoners from its jail out to start clearing the more than 100 acres of dense forest around the poor farm so the land could be cultivated. The only problem was that a law prohibited prison labor more than five miles away from the county jail, so a second jail had to be built at the farm
While the new jail was under construction, Whatcom County supposedly received not a single bid from local firewood dealers to supply its courthouse with wood for the coming year. It was decided that not only would prisoners cut down the trees, but would also cut them into firewood. The circumstances seem almost too convenient, leading some to think that this was the plan all along. In any case, construction on a wooden, seven-person prison at a cost of $565 was completed in May 1908 and prisoners were put to work at the farm at once.
Unlike the stereotypical striped prison uniforms, prisoners at the farm were allowed to wear common clothes and were freed from the ball and chain provided they seemed unlikely to escape. Ultimately only one prisoner did escape, and aside from multiple disputes over food quality it was reported that prisoners overall enjoyed the work and were eager to do it instead of idling in a prison cell. These reports may have been embellished lest the program elicit public protest. But when the logging concluded in mid-September, the prisoners had cut enough firewood to fuel the courthouse for two years, worth nearly double the cost to construct the prison.
The early success of this scheme, however, could not conceal the farm's inhumane conditions from the two new county commissioners voters had elected into office just two months later in November 1908. In fact, perhaps the scheme's financial success along with the death of the farm's superintendent that same month emboldened the new commissioners to take action. After appointing a new superintendent in December, they toured they farm in January. Upon finding the bedding, walls, and stoves were all worn out, nearly all the chairs broken, and the interior dirty, smoked, and fly-specked, they returned to Bellingham, where they quickly got to work on a plan for sweeping reforms. They started by ordering that a full inventory of the farm's contents be taken the following month and by codifying a set of 15 rules for the farm's operation in April. Then in May, they declared "that all of the available money that can be expended ... is to be appropriated for the improvement of the [poor farm] building and its furnishings" ("More Money Will Be Spent ..."). By June, they codified the prison labor program into law with a new goal of clearing and cultivating additional land to make the farm more self-sustaining. Lastly, to reduce the stigma associated with poor farms, the county commissioners officially renamed the institution the "County Home," although the name did not immediately take hold in the local vernacular. Instead, it gradually shifted from "Poor Farm" to "County Home" by way of the intermediate name of "County Farm."
The County Farm (1909-1926)
Throughout the summer and early fall of 1909, the County Farm received a staggering $12,000 makeover. Improvements brought much-needed structural repairs to the existing building as well as hot water, a septic system, new plumbing, gas lighting, and a 50 by 50-foot addition with a basement filled with the farm's first crop of potatoes. After these vast improvements, the County Farm entered an era of continuous expansion as well as increasing productivity and consideration for its residents. For the most part, prisoners, who also performed farm work and groundskeeping, were responsible for this productivity. And among the considerations accorded to them and residents alike were bountiful Thanksgiving and Christmas meals served every year.
However, getting this new program started was not without its challenges. First there was a dispute between the county commissioners and sheriff over who should oversee prisoners working at the farm (the sheriff or the superintendent), resulting in many stops and starts to work. Then state law apparently changed, which eliminated the sheriff's ability to profit off feeding county prisoners. Then as county elections were approaching, one county commissioner reportedly offered to restore half the sheriff's lost profit and give him free potatoes from the county farm to feed county prisoners at the courthouse in exchange for political support. Once the matter was settled, though, farm productivity quickly took off.
Prisoners cleared and cultivated land by as much as tens of acres per year until clearing about 120 acres. Occasional publications of the farm's activities reveal an ever-increasing variety of produce including oats, wheat, rye, barley, clover, peas, beets, cabbage, apples, corn, and even tobacco, along with processed foods such as cream, canned fruit, apple butter, and sauerkraut. Bushels and boxes of these crops totaled between 10s and 100s while cans of fruit reached more than a thousand. The animal population followed suit as well. For instance, the farm went from having two horses, five cattle, and three pigs in 1911 to having three horses, 20 cattle, and 20 pigs by 1917. The farm also had an increasing chicken population on top of this, and all this produce provided ample food for residents and prisoners alike with plenty left over to sell for a modest profit.
Life In and Around the County Farm
North Bellingham was a steadily growing community of small-scale farms with families served by a few schools, churches, stores, and a meeting hall or two. Quality of life fluctuated within the farm as it became more integrated with the surrounding community. Within a few years of overseeing improvements to the County Farm, the county commissioners dismissed its superintendent Peter Miller (1866-1922) in February 1913 after the above-described community lodged unspecified complaints against him. One report from a former farm resident suggests this superintendent may have been guilty of cruel treatment of the residents on more than one occasion. Whatever it was, the County appointed Chris C. King (1864-1933), a marshal from nearby Lynden, as the new superintendent. King, with his wife Melissa (1867-1935) as the farm's matron, went on to serve as the County Farm's most well-regarded caretakers until 1931.
Up through the early 1920s reports described Mr. and Mrs. King as "most excellently qualified" and the farm as "prosperous and thrifty" and "spotlessly clean" with residents "happy and content" and prisoners "accorded excellent treatment." In fact, many criminals reportedly preferred to work at the farm in lieu of jail time or fines, and one resident even paid $2,000 for the privilege of retiring there in 1922. The all-around positive sentiment about the farm also had a significant cultural impact in the surrounding community as North Bellingham was often called the "Poor Farm District" or "Poor Farm Corners" and local sports teams proudly started to adopt "poor farm" into their team names as early as 1910.
However, this did not mean life was perfect. In fact, conditions started to decline going into the 1920s. Maintenance and sanitation issues periodically emerged as management struggled to keep up with the farm's rapid population growth (excluding prisoners) from 25 (full capacity) in the expanded main building in 1910 to more than 100 spread out in multiple converted buildings or others constructed over time. These structures included a 22-bed hospital and a new prison that increased capacity from five to 10.
Despite these ad-hoc efforts and good management, some residents still chose to leave, and two committed suicide. In addition, one County Commissioner reported in 1923 that, at no fault of superintendent King, many residents felt neglected by their children and younger relatives "on the outside." As a result, outside groups such as the Whatcom High School Dramatic Club and Salvation Army Band of New Westminster gave multiple performances while the Bellingham Real Estate Association took residents on driving tours and the Optimist Club donated a radio.
While certainly well meaning, this nearly 20-year piecemeal approach to problem solving reached its breaking point in 1926. With more than 100 residents that year, but an official capacity of 65, the farm was dangerously overcrowded. As a result, the main house held up to seven beds in each room, had additional beds in curtained-off common rooms, and even had a cot in its 6.5-foot-tall basement. Even then, still others had to sleep in a variety of dilapidated outbuildings. Even worse than being overcrowded, many of these buildings were a fire hazard, including the main house, which was "in deplorable condition, badly ventilated, poorly lighted, and inadequately heated" ("County Home is Declared Menace"). It also employed ladders as improvised fire escapes. So, county officials and nearby community groups banded together in September 1926 to plan for a new $75,000 fireproof building, one truly worthy enough to be called a home.
Construction of the County Home (1927)
After touring county homes as far south as Portland, Oregon, in late 1926, the county commissioners and superintendent King selected those in Monroe, Port Orchard, and Yakima as model institutions for their future County Home building. Between January and April 1927, the county commissioners selected Bellingham architect F. Stanley Piper (1883-1950) to prepare the plans, approved the issuing of $75,000 in bonds to fund the new home, and awarded the construction contract to Bellingham builders Dunn & Hallert.
The plans called for a low and rambling one-and-a-half-story building with basement, reinforced concrete block frame, concrete tile roof, and stucco exterior arranged in a five-part plan roughly consisting of a central block 275 feet long and 42 feet wide with three wings: one off-center and one at each end. All primary operations and resident rooms were on the first floor, with the upper level for staff housing. The central block contained living quarters for up to 170 residents in single and double rooms as well as wards for four, six, and 12. The larger south wing contained the hospital with operating room, while the smaller north wing contained a 60-person chapel. Plans called for multiple dining rooms, sitting rooms, sewing rooms, reading rooms, smoking rooms, and sun porches. Upon completion, the original structure was demolished and the pre-existing concrete building at the rear was retained as an annex building with a capacity of 40.
Work on the basement and foundation began in mid-April and upon the sale of the county bonds to Blyth, Witter & Company of Seattle on June 2, a ceremonial laying of the cornerstone took place June 4. The cornerstone reportedly contains a history of the homestead along with newspapers and other documents. On November 1, 1927, Whatcom County held an opening ceremony consisting of speeches from local public officials, superintendent King, architect F. Stanley Piper, and even Prince William of Sweden (1884-1965), along with live music from Mahoney's Orchestra and the Bellingham Elks band. By this point, the idea of the farm as a "home" became deeply embedded in the public conscience.
Whatcom County Home (1928-1945)
During its first few years in the new building, the County Home continued to operate largely like it had before, albeit under dramatically improved conditions. Mostly, it was a home for the old-aged and poor, some of whom worked on its increasingly productive farm alongside county prisoners. Although by this point, the prisoners no longer resided at the farm. The expanded and modernized hospital provided high-quality care to both residents and non-residents alike. It even delivered its first baby in 1929. On a regular basis, multiple denominations performed religious services in the chapel wing and numerous social groups and bands came to visit and entertain the residents. Residents were even given fishing licenses and taken out to the movies.
The improved conditions made so many people seek residency that the county had to require an application and exam for entry. Among those seeking residency were numerous relatively well-to-do retirees who bequeathed their multi-thousand-dollar estates (worth up to $150,000 in 2024 dollars) to the county in exchange for lifetime care. As a result, of the initial wave of interest, the Home was nearly at capacity with 150 residents by 1930. A glowing editorial in the Bellingham Herald from a visitor to the County Home said: "During visiting hours there is a deep spirit of congenial fellowship which seems to drive away sorrows and cares ... Everyone seems well pleased, well housed, properly clothed and well fed. They all unite to play the host in their own cozy corners, for here they find real privileges of home." It went on to ask, "How does he do it, this worthy superintendent Chris King, and his faithful co-worker, Mrs. King? Well, they have a way which leads troubled minds to an all-important center of goodwill to all causing the many faces of their numerous inmates to shine with loyalty and zeal for the best" ("County Home Management Praised").
Beginning of the End
Alas, the good times were short lived. Falling ill in January 1931, Chris King, the County Home's 18-year Superintendent, took a leave of absence and by May, he resigned. His departure signaled the beginning of the end of the County Home as it had been known for the past three decades. The worsening economic depression would hasten its demise. The same year King resigned, prison labor resumed logging and wood chopping for the first time in years, but this time it was to provide wood for the needy. The first of many budget cuts was announced under the guise of increased prison labor and farm productivity offsetting costs.
As the broader public continued to feel the shock of the economic downturn, more and more began to seek out county relief, causing the home to breach capacity, possibly for the first time, reaching 180 residents by Christmas 1931. What followed was a rapid increase in the County Home's population and deteriorating conditions as more and more people struggled to sustain themselves and their elders and sought refuge and medical care they could not afford in urban centers. By February 1934, the population (not including staff) reached nearly 300, with 12-14 beds per room, eight in the chapel, and dozens more in the largely windowless garret spaces above the main floor.
As similar institutions existed across the state and the nation more broadly, the problem of overcrowding was a systemic one. Thus, following the precedent set by states such as California and Wyoming in 1930, Washington passed its first old-age pension law in 1933. With the expressed purpose of alleviating overcrowding, the law provided up to $30 per month to its more able-bodied senior citizens to live on their own or in boarding houses. These relief efforts accelerated following the election of President Franklin Roosevelt and the repeal of the nationwide prohibition on alcohol (18th amendment) at the end of 1933, with the latter opening a much-needed stream of tax revenue to fund and expand relief efforts.
While these pensions did start reducing the County Home's population after 1934, it remained well above capacity for some time. Furthermore, in October 1934, the county commissioners slashed the Home's budget by more than 25 percent for 1935, forcing the County Home to require outside relatives to pay for resident care. Emboldened by President Roosevelt's New Deal and the demand for greater relief, the local Democratic Party swept county elections a month later, taking the majority of county commissioner positions.
What followed was a complete shakeup in the management and staff of the County Home, but ostensibly for the worse. If the Bellingham Herald is any indication, the newly elected officials were merely riding the waves of discontent in pursuit of power and the federal funds that came with it. Frequently reported were acts of favoritism, bitter political infighting, widespread corruption, and questionable financial practices that affected nearly every aspect of county operation from the County Home all the way up to the commissioners themselves. Given the Herald's strong Republican bias, the true extent of the corruption can be challenging to gauge. If taken at face value though, the new regime chose to bury the farm deeper into its darkest hour, and the turmoil lasted through 1937.
The Darkest Hour
Certain individuals were appointed to higher positions at the County Home with increased pay in exchange for political favors, while low wages and child labor were reported among lower-ranking staff. Farm operations were often neglected and abandoned with goats allowed to roam wild and destroy neighboring property. Financial mismanagement was rampant with little to no accounting. There were rumors of county cars being used for "pleasure jaunts," and in one case, money was sent to a resident by an out-of-state family member, but given directly to two staff nurses.
Even more scandalous, County Commissioner Julius W. Austin (1876-1955) was caught in a love affair with the County Home's head nurse Reka Brink (1904-1957), with whom he reportedly had clandestine meetings for "immoral purposes" both at the Home itself and elsewhere for which they used a county automobile with hidden license plates. Austin's fellow commissioner Jacob Smith (1875-1939) was reported to have brazenly instructed County Home Superintendent Edwards to "let him have his fun" ("Miss Brink Dropped ..."). The madness eventually culminated in Austin's arrest and a trial in which BOTH Democratic commissioners were charged, among many things, with breaking their oath of office and conspiring with Democratic Party Boss Leslie H. Darwin (1875-1955) to establish a political machine in Whatcom County. A bipartisan recall election followed, but it was ultimately unsuccessful.
Stuck in the middle and often used to serve political ends, County Home residents became increasingly neglected. After concluding a two-month survey of the County Home and its hospital in June 1935, the local Pomona Grange found the residential side of the home to be "revolting." Among the issues reported were multiple bug infestations, an unventilated and poorly lit attic space referred to as a "bake oven," "insipid" food, filthy beds, no attention from doctors and seldom from attendants, absentee management, and so on.
Reconciliation
As the county started to sort out its political disputes and internal corruption, and as federal funding came through the Social Security and Works Progress Administrations from late 1935 into 1936, conditions gradually improved. Among these improvements were a new ventilation system and several dormer windows constructed onto the roof to provide more lighting and fresh air for residents occupying the second floor and additional pensions to rehouse residents elsewhere.
Although evidence of division within its operation existed earlier on, the county officially divided the institution into three operations, the home, hospital, and farm, each with its own manager, in May 1936. In April 1937, county commissioners voted to end forced labor at the farm for good, calling it "bad practice" upon recommendation of the state welfare department, which had taken over management of the County Home and Hospital just three months prior. As the state continued to expand its welfare operations, 17 county poor farms shuttered across the state and converted into nursing homes by November 1937. The remaining ones converted or shut down soon thereafter.
The transition for the Whatcom County Home was more gradual. Repairs, remodeling, and upgrading for expansion of the hospital continued into the early 1940s. An American flag and flagpole raising ceremony organized by the Bellingham Elks lodge in August 1943, officiated the institution's transition to a state-run hospital. Meanwhile, during the farm's final years, the National Youth Administration brought in roughly 30 youths aged 18 to 25 to live in the rear annex building and perform farm and maintenance work while they took classes in agriculture in 1938. The County continued to maintain the farmland until 1945, when it rented out the land to a private farmer and split the profits.
Epilogue
The state-managed Whatcom County Hospital continued to operate until 1963, when it became a county nursing home that ran until 1988. A private organization called Regency Care Group took over in 1988, and after constructing a new building elsewhere, vacated the property in 1991. In 1993, Whatcom County renovated the building for use as an office complex for the county's planning, building, and engineering departments, and continues to use the building for this purpose.
Sources:
“Building Contract,” Whatcom County Commissioner Proceedings, Vol 13, March 9, 1900, p. 133 (https://documents.whatcomcounty.us/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=5160068&dbid=0&repo=WC&cr=1); “Rules and Regulations For Inmates Of Whatcom County Farm,” Whatcom County Commissioner Proceedings, Vol 17, April 6, 1909, p. 572 (https://documents.whatcomcounty.us/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=5160453&dbid=0&repo=WC): "Detail of Tax Levy For County," Bellingham Herald, October 7, 1903, p. 1; "Auditor's Annual Exhibit Of The Finances Of Whatcom County, State of Washington From July 1, 1903 to June 30, 1904," Ibid., July 29, 1904, p. 6; "Father Stung By Gratitude," Ibid., May 29, 1905, p. 2; "Auditor's Annual Exhibit Of The Finances Of Whatcom County, State of Washington From July 1, 1904 to June 30, 1905," Ibid., July 28, 1905, p. 7; "Over The Hills To The Poor House," Ibid., August 12, 1905, p. 6; "Anatole And Paradise," Ibid., August 19, 1905, p. 13; "An Explanation,” Ibid., September 8, 1905, p. 8; "Anatole and Paradise News," Ibid., November 3, 1905, p. 10; "North Bellingham News,” Ibid., November 23, 1905, p. 3; "Interesting Exposure Promised,” Ibid., December 8, 1905, pp. 1, 10; "Once Wealthy Merchant Is Now A Pauper,” Ibid., May 9, 1906, p. 6; "For Sale 10-acre Ranch 330 Feet From County Farm,” Ibid., November 16, 1906, p. 9; "Quit Poor Farm In Order To Get More Pie,” Ibid., April 1, 1907, p. 2; "County Charge Will Be Cared For By His Daughter,” Ibid., April 25, 1907, p. 5; "Buy Direct,” Ibid., April 29, 1907, p. 6; "Anatole and Paradise,” Ibid., May 28, 1907, p. 7; "Mrs Metcalf May Go To Asylum," Ibid., July 3, 1907, p. 10; "Woman Takes Children and Leaves Poor Farm,” Ibid., July 25, 1907, p. 3; "Depravity In Metcalf Family,” Ibid., July 26, 1907, p. 4; "Mrs Metcalf And Her Children Again Escape,” Ibid., July 31, 1907, p. 3; "Children May Be Taken From Custody of Mother,” Ibid., August 1, 1907, p. 5; "Poor Farm May Be Cleared By Prisoners,” Ibid., February 8, 1908, p. 1; "County To Have Jail At Poor Farm,” Ibid., February 13, 1908, p. 1; "Anatole And Paradise," Ibid., February 29, 1908, p. 12; "Poor Farm To Have Jail,” Ibid., March 13, 1908, p. 3; "Trinity German Lutheran," Ibid., April 11, 1908, p. 16; "Jail Site Selected,” Ibid., April 17, 1908, p. 3; "Prisoners Will Cut County Wood,” Ibid., May 5, 1908, p. 1; "House Warming To Be Held At Poor Farm,” Ibid., May 6, 1908, p. 5; "Poor Farm Jailer Selected,” Ibid., May 7, 1908, p. 7; "John Lindsay Runs Away From Poor Farm,” Ibid., May 8, 1908, p. 7; "Pollard Leaves Poor Farm,” Ibid., May 11, 1908, p. 3; "County's Wood Pile Is Low,” Ibid., May 13, 1908, p. 5; "Charges Are Taken To County Farm,” Ibid., May 15, 1908, p. 2; "Poor Farm Jail Complete,” Ibid., May 19, 1908, p. 9; "Marietta," Ibid., May 23, 1908, p. 12; "Prisoners Begin Work On County Wood Pile,” Ibid., May 27, 1908, p. 6; "Prisoners Enjoy Outdoor Work,” Ibid., June 1, 1908, p. 3; "Prisoners Enjoy Life At County's Farm,” Ibid., June 2, 1908, p. 5; "Old Bill Pollard Dies As A County Charge,” Ibid., June 9, 1908, p. 1; "Wood Brought From Poor Farm,” Ibid., June 10, 1908, p. 5; "County Will Not Bid For Wood Contract,” Ibid., July 7, 1908, p. 3; "Contract Let For Hauling County Wood,” Ibid., July 9, 1908, p. 3; "Working Prisoners Want Good Grub,” Ibid., July 18, 1908, p. 7; "Prisoner Runs Away From Poor Farm,” Ibid., July 20, 1908, p. 4; "Prisoners Get Better Fare,” Ibid., July 27, 1908, p. 4; "Trio Of Prisoners Will Clear Land,” Ibid., July 31, 1908, p. 3; "McBride Is Charged With Stealing Spuds,” Ibid., August 13, 1908, p. 7; "Poor Farm Grub Not Relished,” Ibid., August 14, 1908, p. 3; "Prisoners Get Good At County Poor Farm,” Ibid., August 29, 1908, p. 3; "Commissioners To Meet,” Ibid., September 7, 1908, p. 5; "Prisoners Brought In From Poor Farm,” Ibid., September 11, 1908, p. 3; "Prisoners Save Money For Taxpayers,” Ibid., September 12, 1908, p. 3; "Crazed Man Makes Rough House,” Ibid., September 16, 1908, p. 3; "Insane Men Keep Jail In Constant Uproar,” Ibid., September 19, 1908, p. 3; "County Auditor Files Annual Report,” Ibid., September 28, 1908, p. 3; "Inmate Of Poor Farm Lost,” Ibid., October 8, 1908, p. 3; "Too Old To Work, Liekar Goes To Poor Farm,” Ibid., November 13, 1908, p. 7; "Head Of County Poor Farm Dies,” Ibid., November 18, 1908, p. 1; "Peter Miller Is Named,” Ibid., December 7, 1908, p. 3; "Christmas Brings Simple Pleasures," Ibid., December 19, 1908, p. 17; "Late Local News," Ibid., January 13, 1909, p. 3; "Martin Brands Report As A Lie," Ibid., January 14, 1909, p. 5; "Miller Must Bear The Blame,” Ibid., January 15, 1909, p. 6; "Miller Says Report Was Correct,” Ibid., January 16, 1909, p. 8; "Poor Farm Report Filed,” Ibid., February 3, 1909, p. 3; "Commissioners Order Improvements At Poor Farm," Ibid., April 9, 1909, p. 4; "County Now Has Chain Gang," Ibid., April 27, 1909, p. 9; "More Money will Be Spent At Poor Farm," Ibid., May 10, 1909, p. 3; "Wells Kicks Out Of His Contract," Ibid., June 10, 1909, p. 3; "Addition To Poor House Will Cost 12k," Ibid., June 12, 1909, p. 20; "Prisoners Of County Will Slash Timber," Ibid., June 12, 1909, p. 5; "Schools of County And City Are Unexcelled In West," Ibid., July 10, 1909, p. 47; "New Building For Poor Farm," Ibid., July 17, 1909, p. 16; "Poor Farm Is To Be County Home," Ibid., August 4, 1909, p. 3; "Finest Truck Farm In County, " Ibid., September 17, 1909, p. 10; "Sheriff Begins To Recede From His Stand," Ibid., October 22, 1909, p. 1; "Sheriff Tires Of Hotel Business," Ibid., October 23, 1909, p. 1; No title, Ibid., November 6, 1909, p. 4; "School Fight On In Rural District," Ibid., December 7, 1909, p. 5; "Spuds Used In Making Political Play," Ibid., December 16, 1909, p. 1; "Gifts Sent To The County Home," Ibid., December 25, 1909, p. 11; "Games At Ten Mile," Ibid., March 13, 1910, p. 13; "Court Bailiff Takes Charge Of Sheriff's Prisoner," Ibid., April 17, 1910, pp. 1, 3; "Knocks And Boosts," Ibid., May 1, 1910, p. 4; "Court Makes Up Sheriff's Mind For Him," Ibid., May 8, 1910, p. 3; "Prisoners Clear Up Land At Rapid Rate," Ibid., May 15, 1910, p. 12; "Cubs Ready To Meet All Comers," Ibid., May 29, 1910, p. 9; "Cubs Will Play At Ferndale Today," Ibid., June 12, 1910, p. 15; "Paupers' Votes May Decide Election," Ibid., June 15, 1910, p. 3; "Cubs Will Clash With Poor Farm Today," Ibid., June 19, 1910, p. 15; "Vote Not Quite Big Enough To Move School," Ibid., June 19, 1910, pp. 1, 3; "Late Local News," Ibid., July 23, 1910, p. 3; "Investigation Of Sheriff Ordered By Court," Ibid., October 21, 1910, p. 3; "Prisoners Will Work At Poor Farm," Ibid., October 25, 1910, pp. 1, 3; "Sheriff's Men Are Sent To Dig Spuds," Ibid., October 26, 1910, pp. 1, 3; "Pirates Win Game," Ibid., December 19, 1910, p. 1; "Poor Farm Pirates Out After Teams Of County," Ibid., December 25, 1910, p. 9; "New Equipment Is Wanted At Poor Farm," Ibid., January 3, 1911, p. 1; "Poor Farm Pirates Win," Ibid., January 7, 1911, p. 4; "Anatole and Paradise," Ibid., January 29, 1911, p. 16; No title, Ibid., February 8, 1911, p. 3; "Imperials Looking For Challenge," Ibid., March 19, 1911, p. 5; "Late Local News," Ibid., March 20, 1911, p. 3; "Poor Farm Will Be Fenced With Wire," Ibid., April 4, 1911, p. 8; "Grangers Ask For Better Roads," Ibid., April 21, 1911, p. 2; "Big Dinners Served In Jail and County Home," Ibid., November 30, 1911, p. 5; "Demonstration Farm Is Urged By Flint," Ibid., January 27, 1913, p. 5; "Miller Ousted By County," Ibid., February 8, 1913, p. 1; "New Head Of County Farm," Ibid., February 12, 1913, p. 8; "County Stumps Burned," Ibid., September 5, 1913, p. 3; "Brief local news," Ibid., October 4, 1913, p. 3; "300 Sacks Of Potatoes Raisde At County Farm," Ibid., October 20, 1913, p. 3; "County Farm Is Too Popular Place," Ibid., November 26, 1913, p. 3; "Brief Local News," Ibid., November 29, 1913, p. 3; "County Prisoners Get Chicken Dinner," Ibid., December 25, 1913, p. 5; "Annual Report Filed By King," Ibid., January 7, 1914, p. 8; "Youthful Offenders Prefer Farm Work To Paying Fine," Ibid., April 30, 1914, p. 3; "Prisoners Slashing Land At County Farm," Ibid., May 5, 1914, p. 3; "Out of Town Society: Custer," Ibid., May 9, 1914, p. 5; "70 Acres Burned Over At County Farm," Ibid., August 25, 1914, p. 3; "Brief Local News," Ibid., September 23, 1914, p. 3; "Final Report," Ibid., January 1, 1915, p. 4; "Work At Poor Farm Brings Results," Ibid., January 5, 1915, p. 1; "Brief Local News," Ibid., January 13, 1915, p. 6; "Poor Farm Triumphs Over Locals," Ibid., January 15, 1915, p. 3; "New Schoolhouse May Be Built Near Poor Farm,” Ibid., February 6, 1915, p. 6; "North Bellingham," Ibid., March 27, 1915, p. 5; "North Bellingham," Ibid., April 5, 1915, p. 7; "North Bellingham," Ibid., May 10, 1915, p. 7; "New School For Poor Farm District," Ibid., May 17, 1915, p. 4; "Lynden Fair Attended By Crowds: Crowd Cheers Winners," Ibid., October 7, 1915, p. 3; "Report Is Made On Conditions In County By Bureau: County Board Praised," Ibid., November 15, 1915, p. 1; "County's Health Is Excellent," Ibid., March 8, 1916, p. 2; "Much Work Done At County Farm," Ibid., September 9, 1916, p. 6; "County Farm Is Run On Paying Basis," Ibid., January 5, 1917, p. 7; "County Farm Will Be Big Producer," Ibid., February 14, 1917, p. 3; "Brief Local News," Ibid., April 25, 1917, p. 12; "County Farm May Soon Become Self-Sustaining," Ibid., June 16, 1917, p. 5; "J Pluvious Not Popular With Waples: Fine School Exhibit," Ibid., September 26, 1917, p. 2; "Whatcom County's Cornucopia," Ibid., September 29, 1917, p. 4; "North Bellingham," Ibid., May 19, 1919, p. 8; "County Clerks Are Impressed With Highways," Ibid., August 15, 1919, p. 16; "29 In County Prison - Booze-Running Offenders," Ibid., March 20, 1920, p. 8; "May Grow Tabacco," Ibid., June 30, 1920, p. 10; "Brief Local News," Ibid., January 5, 1921, p. 4; "County Farm," Ibid., April 24, 1921, p. 8; "Church News," Ibid., June 28, 1921, p. 7; "Judge Who Hands Out Sentences Thanked," Ibid., January 4, 1922, p. 1; "Aged Bellingham Resident Pays $2000 Cold Cash For Privilege of Becoming Charge of County," Ibid., February 6, 1922, p. 1; ""Fire Crackers," Ibid., June 17, 1922, p. 2; "Spectacular Blaze Burns Autos and Garage," Ibid., June 30, 1922, p. 1; "County Farm Active," Ibid., November 24, 1922, p. 11; "New Concrete Building at North Bellingham," Ibid., December 6, 1922, p. 10; "Court And Commissioners Are At Odds On Sending Prisoners To Farm," Ibid., February 7, 1923, p. 1; "North Bellingham," Ibid., March 15, 1923, p. 13; "Swan Peterson Swallows Poison," Ibid., April 4, 1923, p. 17; "North Bellingham," Ibid., May 9, 1923, p. 10; "Inmates Of County Farm Suffer From Loneliness," Ibid., August 30, 1923, p. 1; "Garage Enlarged," Ibid., September 1, 1923, p. 3; "Aged People Of County Farm Get Long Auto Ride," Ibid., September 14, 1923, p. 3; "Planting Of Beets At County Farm Planned," Ibid., January 12, 1924, p. 1; "Prisoners at County Farm Are Well Treated," Ibid., February 29, 1924, p. 5; "Old Folks At County Farm Like Daily Comics And Sports Sections," Ibid., April 30, 1924, p. 14; "Wanted Geography," Ibid., July 22, 1924, p. 10; "North Bellingham Notes," Ibid., November 24, 1924, p. 5; "Play To Be Given For County Farm Inmates," Ibid., April 17, 1925, p. 9; "Test Suit Planned To Force Relatives To Pay for care, " Ibid., July 17, 1925, p. 11; "Homes Improved," Ibid., August 18, 1925, p. 2; "Army Band Gives Concerts," Ibid., September 9, 1925, p. 9; "Optimist Club Orders Radio Installed For County Farm," Ibid., January 21, 1926, p. 14; "Irish Melody Dance," Ibid., March 10, 1926, p. 14; "Farm Is Crowded," Ibid., April 10, 1926, p. 10; "Caylor Egg Farm,” Ibid., April 30, 1926, p. 18; "North Bellingham Blaze Destroys Nugent's Store," Ibid., May 26, 1926, p. 1; "North Bellingham Notes," Ibid., July 26, 1926, p. 14; "County Home Is Declared Menace," Ibid., August 16, 1926, p. 1; "Building Proposed," Ibid., September 20, 1926, p. 8; "New Home Favored," Ibid., September 27, 1926, p. 11; "Conditions Scored," Ibid., October 9, 1926, p. 2; "County Home Plan Receives Strong Backing, " Ibid., October 13, 1926, p. 1; "Snohomish Farm Is Visted By Miller," Ibid., November 13, 1926, p. 10; "Officials Return: Ideas for County Home Obtained," Ibid., November 15, 1926, p. 3; "Two Residents End Lives By Suicide," Ibid., November 15, 1926, p. 1; "Plan Is Submitted, 65k to build new home," Ibid., January 11, 1927, p. 14; "Plans Submitted," Ibid., January 21, 1927, p. 4; "Architect Chosen," Ibid., January 25, 1927, p. 2; "Wooden Structure At County Farm Doomed," Ibid., January 27, 1927, p. 1; "County Home Plans Receive Board's Approval," Ibid., February 14, 1927, p. 1; "County Home Bond Issue Is Passed By Board," Ibid., March 1, 1927, p. 1; "Whatcom County Jail and Farm Are Crowded," Ibid., March 3, 1927, p. 1; "Brief Local News," Ibid., March 8, 1927, p. 5; "Final Plans Ready," Ibid., March 15, 1927, p. 5; "Bids To Be Called," Ibid., March 18, 1927, p. 20; "Bids Are Studied," Ibid., April 8, 1927, p. 14; "Contract Awarded," Ibid., April 11, 1927, p. 12; "Contracts $72,412, County Home to Be Built $2,587 Under Estimate," Ibid., April 12, 1927, p. 5; "Home Starts Soon," Ibid., April 15, 1927, p. 5; "Bids On County's 75k Bond Issue to Be Opened June 2," Ibid., May 3, 1927, p. 10; "Program Arranged For Dedication of Home," Ibid., June 2, 1927, p. 1; "Dedication Is Held," Ibid., June 4, 1927, p. 8; "Home Is Dedicated," Ibid., June 6, 1927, p. 4; "New Home Will Be Opened Soon," Ibid., September 19, 1927, p. 10; "County Home Ready," Ibid., October 17, 1927, p. 1; "Opening Arranged," Ibid., October 25, 1927, p. 7; "Prince Is Invited," Ibid., October 29, 1927, p. 2; "County Home Open," Ibid., November 1, 1927, p. 10; "Home Is Inspected," Ibid., November 2, 1927, p. 3; “Big Picture Coming,” Ibid., December 8, 1927, p. 14; “County Farm Will Be Scene Of Party,” Ibid., December 23, 1927, p. 12: “122 Inmates of County Home Christmas Guests,” Ibid., December 26, 1927, p. 10; “Radio for County Home Considered,” Ibid., January 19, 1928, p. 5; “North Bellingham,” Ibid., January 21, 1928, p. 4; “County Home,” Ibid., January 28, 1928, p. 2; “Beautiful County Home So Popular That Applicants May Be Granted Hearings To Prevent Farm Becoming An “Easy Berth,”” Ibid., February 2, 1928, p. 1; “Sunset Improvement Club Meeting Friday,” Ibid., February 16, 1928, p. 5; “County Farm Has Party,” Ibid., February 23, 1928, p. 12; “Active Season Plan Of The Elks' Band,” Ibid., April 20, 1929, p. 8; “Birth of Boy First At County's Farm,” Ibid., May 13, 1929, p. 5; “Best Band To Play,” Ibid., July 19, 1929, p. 17; “Party Big Success,” Ibid., November 9, 1929, p. 13; “County Home Visited By Campfire Girls,” Ibid., December 23, 1929, p. 15; “County Home Management Praised,” Ibid., February 13, 1930, p. 2; “Churches,” Ibid., March 22, 1930, p. 5; “Mathis Hansen Gives His Farm In Exchange for County Home Care,” Ibid., April 1, 1930, p. 3; “Lions Entertain At County Home With Minstrel Act,” Ibid., June 5, 1930, p. 15; “Veteran of Indian Wars Would Give All His Worldly Goods, $3,900, Home And Pension, For County Farm Care,” Ibid., January 23, 1931, p. 1; “Veteran Indian Fighter Enters County Home And Demands His Money Be Spent In Building New Rooms, Wish Granted,” Ibid., January 30, 1931, p. 1; “Trucks Inspected: County Board Prepares To Open First Prison Camp,” Ibid., March 26, 1931, p. 13; “Prison Camp Ready,” Ibid., April 2, 1931, p. 1; “13 Prisoners Start Clearing Land,” Ibid., April 3, 1931, p. 14; “County Home Inmates Get Fishing Permits,” Ibid., April 13, 1931, p. 6; “King May Resign As Superintendent,” Ibid., April 30, 1931, p. 2; “Klocke Is Named,” Ibid., May 1, 1931, p. 18; “Program Heard By Inmates of Home,” Ibid., July 24, 1931, p. 9; “Budget Estimates Indicate Pruning Necessary,” Ibid., August 10, 1931, p. 2; “Elks' Band Guest of Business Manager and Wife; Concert Planned,” Ibid., August 18, 1931, 11; “Grain Crop Large,” Ibid., August 28, 1931, p. 15; ““Shutins” Served Excellent Dinners,” Ibid., November 26, 1931, p. 9; “Christmas dinner for 180 residents,” Ibid., December 25, 1931, p. 11; “County Home Capacity Is Taxed, Report Says,” Ibid., February 23, 1932, p. 2; “Many Needy Cases Are Handled at Hospital,” Ibid., June 30, 1932, p. 5; “Cuts Are Provided,” Ibid., August 10, 1932, p. 3; “Old Age Pension Bill Can Be of Benefit,” Ibid., February 16, 1933, p. 9; “County Hospital Praised,” Ibid., May 26, 1933, p. 2; “County Hospital Cares For 289 During Year,” Ibid., July 7, 1933, p. 11; “Increase Sought,” Ibid., August 15, 1933, p. 10; “CC King Dies,” Ibid., October 21, 1933, p. 8; “96 Given Old Age Pensions,” Ibid., January 8, 1934, p. 7; “Probe Requested,” Ibid., January 30, 1934, p. 5; “Officials Consider County Hospital Problem,” Ibid., February 1, 1934, pp. 1, 6; “Inmates Of County Home To Receive Pensions,” Ibid., February 2, 1934, p. 1; "County Is Upheld," Ibid., February 8, 1934, p. 11; "48 Old Age Pensions Are Granted," Ibid., February 28, 1934, p. 10; "Crime Conditions In 1933 Better, County Jail Records Reveal," Ibid., March 21, 1934, p. 5; "Home Left Funds," Ibid., March 26, 1934, p. 2; "Survey of County Home Residents Under Way," Ibid., June 13, 1934, p. 1; "126k Slashed from county budget," Ibid., October 3, 1934, p. 5; "New County Commissioners Organize," Ibid., January 14, 1935, p. 10; "Employees Quit Jobs," Ibid., January 15, 1935, p. 12; "Shakeup Planned," Ibid., January 15, 1935, p. 9; "Funds For county Patients Sought," Ibid., January 17, 1935, p. 1; "County Hospital Head Nurse Is Replaced," Ibid., January 22, 1935, p. 1; "8 Goats Missing," Ibid., February 5, 1935, p. 9; "Alterations Due," Ibid., February 5, 1935, p. 1; "Political Sidelights," Ibid., February 6, 1935, p. 4; "Political Sidelights," Ibid., February 7, 1935, p. 4; "November and February," Ibid., February 14, 1935, p. 6; "That County Home Affair," Ibid., March 8, 1935, p. 4; "Ballahoo," Ibid., March 9, 1935, p. 6; "Enough Of Uncertainty," Ibid., March 11, 1935, p. 4; "County's Goats Running At Large; Taxpayers Who Have To Herd Them Are Looking For Spot On Payroll," Ibid., March 14, 1935, p. 5; "Austin Suggests Hiring Barber," Ibid., March 29, 1935, p. 1; "Hospital Is Praised," Ibid., March 30, 1935, p. 9; "Camp Fire Girls Stage Bday Party for Old Folks," Ibid., April 8, 1935, p. 5; "County Home Criticized (H L Teeter)," Ibid., April 18, 1935, p. 9; "Flies At County Home Worrying Commissioners," Ibid., May 7, 1935, p. 3; "Second Cook at County Home Accused of Theft," Ibid., May 20, 1935, p. 3; "Miss Brink's Removal Is Asked," Ibid., June 7, 1935, p. 1; "County Home Hit," Ibid., June 12, 1935, p. 7; "Better Leadership At County Home Urged," Ibid., June 14, 1935, p. 1; "Political Sidelights," Ibid., June 18, 1935, p. 4; "Political Sidelights," Ibid., June 21, 1935, p. 4; "Changes Proposed, " Ibid., June 25, 1935, p. 10; "Smith Gets Post," Ibid., July 3, 1935, p. 1; "Hospital Praised," Ibid., July 5, 1935, p. 8; "Scott Ryan Named Superintendent Of Home," Ibid., July 5, 1935, p. 1; "County Board Chairman To Face Trial," Ibid., July 6, 1935, p. 1; "Number of residents decreases," Ibid., July 16, 1935, p. 3; "When ''Jake'' Petitioned Himself," Ibid., July 17, 1935, p. 3; "County Home Funds Unreported," Ibid., July 23, 1935, p. 1; "Audit Is Suggested," Ibid., July 24, 1935, p. 3; "Blame For Juggling Receipts Denied By Edwards," Ibid., July 24, 1935, p. 1; "Complaint Pressed," Ibid., July 25, 1935, p. 7; "Political Sidelights," Ibid., July 25, 1935, p. 6; "Claims Are Unpaid," Ibid., July 26, 1935, p. 3; "Ryan ''Explains''," Ibid., July 26, 1935, p. 13; "Mr Ryan's ''Explanation''," Ibid., July 27, 1935, p. 4; "Camouflage," Ibid., July 29, 1935, p. 3; "Political Sidelights," Ibid., July 29, 1935, p. 3; "Ryan's Pay Raised," Ibid., July 31, 1935, p. 3; "Changing The ''Arrangements''," Ibid., August 2, 1935, p. 4; "Report Prepared," Ibid., August 13, 1935, p. 6; "Political Sidelights," Ibid., August 14, 1935, p. 4; "Political Sidelights," Ibid., August 19, 1935, p. 19; "Political Sidelights," Ibid., August 30, 1935, p. 30; "Violation Of Office Oath Charged," Ibid., September 6, 1935, p. 1; "Complaint Lodged," Ibid., September 7, 1935, p. 7; "Cramer Moves For Dismissal Of Ryan," Ibid., September 10, 1935, p. 1; "Jobs Described," Ibid., September 23, 1935, p. 5; "Recall Counts On Austin, Smith Sufficient," Ibid., October 2, 1935, p. 1; "Citizen Calls A Halt," Ibid., October 26, 1935, p. 7; "Wire-Haired Dog, Only "Prisoner" in City Jail, to Get Turkey Drumstick For Dinner; Feast Is Prepared at County Jail and Home," Ibid., November 27, 1935, p. 1; "Approval Received," Ibid., November 30, 1935, p. 1; "Project Submitted, " Ibid., December 13, 1935, p. 16; "Pemberton Named," Ibid., January 11, 1936, p. 6; "Changes Proposed," Ibid., January 13, 1936, p. 7; "Bookkeeping System At County Home Aim," Ibid., January 15, 1936, p. 6; "Citizen Calls A Halt," Ibid., January 28, 1936. p. 4; "County Home Defended," Ibid., January 31, 1936, p. 4; "The County Home," Ibid., February 29, 1936, p. 7; "Death Starts New Probe At County Hospital," Ibid., April 13, 1936, p. 1; "Brief Local News - Improvements at County Home," Ibid., April 23, 1936, p. 8; "Improvements At County Home Are Planned By Board," Ibid., June 11, 1936, p. 2; "Brief Local News, " Ibid., June 12, 1936, p. 12; "Expenses Increase," Ibid., August 13, 1936, p. 1; "County Home Costs," Ibid., August 14, 1936, p. 4; "Smith Heads Board, " Ibid., January 11, 1937, p. 12; "Miss Brink Dropped, Byers not to be farmer," Ibid., January 15, 1937, p. 13; "Miss Brink Dropped," Ibid., January 15, 1937, p. 1; "Battle Indicated," Ibid., January 16, 1937, p. 1; "Project Workers Ask Removal of Scott Ryan," Ibid., January 19, 1937, p. 1; "Sit-Down Strike On Tap At County Home," Ibid., January 22, 1937, p. 2; "Public Inquiry At County Home Is Approved," Ibid., January 26, 1937, p. 1; "County Enters Into Relief Contract," Ibid., January 29, 1937, p. 1; "Another Mandamus Suit In Sight," Ibid., February 1, 1937, p. 1; "Social Service Is Taken Over By State," Ibid., February 15, 1937, p. 1; "Eviction Problem," Ibid., February 18, 1937, p. 7; "Sit-Down Strike At Hospital Is Averted," Ibid., February 20, 1937, p. 10; "Miss Brink ''Out''," Ibid., March 13, 1937, p. 5; "Health Centers For Old People Supplant State's Poor Farms," Ibid., March 24, 1937, p. 3; "County Farm To Grow Berries (residents, not inmates)," Ibid., March 26, 1937, p. 7; "Prisoner Workers To Be Withdrawn," Ibid., April 23, 1937, p. 1; "Improvements Due," Ibid., April 28, 1937, p. 12; "Funds Available," Ibid., July 1, 1937, p. 1; "County Farm Harvests Bumper Crop," Ibid., July 15, 1937, p. 5; "Threshing Starts At County Farm," Ibid., September 1, 1937, p. 12; "Brief Local News," Ibid., September 11, 1937, p. 6; "Doctors To Help," Ibid., November 4, 1937, p. 1; "County Farms Out," Ibid., November 6, 1937, p. 6; "Improvements At County Home Win Approval," Ibid., December 21, 1937, p. 1; "County Home Has Fine Christmas," Ibid., December 25, 1937, p. 8; "Brief Local News," Ibid., December 27, 1937, p. 3; "Old Age Assistance Explained Here," Ibid., January 18, 1938, p. 5; "January Welfare Cost $78,390," Ibid., February 21, 1938, p. 7; "Advice Sought By County Board In Decisions," Ibid., March 11, 1938, p. 1; "Relief Thrown Back On County," Ibid., March 19, 1938, p. 3; "Direct Relief For Jobless Asked Of County," Ibid., April 8, 1938, p. 1; "Forty Young Men To Study Farm Work Here," Ibid., May 4, 1938, p. 1; "Brief Local News," Ibid., May 9, 1938, p. 6; "Brief Local News," Ibid., May 23, 1938, p. 3; "NYA Project Here Goes Forward," Ibid., June 16, 1938, p. 7; "County Hospital Reported Crowded," Ibid., April 6, 1939, p. 2; "County Home Work To Cost 30k," Ibid., March 29, 1940, p. 1; "25 years ago," Ibid., August 2, 1940, p. 4; "Somewhere or Someone Behind The News Front - School Days," Ibid., August 18, 1940, p. 1; "Work Started On Sewage Disposal Plant," Ibid., November 19, 1940, p. 5; "Modern Sewage Disposal Plant Completed," Ibid., June 8, 1941, p. 3; "Flag Presentation Program Today," Ibid., August 29, 1943, p. 14; "Modern Hospital At North Bellingham Planned," Ibid., April 20, 1944, p. 1; "County Farm Profit Is 2686," Ibid., July 14, 1944, p. 3; "Renter For County Farm Is Sought," Ibid., April 2, 1945, p. 3; "Carl Omli Rents County Farm," Ibid., April 6, 1945, p. 3; "Brief Local News," Ibid., April 13, 1945, p. 10; "Brief Local News," Ibid., May 16, 1945, p. 8; "Ferdinand Gerard retires," Ibid., September 30, 1945, p. 4; "W J Pynor Dies At Home," Ibid., January 19, 1950, p. 3; "County Hospital Reports Drop In Number of Patients," Ibid., June 19, 1950, p. 8; "County Hospital Sets Open House," Ibid., May 10, 1961, p. 25; "NB Hospital Remodeling to Begin Monday," Ibid., June 28, 1963, p. 1; "Tracking Down The Nugent of Nugent's Corner," Ibid., July 16, 2006, p. B-1; “A County Poor Farm,” Fairhaven Herald, August 26, 1891, p. 1; "A Letter From Mr Ahern,” Ibid., August 7, 1891, p. 4; "State News - Whatcom County buys land for poor farm," Olympia Washington Standard, February 2, 1900, p. 3; "Whatcom County Poor Farm Opened Yesterday," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 4, 1900, p. 9;"Bonds for Whatcom County Home Voted," The Seattle Times, March 2, 1927, p. 22; "Seattle Firm Bids on Whatcom County Home," Ibid., April 10, 1927, p. 22; "Contract for Whatcom County Home Awarded," Ibid., April 12, 1927, p. 16; "Whatcom County Home Dedication Tomorrow," Ibid., June 3, 1927, p. 36; "Prince Speaks In Behalf of Community Fund at Bellingham," Ibid., November 2, 1927, p. 34; "Whatcom Delays Old-Age Grants," Ibid., February 2, 1934, p. 21; "County Home Probe Ordered," Ibid., June 14, 1934, p. 17; "Probe Asked In Inmate's Death," Ibid., April 14, 1936, p. 7; "Probe Into Death of Inmate Ended," Ibid., April 16, 1936, p. 3; "Sewage plant for county home approved," Ibid., November 24, 1940, p. 5.
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