Monday, July 4, 2016

A very happy 4th of July in Sumas

In 1910, Bellingham, Washington led the way into prohibition in Whatcom County.  Afterwards, the other communities of the county also followed suit. This meant in many communities, including Lynden, alcohol was not legally available.

Sumas proudly remained  a wet town!  This lasted until the nationwide prohibition laws went into place.  So in making the most of the situation, in 1911 Sumas invited Lynden to come for a 4th of July celebration in which drinking was not illegal.


Picture 1
The Lynden tribune. (Lynden, Wash.), 22 June 1911. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88085445/1911-06-22/ed-1/seq-3/>

The next article give the follow up articles of the 4th July celebration in Sumas 1911.
picture 2
The Lynden tribune. (Lynden, Wash.), 06 July 1911. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88085445/1911-07-06/ed-1/seq-1/>


1 comment:

  1. Hi Debbie,

    I stumbled onto your blog while searching for info on the Grand Hotel in Sumas. My great grandfather, Michael Fitzgerald was supposed to have owned it in the late 1800s. I am crious if you have any information regarding his family. I know several of them are buried in the "old" St. Anne's cemetery. I was also wondering if the cemetery is accessible. My grandfather, Nicholas Fitzgerald is mentioned in the book "Boundary Town" so I am sure there is a connection. Thanks for all of you hard work and dedication to preserving the history of the area. It is very much appreciated.

    ReplyDelete