Lynden early history well documented in printer's ink

Lynden Tribune photo courtesy of LYNDEN PIONEER MUSEUM
Printing circa 1888 was done with a hand-operated letter press which, with care, could print a single sheet at a time. Though not documented, this photo is believed to be in the Pioneer Press printing office on Front Street.

Excerpts from the Lynden Tribune's predecessor newspapers.
     Lynden's first newspaper, The Lynden Pioneer Press, preceded Washington statehood in 1889 and Lynden city incorporation in 1891.
     Founded in 1888 by W.H Dobbs and L.D. Pangborn, the Pioneer Press was published weekly from Oct. 16, 1888 until 1900.
     The newcomer to town would find "a sentiment pronounced, aggressive, crystallized and dominant in favor of social purity, of education and religion," wrote editor Pangborn.
     The Pacific Pilot and The Lynden Sun were two other early newspapers in the area, dating from 1902. In 1905, the papers merged under leadership of C.A. Sluss, titled The Lynden Sun-Pilot.
     In 1908, the name The Lynden Tribune was adopted.
     Sol Lewis, grandfather of Tribune publisher Michael Lewis, bought the Tribune in 1914.
     Excerpts from early newspapers paint a vivid picture of a very different Lynden, reflecting the people, events and views of the times.
The Lynden Pioneer Press
Oct. 30, 1888
     "Below we give a review of Lynden as it is today...Population, 360. Buildings, 118. 2 school buildings, normal and public, 1 library building and free reading room, 2 hotels, 2 blacksmith shops, 5 general stores, 1 drug store, 1 furniture store, 1 real estate office, 1 printing office and newspaper, 1 barber shop, 1 meat market, 1 shoe shop, 1 cooper shop, 1 confectionary shop, 1 dentist office, 2 milliners, 2 sawmills, 1 livery stable and 4 churches.
     "A fine new steamer, the Nooksack, steamed up the river Wednesday, making good time against a very rapid current, the result of the unusually high stage of the river. She brought a large consignment of freight, which she is now discharging at Hawley's warehouse at the upper landing. We are informed that she proposes to ply the river regularly, carrying passengers and freight. With two or possibly three steamboats on the river, the traffic ought to be well provided for."
The Lynden Pioneer Press
March 20, 1890
     "Three years ago next April, the population of Lynden and vicinity was 70 while today the estimated population of the town is between 700 and 800. During the last year, the population has doubled, and as the country about here is developed and the means of transportation are increased and improved, the town will grow in like ratio.
     "What we need most in Whatcom County now, and about Lynden in particular, is a thrifty class of farmers. Good land can be bought for from $12 to $100 per acre, according to location."
The Pacific Pilot
August 28, 1902
     "The town of Lynden will soon be connected with the county seat by an electric railway. The citizens of the Gem City, as Lynden is aptly termed, have been anxiously waiting for a move in that direction for several years past and now their fond hopes are about to be realized. A franchise has been granted by the County Commisioners for the right-of-way for an electric railway line over the Guide Meridian Road.
     "September 12 has been designated by the business men of the Gem City as a day of recreation and pleasure...A large amount of money has been donated which will be distributed in prizes for various contests, from the national game of baseball to the race for a greased pig."
The Lynden Tribune
May 26, 1910
     "Lynden boys will run in relay from Bellingham to Lynden Saturday morning, leaving Dock and Holly street in Bellingham at 8 o'clock, and arriving in Lynden as soon thereafter as 29 of Lynden's fastest runners can make it. Each boy will run half a mile."