One Street: November 29, 2012

I'm taking part in Kendall's One Street Project, documenting Harris Avenue in Bellingham's historic Fairhaven neighborhood on an episodic basis.

Harris Avenue is rich in historic buildings -- old by Pacific Northwest standards, anyway, such as the 1890s building seen here. Now called Sycamore Square, the building was originally known as The Mason Block, and included "The Cascade Gentlemen's Club managed by Captain Grahame, survivor of the Charge of the Light Brigade," according to this interesting website, which has information on the building's resident ghost, as well. (Note: the link about the ghost doesn't work, but this one does.)

It was gray and windy but unseasonably mild (57F/14C) late morning, as apparent by the unseasonable dress of the young woman in this view of some of Sycamore Square's street-level shops. The posters in The Archive's large windows attest to plenty of interesting activities going on even at this time of year, and I instantly thought of Lady Findhorn when I spotted this one.

Across the street from Sycamore Square is a quartet of utilitarian-looking but very useful businesses, three of which I often frequent -- a branch of the Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU), Fairhaven Laundry (coin-operated washers and dryers, dry cleaning services, and a mailing facility), Mount Bakery (fabulous baked goods and a tiny cafe offering soups, quiches, and espresso), and Trek Video (movie rentals).

Before leaving that parking lot, I always take a moment to enjoy the view of Bellingham Bay and Lummi Island. What a great place to live!