In this episode we discuss the early history of Bellingham’s historic Hotel Leo, aka the Leopold Hotel. From its earliest days as the Byron House through its take-over and expansion under beer baron Leopold Schmidt. And since it’s spooky season, we include stories about some “potential ghosts” that might be wandering the halls, including Leo himself, as well as a mysterious count building hydroplanes on Lake Whatcom at the dawn of World War 1.

CONTENT WARNING: TOPICS OF DEATH AND SUICIDE. Listen with care.

The hotel has a long history so this is Part 1! Tune in next time for Part 2 when we talk about the roaring 1920s and beyond… Show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠https://bellinghistory.com/the-podcast

In this episode we get into the history of the professional beauty industry in Bellingham, Washington, focusing on hair, mostly… and also mostly women’s hair. We take a look at who was doing hair for a living, and how they were doing it, why they were doing it, and how the profession evolved from the wild west days through the progressive era. We have combed the archives for hair-raising stories to share with you from the bygone days of beauty culture here on Bellingham Bay.

Content warning for mentions of domestic violence and suicide as well as really painful sounding hair styles and swear words.

Show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠https://bellinghistory.com/the-podcast

In this episode we explore the history of Bellingham’s beloved Terminal Building, also known as Tony’s Coffee and many other names. The oldest building in the Fairhaven Historic District suffered a tragic fire in December of 2023 that included a loss of life. We take a look at the 130+ years of the history of the building including the saloon years, the Busy Corner store, and beloved coffee shop. Show notes and more at ⁠⁠https://bellinghistory.com/the-podcast

In this episode we discuss the story of Ursula Unfug, a sex worker who spent time in brothels around the PNW during the 1890s. Ursula gained notoriety in the 1892 shooting of Thomas Henderson Boyd, editor of the Morning Olympian newspaper and her “secret husband.” We examine how Ursula was first vilified by the local press, then reluctantly pitied, as a tragic tale of exploitation and abuse emerged during the trial. Starring special co-host Marissa McGrath.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains the topics of domestic violence, miscarriage and suicidal ideation. Listen with care.

Show notes and more at ⁠https://bellinghistory.com/the-podcast

In this episode we discuss the history of tattoos and tattooing in Bellingham and beyond. Find out what the newspapers were reporting about tattoos, who was getting them, who was giving them and who was getting arrested for showing them off!

Show notes and more at ⁠https://bellinghistory.com/the-podcast

In this episode we dive in (pun intended) to the seemingly bottomless pool of sea monster stories. Whether they be myth, lore or just a really big fish, “monsters of the deep” have inspired many a whopper of a tale here in Bellingham, Washington and the PNW over the years. Release the Kraken! Show notes and more at https://bellinghistory.com/the-podcast

In this episode we explore the history of taxidermy in Bellingham, tracing the legacy of various practitioners thereof from "curio collectors" to the founders of our modern museum.

Content warning for dead critters y'all.

Show notes and more at ⁠https://bellinghistory.com/the-podcast

It's the first real episode of season 2: Bellinghamsters and other Tails - Animal Stories with the Good Time Girls! Oooorrrr… “firefighters are a brave, unruly and maybe a little bit bored, bunch.” We pulled out some of our favorite furry history for this one with wild tales of Bellinghaminals, from Bellingh-hamsters to Belling.... ant bears. This one was based on a live talk we gave at the Whatcom Museum for their Free First Friday program, and coinciding with the recent exhibit “The Pet Show.”

Show notes and more at https://bellinghistory.com/the-podcast