History on Blaine pianist uncovered

An article in The Northern Light requesting information on an early 20th century Blaine pianist came full circle on August 20 as longtime Blaine resident Steve Lawrenson shared information about his great-grandmother, Harriet Rogers Owen, with article writer Jon Mutchler in the newspaper’s conference room. 

Todd Gallahar, pastor of the Northwood Chapel in Blaine, had contacted Mutchler, the former mayor of Ferndale and pianist at Semiahmoo Resort, to see if Mutchler had information on 115-year-old music sheets that Gallahar had found in a free piano. 

The two music sheets were called the “Blaine Two-Step” and “Semiahmoo Waltz,” both published in 1909. The composer was listed as Harriet Rogers Owen, and wanting to find more information about the composer, Gallahar and Mutchler searched the internet for any leads. Coming up empty-handed, Mutchler wrote an article in the August 8 issue of The Northern Light asking for the community’s help for information about Owen.

The day after publication, Lawrenson phoned the newspaper to say Owen was his great-grandmother. Lawrenson was among three other Blaine residents who quickly contacted the newspaper with any information they had. 

Lawrenson and Mutchler agreed to meet at The Northern Light office to discuss Owen’s life. 

Owen was born in Illinois in 1869, and at seven years old, moved to Whatcom County with her family. Her family had a homestead east of Ferndale, in what is now Pioneer Park, and her brothers became agricultural leaders in Whatcom County, according to old newspaper clipping provided by Lawrenson. 

Owen spent the majority of her life in Blaine, where she was an involved community member including through a society for the founding women of Blaine and a garden club, Lawrenson said. Her obituary lists her as a member of the Eastern Star, the music study club, Chapter J, P.E.O., the M.A.C. and as being involved with the Congregational church.

An active musician in the community, Owen performed with “The Melody Men,” which included Elias K. Breidford, regularly traveling to Bellingham to perform on the radio, Lawrenson said. She was a music teacher who taught piano and organ lessons in her home.

Owen was also a poet, and wrote a poem for the Peace Arch dedication in 1921 as well as being published in a “Washington Poets” book.

In 1953, Owen died a day before her 84th birthday from lingering illness at a hospital in Bellingham.

While flipping through Owen’s archives, Mutchler said he felt satisfied the mystery was solved. 

“What a thrill to have the discovery and solving of a piece of mystery music reveal to us a long-forgotten Blaine piano teacher and composer, and an important part of our Whatcom heritage,” he said.

Lawrenson said he has learned new things about his great-grandmother. Lawrenson, a former Blaine City Council member whose family has a long line of public service in Blaine, talked with Mutchler, a former Blaine resident and currently serving on Ferndale City Council, on connections outside of Owen. 

“We knew we’d find out who this was and we did,” Mutchler said.

Lawrenson added, “The response has been amazing.”

Mutchler has posted a recording of Owen’s songs on YouTube at bit.ly/4dsNVwk, and has asked the Semiahmoo Resort to hang the “Semiahmoo Waltz” music sheet. 

“One of her poems was dedicated to the Peace Arch, in which she displayed depth and vision of her sense of fellowship and brotherhood of humanity,” according to Owen’s obituary. “She will be remembered for her love, kindness, patience and human understanding and her loyalty to the high principles of Christian living.”