Now and Then

A photo comparison series of past and present-day Bellingham.

Photo Essay by Alex Moreno

Photo Illustration by Alex Moreno

Clover Block

“Black and white, oblique angle glass plate negative image of the Clover Block, a commercial building in Bellingham, Whatcom County, WA, taken from across the street, ca. 1905. Businesses in the building’s first floor, from left to right include a bank, and possibly a tailor. Sign on side of building near image left edge: Holte Bros. Fire Insurance. Signs on building’s second floor: Whatcom Dental Parlors; Dr. Van Kirk, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat. Four male pedestrians are on the street and sidewalk. One man appears to be pushing a cart with a box on it in image right.” Photo courtesy of The Washington State Historical Society by Asahel Curtis, taken in 1905. The modern counterpart of the Clover Block in downtown Bellingham has been developed, but still retains its original foundation. The scene was less populated than normal, because of stay at home orders. Modern photo taken May 11, 2020. Modern Photo by Alex Moreno

Bellingham City Hall Building

“Black and white, fairly close, oblique angle glass plate negative image of the four-story with tower Bellingham City Hall building, and the nearby two-story Bellingham Fire Department Headquarters building, Bellingham, Whatcom County, WA, ca. 1905. A piece of fire fighting equipment, with a hose and ladder visible, is in the latter building’s open doorway. Four men, 3 in uniform, stand nearby.” Photo courtesy of The Washington State Historical Society by Asahel Curtis, taken in 1905. The iconic downtown building still displays its original style, but the surrounding area has been developed greatly when compared to the modern photo. Stay at home orders impacted the presence of pedestrians resulting in a uncrowded scene for the photo taken on May 11, 2020. Modern Photo by Alex Moreno

Post Office

“View of the United States Post Office building at Bellingham, WA. Four cars are partially visible on the street.” Photo courtesy of The Washington State Historical Society by R. L. Boren taken sometime between 1953–1957. The street outside the Post Office in downtown Bellingham is uncharacteristically empty on May 11, 2020 in the modern counterpart. Modern Photo by Alex Moreno