Bellingham
Bellingham greeted the Fleet in fine fashion.
Just after noon, the seven ships of the Second Squadron rounded Commercial Point and set their anchors in Bellingham Bay. It would be the most northern point of the cruise. Lieutenant Frank Radley, in charge of the National Guard rendered a salute to the arriving Fleet. The Mayor of Bellingham was on hand to extend a formal greeting and a welcoming committee quickly boarded the USS Connecticut and extended the greeting from the city to the officers and men of the fleet.
Here is a picture of the Sailors and Marines of the Great White Fleet marching in downtown Bellingham
The Second Squadron divided to allow the Third Division to visit Port Angeles for the next two days while the Fourth Division visited Port Townsend.
This postcard shows two views from Bellingham during the visit of the Fleet. The upper photograph is of the Flagship Connecticut. The lower view is from the waterfront.
The port visit was highlighted by a parade along West Holly Street through the downtown area.
Afterwards the community extended a warm welcome with small events and by opening their doors with food and hospitality. There was only one incident to mar the visit.
Two sailors while riding on the back of an overloaded street car were killed when the bumper of the street car gave way and they were run over. They were J. J. Staub, Seaman, and F. Lulinski, third-class master-at-arms. They were buried at the Naval Cemetery at Bremerton. Lulinski had been the boxing lightweight champion of the Navy.
Regards
Sean
