The Power of Community Radio

KMRE 102.3 FM is a community radio station broadcasting out of the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention in the heart of downtown Bellingham. The Spark Museum is located in one of downtown’s many historical buildings. In the 1920s and 1930s the building, located at 1312 Bay St., was the location of the Home Store. 

The Home Store, which sold women’s clothing, was known for its elaborate window displays. It was operated by Abraham Lawson, who had a wife and two daughters. It is told that one of his daughters was famous for being in a contested race for Tulip Queen against the daughter of the Grand Wizard of the local Klu Klux Klan group. 

According to local historian Marissa McGrath, Lawson decided to expand his store right before the Great Depression hit and ended up in so much debt that he eventually killed himself. It is rumored that his ghost still lives in the building and a few people have reported hearing the sound of his work boots walking around the store.

You can listen to KMRE online at kmre.org, on the tunein app, or on your radio at 102.3 FM in Bellingham.