Happy Birthday, Edward R. Murrow

The Blanchard Community Hall was previously the town's Great Northern Railway depot.

I happen to share a birthday with one of the most influential journalists of the 20th century, Edward R. Murrow, who was born on this date in 1908.

As it happens, Murrow has local ties. Born in North Carolina, his family moved to the small town of Blanchard in Skagit County, in 1913, where he lived until 1925, when he went to Washington State College. Now Washington State University, the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication is named for him there.

Murrow went onto a storied career at CBS, first in radio, reporting in Europe during World War II, then television, with the show "See It Now."

Murrow with his parents, Ethel and Roscoe, in Blanchard.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, April 29, Blanchard is hosting a celebration of Murrow's life, first with a talk at the historic Blanchard Chapel, and continuing at 3 p.m. at the Blanchard Community Hall, with displays, snacks, photos -- and cake.

Beginning May 12, The Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner will also be hosting a special exhibit, "Peak of Their Professions: The Murrow Brothers," about Edward and his older brothers, Lacey and Dewey,  who all grew up in Blanchard, attended nearby Edison High School and Washington State College. A special Opening Gala is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10, presented by the Museum and Skagit County Washington State University alumni.