History:
When the Dutch Village Mall was created in Lynden in 1987 by Jim and Carolyn Wynstra, and Judd Rinsema, it contained a 160-seat theatre named after a Queen of the Netherlands, Juliana, who reigned from 1948-1980. The original theatre was in keeping with the Dutch theme of the City of Lynden.
Claire vg Thomas, with the help of theatre-loving friends, established the Lynden Performing Arts Guild. The guild has become a huge artistic success, putting on at least four productions a year lasting several weeks each, and playing to full houses
Claire VanderGriend was born in Lynden in 1917. She started playing the piano at age 5, and became an accomplished pianist and organist, with an eventual Masters Degree in Music. Her early career years were in New York where she was employed by the world-famous team of Rodgers & Hammerstein! From 1947 to 1949, she provided piano accompaniment for all those who auditioned for roles in their musicals.
She and her family returned to Whatcom County in 1972, where she became involved in “all things musical.” She became President of the Board of Directors of the Lynden Performing Arts Guild at its inception. Claire’s lasting support of the arts in Lynden was recognized in 2001 when the Lynden Performing Arts Guild voted to rename the Queen Julianna Theater (in which Claire played a significant role as founder and leader) in her honor. The Claire vg Thomas Theatre is one of Whatcom County’s preeminent cultural venues today. Claire passed away in late 2008 but her legacy for the arts will always remain.
