By David McInnes

For the Sequim Gazette

The Sequim Pioneer Association picked four Honored Pioneers for 2025 — sisters Betty Ellis Kettel and Janet Ellis Duncan, Hazel Messenger Lowe, and Tim Wheeler.

Kettel and Ellis were featured in the March 19th edition of the Sequim Gazette. Wheeler will be featured in an upcoming issue.

The pioneers will participate in events for the 130th Sequim Irrigation Festival, including the Grand Parade on May 10 during the festival May 2-10.

Hazel Messenger Lowe

Lowe’s lineage traces back to her great-grandparents, who homesteaded near Chicken Coop Road in Blyn. Born to Chauncey Messenger and Dorothy Delaney, she was the fourth of five children: Mayme, Phyllis, Pete, Hazel and George. Tragically, Chauncey passed away when the children were young. In 1954, Dorothy married Don Hendrickson, and they had a son named John.

The Messenger family has deep ties to Sequim’s cultural heritage. Dorothy, Hazel’s mother, was crowned the 1927 Irrigation Festival Queen. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Hazel served on the Royalty Court in 1959, embodying the grace and tradition of Sequim’s annual celebration.

In 1962, Hazel married Tom Lowe, and together they raised five daughters: Sandy, Sheryl, Vicki, Cindy, and Kathy. Their family became a cornerstone of the community, with Tom Tom’s Grocery — a beloved local establishment located at the northwest corner of Washington Street and 5th Avenue (now the site of Rite-Aid) — serving as a gathering place for locals. During the gas shortages of 1973 and 1979, Tom Tom’s implemented a system where customers with last names starting with ‘L-Z’ could purchase gas on certain days, and ‘A-K’ on others, ensuring fair distribution during challenging times.

Hazel fondly recalls her childhood in Blyn, where life was simpler, and everyone knew each other. She remembers attending the Dresden Theater (now the site of Sunshine Cafe’), purchasing a ticket, and often staying to watch the movie a second time. In high school, she and her friends enjoyed watching Elvis movies in Port Angeles, where the excitement was palpable, with everyone dancing in the aisles.

A memorable high school prank involved Hazel and her friends painting a ‘59’ under the main stoplight in downtown Sequim using her mother’s house paint. While the cleanup was a chore, the laughter and camaraderie made it worthwhile.

Hazel’s involvement in the community extended beyond her family. She was president of the Girl’s Athletic Association (G.A.A.) and has fond memories of playing basketball in the Old Gym, where girls played half-court. She also recalls the excitement when girls were finally allowed to wear ‘dress pants’ to boys’ afternoon football games — a significant change at the time.

The Sequim Prairie Grange, known for its lively community dances, was another venue where Hazel and her family spent many enjoyable evenings. These dances were so popular that they often filled the dance floor, reflecting the strong sense of community in Sequim. Hazel has volunteered for the Sequim Prairie Grange for many years.

Hazel’s journey from her early days in Blyn to becoming an integral part of Sequim’s fabric exemplifies the essence of an Honored Pioneer. Her dedication to family, community, and tradition has left an indelible mark on Sequim, and her story continues to inspire those who call this town home.

As Hazel reflects on her life, she notes, “life in Sequim was much simpler growing up where everyone knew each other.” Her enduring legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of Sequim and its people.

About the festival

Started in 1896, the Sequim Irrigation Festival is the longest continuous running festival in Washington state and is a 501(c)4 nonprofit, all-volunteer organization. For more information,visit irrigationfestival.com or email info@irrigationfestival.com.