One of the qualities that Will Gray brought with him from Mount Pleasant, Iowa to Fairhaven, Washington (now Bellingham) was his love of theatre.  He adored Shakespeare, and  performed in plays while attending Iowa Wesleyan University. 

A February 9, 1891 excerpt from  "My Darling Anna" illustrates Dr. Gray's feeling about a performance at Fairhaven's Thistle Opera House, which was located at the northwest corner of 11th Street and Mill Avenue. 

"Had the greatest treat last Wednesday night that I have had in years.  The Emma Juch Grand Opera Company rendered 'Carmen' here.  Inasmuch as this company is the successor to the “American” Company and is the finest operatic organization in America today, it was a great thing for Fairhaven to secure them.  They were secured by subscription seats in the lower part of the house being five dollars and the upstairs two dollars.  I paid the two dollars and felt compensated for all the meals I lost this week.  The music was better than the meals I missed. In fact it put more life and energy there a good time."

Will Gray''s passion for theatre, passed on to his daughter, Margaret, still survives as his legacy in the vibrant theatrical institutions of Whatcom County.  As drama teacher at Bellingham High School from 1938 to 1958, "Miss Gray" kept a binder listing the names of over 7,000 of her former students.   More about the Legacy of Margaret Gray.