During the last weekend of August 2002, three women died on an Interstate 5 Crash in Centralia. Five individuals were injured. The driver of an empty car transporter didn't slow for a previous accident and collided with several other vehicles.
One man died on Highland Valley Road west of Morton after his vehicle left the road, hit a utility pole and rested on its top near his own yard.
A fisherman drowned in East Lewis County. He had been camping with his family near Riffe Lake. After borrowing his brother-in-law's 12-foot boat, he sat in the boat on a lawn chair, lost his balance, and fell overboard.
A 9-year-old boy died when the all-terrain vehicle he was driving hit a fence on a privately-owned Salkum-area campground. His older brother had been on the vehicle teaching him to drive.
Entertainment Comes
to Centralia
120 years ago in 1887
The Centralia News wrote, "Within the past two weeks this town has had the pleasure or displeasure of the presentment (sic) of four different entertainments, consisting of concerts, elocutionary, and singing exercises. Give us the rest!"
Sneaky Thief Ate, Dressed
100 years ago, in 1907
Night Marshall Parr did not see during his rounds the fellow who helped himself to food and clothing at Hartman and Nathan in Chehalis.
The Chronicle wrote, "Some sneaky thief, presumably a tramp, entered the rear of Hartman and Nathan's … The fellow was evidently in need of a new outfit of clothing for he helped himself to a suit, hose, shoes, kid gloves, etc.
"To properly celebrate his success he opened up a fine spread of canned goods and other eatables in the grocery room on a counter in plain sight of the front window."
He stole $10 in cash and $50 in clothing and food.
Junior College Opens
for Eighth Year
75 years ago, in 1932
Arthur W. Ehret, Centralia Junior College registrar, announced the college would open for its eighth year on September 12.
The college hoped to surpass the enrollment of 115 of the previous year.
The faculty included Miss Margaret Corbet, A.W. Ehret, A.T. Glanville, Miss Genevieve Reed, Miss Katherine Kemp, Julius Hoverson and Allan Williams.
Pioneer Families Gather
at Rainbow Falls
50 years ago, in 1957
Early pioneer families met at Rainbow Falls. The Mauermann family, who settled near Dryad and Doty more than 100 years ago, was represented by 80-year-old Charles Mauermann.
State treasurer, Tom Martin and his wife attended the meeting. He graduated from Doty High School 40 years ago.
Former superintendent of schools of Doty, John Davidson, met many of his former students.
The picnic was organized by Harry Onn, postmaster at Dryad. His father purchased the first mill at Dryad in 1893.
Mount St. Helens Viewpoint Approved
25 years ago, in 1982
The Lewis County commissioners gave the formal go-ahead for the development of a Mount St. Helens viewpoint on Hopkins Hill. The viewpoint development had been delayed until a piece of private property was obtained.
WSU and Centralia College Are Partners
10 years ago, in 1997
Washington State University and Centralia College collaborated to offer four-year degrees through video, e-mail, and the telephone.
Armstrong Released
From Eagles
One year ago, in 2006
Calvin Armstrong learned he was released from the Philadelphia Eagles football team by a message on his answering machine. He had played one year for the Eagles in the NFL.
"Being injured definitely didn't help; as a matter of fact it hurt, I'm sure. You need to be out there every day this time of year. I played in the first game and then the fourth game. Going from the first to fourth game, it was like starting all over again," said Armstrong.
Armstrong was a standout for Centralia High School football as well as Washington State University.
From the Files of The Chronicle is compiled by Edna Fund, a Centralian who describes herself as a "history sleuth." She can be contacted at Dutch@localaccess.com or at 269-7515.
