On June 20, 1932, with the Depression raging, the Lewis County Commission was faced with a politically charged question. Should it save money by having road improvement done with modern equipment, or spend extra cash to have unemployed laborers do the work with hand tools and horses?
In 1932, county government was also the provider of welfare relief funds, so the logic was that the county could pay that money as wages to laborers, instead of giving charity relief to the unemployed.
The county commission considered, then rejected this idea after learning it would add about $4,000 to the three road jobs.
A Tacoma firm received $12,000 to extend Lincoln Creek Road by a mile. A Portland company was paid $4,300 to add a mile to the J.E. Leonard Road near Onalaska. A Birkenfeld, Ore., firm got the $18,600 job of adding three miles to Salzer Valley Road.
Too Cold for Ball
From the first year of The Centralia (Weekly) Chronicle, in 1890
The "Centralia boys" went to Chehalis to play baseball this week, but lost to Chehalis 9-3. "It was too cold to play ball," The Chronicle wrote in way of explanation for its home team's loss.
Unlawful Cohabitation
100 years ago, in 1907
John Hamer of Centralia and Florence Benson of Puyallup were tried in Chehalis for the crime of unlawful cohabitation.
The couple had registered in a Chehalis lodging house under the name of J. Hamilton and wife. They pleaded guilty and were each fined $30 and costs. They served out their fine in the county jail.
Homage to Pioneers
50 years ago, in 1957
James Sareault, vice president of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and a prominent Chehalis attorney, opened the 11th annual Mossyrock Pioneer Days celebration by saying the pioneer spirit of previous generations still existed in science, technical advances and medicine.
The festival included parades, a baseball tournament, a public fireworks display, dance and Queen's Ball.
Saving Packwood Airport
25 years ago, in 1982
In papers filed this week, the state Division of Aeronautics formally donated the Packwood Airport to Lewis County government. The state, lacking money, had proposed closing the World War II-era airstrip, but the Packwood Owners and Pilots Association presented 150 signatures in support of the transfer to county ownership
In recent years the field had become popular with recreational and commercial pilots. It was also a base for scenic flights to Mount St. Helens.
State Dairy Princess
10 years ago, in 1997
Lewis County's 1996 Dairy Princess, Karen Olson of Centralia, was crowned 1997 Washington State Dairy Princess in Olympia, making her the 42nd such state ambassador for milk products.
Olson, 19, would be working with the Washington Dairy Products Commission, and would receive college credits for advertising, marketing and public relations. The 10-month internship included a $4,500 college scholarship.
Lucky Eagle Grows
Five years ago, in 2002
The Lucky Eagle Casino, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Indian Reservation, was putting the finishing touches on a $6 million renovation and expansion.
The seven-year-old facility, which had been 48,000 square feet, was now around 80,000 square feet. Officials said the expansion would better serve their 10,000 weekly customers.
Slashing Tires
One year ago, in 2006
At least 20 vehicles had their tires slashed during a citywide vandalism spree in Centralia tonight. Two cars at the Seminary Hill Natural Area had their tires slashed, and other victims were found at North Tower Avenue and West Cherry Street.
"Every once in awhile we have a nuisance spree, and when we catch someone we will certainly land on them with the full force of the law," said Sgt. Jim Shannon.
From the Files of The Chronicle is compiled by Brian Mittge, who can be reached at brianmittge@hotmail.com or by calling 266-0568.
