This 1916 photo shows members of the Napavine High School basketball team. The photo was taken in front of the old brick schoolhouse built in 1913, a building that was destroyed in the 1949 earthquake. This photo is from volume 1 of "Our Hometowns: A historical photo album of Greater Lewis County," and can be purchased at The Chronicle, Book 'n' Brush and the Lewis County Historical Museum.
During this week in February 1937, Dale Russell and Alan Finley, Seattle peddlers, were curious what was happening with their friend who was in the Chehalis City Jail.
"Russell and Keffler were charged with allegedly trespassing and peddling merchandise and Finley was charged with reckless driving," The Centralia Daily Chronicle wrote. "It all started late yesterday when a Chehalis resident phoned the police and reported three peddlers were trying to sell trinkets from house to house. Chief Floyd Peasley promptly arrived on the scene and nabbed Keffler. Russell and Finley jumped in their car and escaped.
"A few moments later after the chief had placed Keffler in jail, the phone rang. It was the other two peddlers and they demanded to know what was going to be done to their partner.
"Turning the phone over to Desk Sergeant James Black, with orders to keep the men on the phone, the chief hurried out to Christensen's corner south of town and there found Russell and Finley talking on the phone.
"Before Police Judge Grant Armstrong this morning, Keffler and Russell were fined $10. Finley was fined $25 for allegedly driving his car recklessly to escape from the police.
"Chief Peasley said he just had a hunch that the men were phoning from Christensen's store."
Knights of Pythias Plan Uniform Ball
125 years ago, in 1887
The Knights of Pythias (international fraternity founded in 1864) planned a grand Uniform Ball in their Chehalis hall.
"Good music has been engaged for the occasion and everything will be done to make it the event of the season," The Lewis County Bee reported. "Ball to be opened by a grand march by the Knights in full uniform. Tickets including supper $2.00. All are cordially invited to attend."
St. Helens Hotel Changes Operators
100 years ago, in 1912
The St. Helens Hotel was leased by H.A. Kaufman, with the possession date being March 1.
"The hotel has been under the management of W.F. West, son of ex-Mayor William West, for many years past, and has grown to be one of the most popular hostelries between Tacoma and Portland," The Centralia Weekly Chronicle wrote. "The new owner has the privilege of buying the property at the end of the present year."
Eat Steak at the Yard Birds Chuck Wagon Cafe
50 years ago, in 1962
The Chuck Wagon Cafe, in the Yard Birds Shopping Center, offered a charcoal steak for $1.22. The shopping center advertised in The Daily Chronicle it was "Now Open 8 Days a Week."
Hickman Found Guilty of Murder
25 years ago, in 1987
Paul "Danny" Hickman, 21, was found guilty of murdering 82-year-old Floyd Derscheid at the victim's home on Yew Street in Centralia. The jury determined Hickman was involved in a first-degree burglary and first-degree robbery when the death occurred.
Prosecuting Attorney Jim Miller ask for an exceptional sentence based on Hickman's history.
"The reason I'm concerned about the public safety in this case is this particular defendant has an extensive juvenile record, and even though he's only 21, he's already been convicted of five felonies," Miller said. The murder conviction made six.
When complaints were made about circumstantial evidence, Miller replied, "Circumstantial evidence doesn't lie. Those things can't speak. They don't have a mouth. They can't lie ... People lie.
Bethlehem Farm Is for Sale
10 years ago, in 2002
Tom Bichsel, owner of 40-acre Bethlehem Peace Farm on Coal Creek Road, said the farm was up for sale. The Catholic Worker establishment was "devoted to social justice, had provided shelter for the homeless and food to the hungry," according to The Chronicle. The farm did not grow to self-sufficiency and the membership was low.
(The farm was eventually sold to a private party.)
Area Wrestlers Earn Four State Trophies
Five years ago, in 2007
At the Mat Classic XIX at the Tacoma Dome, wrestlers from Onalaska, Rochester and Tenino won state trophies.
Rochester senior Justin Eastman won his second individual state championship in the 152-pound title match. Zach Demers placed fourth at 130 and Tor Benson, seventh at 160.
Tenino wrestler Mike Morales placed third at 189 pounds. His teammates Justin Hernandez, placed sixth at 103 pounds, Nikk Resute, won seventh, and John Swideck, eighth at 215 pounds.
Onalaska had two wrestlers place in the statewide competition. Quinto Vickaryous took fifth at 145 and Cody Lambert sixth at 160.
