This week in 2002, about 200 people packed the Newaukum Grange Hall for a meeting about the Growth Management Act. Only a handful of the more than 40 speakers had anything but harsh criticism for the state law limiting "urban sprawl."
Among those attending was Onalaska activist Lynn Hamilton (who ran unsuccessfully for county commissioner four years later). She submitted two thick binders of testimony about rural character around Cinebar, Onalaska and Salkum. Volunteers helped her compile the report to help bolster the county government's case in front of a state hearings board.
Ron Averill, a member of a citizens commission that looked at county GMA rules, told the crowd, "whether we like GMA or not, we still have to deal with the fact that it's there." (Averill ran unsuccessfully for county commissioner two years later, then ran again in 2006 and won.)
Lawsuit Over Stolen Love
From the first year of The Centralia (Weekly) Chronicle, in 1890
Having lost his wife, Lewis Palmer at least had some money to show for it.
Palmer had sued W.H. Carnsew, an Englishman, for "alienating the affections of his wife." Palmer won $250 in the Lewis County Superior Court case, which The Chronicle reported was "considerably interesting."
Coal Town Flourishing
100 years ago, in 1907
The new coal mining town of Kopiah, east of Centralia, was bustling.
"It is a common occurrence to see from 8 to 15 large coal cars at the mine. There is plenty of coal. All that is necessary is to have it removed," the Centralia News-Examiner wrote.
Robin Hood Ferns
75 years ago, in 1932
The fern industry in Chehalis paid out $100,000 to 400 pickers in 1931, according to a presentation by R.C. Callison to the Chehalis Chamber of Commerce.
He called this area the largest fern producing district in this coast and perhaps the largest in the world. The native greenery was crated in Chehalis by the I.P. Callison company and shipped east under the label "Robin Hood Ferns."
Mr. Pinspotter
50 years ago, in 1957
Chehalis Bowl had a night of free bowling so customers could acquaint themselves with its new automatic pinsetters. "Enjoy rhythm bowling," was the message in an advertisement featuring a smiling metallic robot named "Mr. Pinspotter."
Roadblocks for Vandals
25 years ago, in 1982
At least 24 mailboxes were vandalized in the Koontz, Conrad, Jordan and Harmon road areas. A frustrated resident called in a partial vehicle description.
Napavine Marshal Ozzie Straight and sheriff's deputies set up roadblocks, and two 16-year-old Napavine youths were arrested for malicious mischief after their vehicle went into a ditch.
Inmate Paints
10 years ago, in 1997
A Green Hill School inmate, Alex Fourhorns, displayed his paintings in "A Changed World," an exhibit of art by incarcerated youth that was being displayed at Children's Museum in Seattle.
The youth had received a scholarship from Green River Community College to study there after he was released.
"After I started painting, the ideas started coming and it had meaning," Fourhorns said.
Found Dead
One year ago, in 2006
A former Washington State Patrol trooper, James E. Varner, 49, Olympia, was found dead in his week about 50 yards from U.S. Highway 12 on Forest Road 20, about three miles west of Packwood.
He was found with gunshot wound to his chest. His wife reported him missing Wednesday night from a trip to Lewis County.
From the Files of The Chronicle is compiled by Brian Mittge, who can be reached at brianmittge@hotmail.com or by calling 266-0568.
