On Jan. 27, 1961, Marvin O’Connell, a 36-year-old Mossyrock logger, was killed when the logging truck he was driving went out of control at 1:40 p.m., three miles west of Mossyrock.
O’Connell was driving a truck with a logging donkey on it. His truck was being towed by another truck, driven by Glenn C. Quinn of Mossyrock.
“As the two trucks started down a hill,” State Patrolman John Nastrom said, “O’Connell’s truck swerved and pushed Quinn’s truck into a ditch. O’Connell’s vehicle continued down the road about 700 feet during which time O’Connell either jumped or fell from the truck and was run over the heavy wheels. He was instantly killed.”
Reporter Visits Bucoda
120 years ago, in 1891
A reporter from The Centralia Weekly News visited Bucoda on a Sunday.
“Through the kindness of Mr. J.C. Funk, the enterprising proprietor of the City drug store, we were shown all through the Seatco Manufacturing Company’s new sawmill, and we must say that the company certainly have (sic) one of the best and largest plants in the State,” the reporter wrote.
“It will be remembered that a few months ago the mill and lumber yards were completely destroyed by fire, thus entailing an enormous loss on the company, and through which nearly 100 men were thrown out of employment. The blow was a severe one on the town, but by indomitable pluck the citizens secured a subsidy sufficient to cause the company to rebuild again, and they have only had the mill in complete running order for about a month. The new mill is much larger than the old one, and its capacity is from 60,000 to 75,000 feet of lumber per day, and even more when circumstances demand it. In a short time the company will again begin the erection of the new sash and door factory, which will be one of the most complete plants of the kind in the state. The manager says that the mill and various factories in connection will be running day and night.”
Crescent Café Serves Oysters All Hours
100 years ago, in 1911
The Crescent Café, 786 Market St., Chehalis, near the depot, was open day and night and offered oysters at all hours. O.F. Shultz was the proprietor.
Welfare Cases Reduced by 300
75 years ago, in 1936
Miss Harriet Grueger, county director of the state department of public welfare, reported welfare cases in the county had been reduced by 300. The reduction was due to the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects.
Lewis County had 746 relief cases, with 534 being families.
“To secure employment under the WPA, the director explained, a person must have been on relief rolls between May 1 and November 1 of last year,” The Centralia Daily Chronicle wrote. “To date the county SDPW office has certified 1,500 names as eligible for jobs, of which 932 are now working.
Council Candidates Number 27
25 years ago, in 1986
With Centralia turning from the commission form to a council form of government, 26 individuals were running for 7 positions.
Bagger Goes to Nationals
10 years ago, in 2001
Chehalis Fuller’s Market Place bagger, Tim Tobin, was chosen to represent the state of Washington at the National Association of Grocers’ “Best Bagger” competition in Dallas.
“During the competition, we are given points for speed, presentation, and how carefully we bag the groceries,” explained Tobin. Tobin said he could fill a bag in 35 seconds.
In 2000, Brian Dawes, another employee, placed third in the nation at the competition in Las Vegas.
Brown Gets 600th Win
Five years ago, in 2006
Ron Brown, longtime Centralia Tiger basketball coach, earned his 600th win with a 83-57 win over Timberline High School.
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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.
