Rail Crossing Accident Kills One Teen, Injures Three
On Nov. 29, 1961, at 3:26 p.m., a car carrying four Centralia High School athletes collided with a northbound Northern Pacific passenger train at Plum Street. One teenager died and three were hospitalized, one in critical condition.
“The death of a star Centralia high school athlete following a car-train collision in Centralia Wednesday afternoon has struck the Centralia community with a sledgehammer force,” The Daily Chronicle wrote.
“Jim Martin, 16, succumbed at Centralia General Hospital at 6 p.m. Wednesday, from injuries received in the crash. An attending physician said he died of a crushed chest and head injuries.
“Three other Centralia high school youths riding in the car were also injured. Of them, Gordon Stafford, 16, remained in critical condition at the hospital Thursday. Stafford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Stafford, 404 South Washington, Centralia, received a severe head injury.
The other victims, Larry Dean 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Dean, 826 South Silver, Centralia, and Tim Hudson, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Hudson, route 3, Centralia, were listed in fair condition.
The four students went to pick up some socks for Martin at his home, in preparation for varsity basketball practice. The boys had been members of the 1961 football team.
Private School Opens
125 years ago, in 1886
A private school opened today in Centralia. The school planned to “conduct business” for three months if the public school did not begin sooner.
“The school will not continue after district school commences if that should be before the three months,” The Lewis County Bee wrote. “For particulars inquire at the Bee office.”
Contracts Awarded
100 years ago, in 1911
The company whose Chehalis factory was the site of the recent deaths of eight girls was planned to rebuild after the flash fire.
“Contracts were awarded in Chehalis yesterday morning for the erection of seven new buildings to replace the ones recently destroyed by the disastrous explosion at the plant of the Imperial Powder Company,” The Centralia Weekly Chronicle wrote. “The construction of the new building will be such that a repetition of the explosion in which the lives of eight girls were snuffed like candles, will be improbable. Squires & Russell were the successful bidders. A new rule of the powder company is that not more than two employees will be allowed to work in one building.”
Watch Shirley Temple at the Fox Theatre
75 years ago, in 1936
Shirley Temple’s movie, “Dimples,” with Frank Morgan, Helen Westley and Stepin Fetchit was opening at the Fox Theatre in Centralia.
“The reigning queen of joy!” The Centralia Daily Chronicle article began. “It’s Shirley’s wonder show! New songs, new dances. Sweeter and Cuter than Ever.”
Chehalins Evacuated After Toxic Leak
25 years ago, in 1986
After a toxic spill in Chehalis at 3 p.m., the Lewis County Hazardous Materials Response Team was activated and area residents evacuated.
“We have an overflow of penta wood preservative from the Crossarms (American Crossarm and Conduit Co.) plant,” said Tony Keeling, Chehalis fire chief and head of the ‘Hazmat’ response team.
“As the water recedes, the penta sits on top of the water as an oil slick. The penta is mixed with diesel oil so it sticks to everything.”
Packwood Selected for Spirit Award
10 years ago, in 2001
The U.S. Forest Service selected the Destination Packwood Association for the 2001 national Spirit Award, which included a $5,000 grant.
“Destination Packwood has been a real beacon for this community and a wonderful partner for the forest,” said Claire Lavendel, Gifford Pinchot National Forest supervisor.
DPA, founded in 1997 in response to economic setbacks — including loosing 1,400 lumber-related jobs between 1978 and 1990 — had worked on many projects for the community. Those included a sewer feasibility study, a website, maps and brochures. DPA also worked on alternative uses for the Packwood mill site.
Coal Workers Signup at Union Hall
Five years ago, in 2006
Laid-off mine workers entered the union hall in downtown Centralia to complete paperwork for future employment.
Dick Hope, heavy equipment operator for TransAlta for 30 years, said rumors had been heard regarding layoffs.
“Hope said he used to joke with his buddies that TransAlta’s Christmas party this year would be their ‘Last Supper,’ a final hurrah before what he imagined would be a series of layoffs,” The Chronicle reported.
“But now, there’s not even a Christmas party,” Hope said.
Doug Kernutt, Centralia School District superintendent, said the plant and mine makes up 25 to 30 percent of the district’s tax base.
Lightning Bolt Delivery owner Ken Jensen said his Centralia firm had delivered freight to TransAlta for five years. “They’re 95 percent of my business, Jensen said. “I’m devastated.”
