During this week in March 2003, the historic Lewis County courthouse was re-dedicated after eight years of renovation.
The courthouse was built in 1921 for $418,931. The man who designed the courthouse also designed R.E. Bennett Elementary School, according to Norm Pfaff of Chehalis, who was the architect for the project.
The ceremony also included another piece of county history an American flag that flew over the first Lewis County courthouse in Claquato from 1862 to 1874.
The flag had sat in a state museum closet for 74 years. Former County Clerk Donna Karvia had received it 20 years before. Half the size of a school gym, the flag is in very sad disrepair, she said.
The U.S. had 34 states in 1862, but the flag has 35 stars, probably in anticipation of West Virginias acceptance to the union, Karvia said.
N.P.R.R. Receipts Are Good
120 years ago, in 1888
The receipts at the N.P.R.R. (Northern Pacific Railroad) office in Centralia for freight and tickets for the month of February were $2,346.27.
A very good showing for the short month, especially for this time of the year, The Centralia News wrote.
Land Deeded for Chehalis Parks
100 years ago, in 1908
At the council meeting, the Chehalis Land & Timber Company deeded to Chehalis 15.52 acres east of town for park purposes.
When John Dobson was alive, the company voted that this be done and when the deed was turned over to the city Monday night, it was requested by the company that the park be named the John Dobson Park in honor of the deceased, John Dobson, The Chehalis Bee-Nugget wrote.
The property was near the St. Helens Hospital.
Aviator Beacon Coming to Chehalis
75 years ago, in 1933
Announcement was made yesterday by Mayor John West that the federal airways department will at once begin erection of a 75-foot steel tower, with concrete base at the crest of the hill to the north of the Chehalis business district, for installation of a one-million candle power revolving beacon light for guidance of night mail fliers and passenger planes between Seattle, Tacoma and Portland, The Chronicle wrote.
Rosellini Roses Coming to Twin Cities
50 years ago, in 1958
Mayors Walter Graham and Vern Cain, from Chehalis and Centralia respectively, would be getting 50 red Governor Rosellini roses during Rose Planting Week.
The Lewis County Rose Society was giving the roses to each city.
Chehalis will add its new roses to gardens it already has, while Centralia will use the gift to establish a rose garden at Fort Borst Park, The Chronicle wrote.
Bell Remembers 1912
25 years ago, in 1983
Clarence Bell, 82, of Rochester, remembered 1912.
I was living in Ione when the Armenians and the Turks were at war with each other. Bell said.
The three-day skirmish I remember in 1912 was ended when George Thaxton, a resident of the town, walked out into the no-mans-land between the two groups and started shooting at both of them.
Year of the Tiger
10 years ago, in 1998
The Napavine Lady Tigers won their first-ever district basketball championship with a 50-49 win over Cathlamet.
This is the Chinese New Year, said coach John Foulkes. And it is the Year of the Tiger.
Teen and Dog Appear on Animal Planet
One year ago, in 2007
Candace Blomquist, of Chehalis, and Eli, her Tibetan terrier, appeared on Animal Planet.
Candace, 17, has been attending dog shows since she was 3 days old. Her mother, Annette Blomquist, has shown papillons for 23 years and began carting around her daughter to shows as an infant, The Chronicle wrote. Candace began showing papillons herself through 4-H in the second grade. She now typically competes in two shows per month.
Eli had been competing in dog shows since he was just a pup. The terrier had been with Candace for a year after the death of his previous owner.
