On May 5, 1932, a woman died of a heart attack while watching a fire in Vader that was threatening to destroy the town's entire business district, including much of her husband's property.
Carolyn Cook, 73, succumbed to "excitement" as she was watching from the front porch of her home. Her husband of 50 years had a furniture store in the same block as the fire.
The flames burst out suddenly at about 10 a.m. The blaze, suspected to be arson, ended up destroying only three buildings. Her husband's property was spared.
"Only a favorable wind and efforts of Vader volunteers and the Winlock fire department prevented the whole business section from being wiped out," The Centralia Daily Chronicle wrote.
A Sad End
From the first year of The Centralia (Weekly) Chronicle, in 1890
A Mrs. White, who had been arrested a month before for being violently insane, died during the evening. Several Catholic women cared for her in her final days.
"She died amid squalid surroundings in a room over the 'White Elephant' saloon," The Chronicle reported.
Pistol-Packing Mama
100 years ago, in 1907
Ida Heffron of Seattle visited Chehalis and, during a custody dispute with her estranged husband, pulled out a pistol to warn him back. She took a buggy to Centralia the next day and was arrested, although it appeared she was winning in the court of public opinion.
"Mrs. Heffron is well dressed and is pleasing in appearance. She has the sympathy of the people who have heard her story," the Centralia News-Examiner wrote.
Shocking! Shocking!
50 years ago, in 1957
The Twin City Drive-In was reveling in the publicity after receiving protests about the movie it was showing this weekend, "Baby Doll," a production of Tennessee Williams' "boldest story."
The theater had used the word "Shocking" five times in early publicity about the movie, and repeated the claim after this weekend's shows: "Shocking! But Not Nearly as Shocking! Shocking! As the Conduct Of Certain Local Individuals and Groups This Past Weekend! Jammed Telephones, Anonymous Letters! Veiled and Not So Veiled Threats! Why? It's Only a Motion Picture! But! Maybe One You'll Enjoy and Should See!"
Gaylord's 300th Win
25 years ago, in 1982
Seattle Mariners pitcher Gaylord Perry, famous for his spitball, during the weekend became the 15th major league pitcher to win 300 games.
Chronicle Sports Editor Sam Bakotich said it was a night to remember, calling it "a magical moment in the Kingdome" as the 43-year-old threw a complete game against the New York Yankees.
Tragic Accident
10 years ago, in 1997
Donald Burgess, a Chehalis 18-year-old, accidentally shot himself in the head in the evening as he was sitting and talking with friends. He died the next day.
"I guess he had just been looking the gun over," said Chehalis Assistant Police Chief Dennis Dawes.
A dozen pages later in the same day's newspaper, an Associated Press story reported that unlocked weapons could be found in one of six American dwellings.
Much Higher Education
Five years ago, in 2002
For the first time, a group of students at Centralia College graduated with a bachelor's degree in education, thanks to a new partnership with Washington State University.
The graduation ceremony at Corbet Theatre ended a "2+2" program, where students finished both the associate's and bachelor's degrees in Centralia.
Getting Over Meth
One year ago, in 2006
Former methamphetamine user Christina Harris received balloons and applause after becoming one of the first graduates from Lewis County's new drug court.
The 21-year-old rural Chehalis resident began using the synthetic narcotic as a teenager. She avoided a felony conviction by completing the year-long drug court and supervised rehabilitation program.
From the Files of The Chronicle is compiled by Brian Mittge, who can be reached at brianmittge@hotmail.com or by calling 266-0568.
