In Focus: Plaque dedicated at historic Proffitt Building in downtown Centralia

Attendees pose for a group photo during the plaque dedication for the historic Proffitt Building in Centralia on Saturday, Dec. 13. Proffitt’s Department Store once occupied the space now held by O’Blarney’s at the Gibson House. The building was commissioned by Samuel “Lee” Proffitt, and some his great-grandchildren were in attendance, along with former employees of the business. “Today feels like the perfect day to pause and commemorate an incredible family and an iconic downtown landmark — the Proffitt Building,” the Centralia Downtown Association wrote. “With its newly installed plaque, this historic building now takes its place as one of our official Historic Walking Tour sites, helping tell the story of the people, businesses, and families that shaped Centralia. Moments like this remind us why preserving and sharing our history matters. Each plaque is more than a marker — it’s a connection to the past and a foundation for the future. Stay tuned as we continue to add more sites, stories and layers to our Historic Walking Tour. There’s so much more history to discover right here downtown.”