Bread Prices Increase to 9 Cents
On April 19, 1935, the local newspaper announced the prices for bread in Lewis County were increasing, according to approval given in Centralia.
“Lewis county bakers yesterday were granted authority to increase their retail prices one cent in a hearing before J.B. Fowler, department of agriculture code administrator, according to Henry Yeager, chairman of the county committee,” The Centralia Daily Chronicle reported. The hearing was held at the Lewis-Clark Hotel.
“Effective Monday, April 22, the price of one-pound loaves advances from eight cents to nine, and one and one-half pound loaves will sell at 13 cents instead of 12. These prices will apply to both sliced and unsliced bread, Yeager said.
“Rolls, buns and other sweet breads will be boosted five cents a dozen. Cookies are to advance three cents a dozen, cookies now selling for a dime a dozen going up to 13 cents or two dozen for 25 cents.
“Bakers have been compelled to readjust their prices because of advanced production costs,” Yeager said. “Lewis county bakers are among the last in the state to ask for a price boost.”
Ax Hurts Hobson’s Foot
120 years ago, in 1890
Mr. Hobson was recovering from an ax wound.
“William Hobson, while working in the woods near Mound Prairie, sent the ax through his foot, severing the bone of the foot and making a painful wound,” The Centralia Chronicle wrote. “He was brought to Drs. Dumon & Francis, who dressed the injury.
Affinity Goes Sour
100 years ago, in 1910
A man and a married woman left the local area for Tacoma.
“Monday Sheriff Urquhart went to Tacoma and did some detective work bringing back to Chehalis with him Charles Anderson,” The Chehalis Bee-Nugget wrote. “Anderson is accused of having run away with Geo. W. Sergeant’s wife of Littell.
“The woman, tired of her bargain, returned home about a week ago. Anderson has been in the Lewis county jail twice before as a vagrant.”
Boistfort High School Names Scholars
50 years ago, in 1960
Boistfort High School announced its top scholars for the 1960 senior class. David White was the valedictorian with a grade point average of 3.93. Andrew Held was named the salutatorian with a 3.89.
(In 1855, the territorial government set aside land for the University of Washington in the Boistfort Valley. Three years later that action was rescinded and a tract of land was chosen in Seattle instead.)
Mauermann Wanted Five-Generation Picture
25 years ago, in 1985
Harry Mauermann, born on March 27, 1893, on Lincoln Creek, wanted to celebrate his 92nd birthday with a five-generation picture.
Over 100 members of his family attended his party which included his children, Lyle Mauermann, Mrs. Russell (Edith) Webster and Mrs. Richard (Bonnie) Browning.
Those in the five-generation picture with the elder Mauermann were Ryan Geist, great-great-grandson; Jim Geist, great-grandson; Barbara Geist, granddaughter and Mrs. Edith Webster, daughter.
Large Plane Makes Low Pass
10 years ago, in 2000
A Lockheed C-5 Galaxy cargo plane flew at 500 feet above the local area and caused great concern. The aircraft had a wing span more than two-thirds as along as a football field. Observers said the craft was so low, the lettering on the side of the plane could be read.
Roaster Uses Popcorn Poppers
Five years ago, in 2005
Justin and Lucy Page, owners of Santa Lucia Coffee, used popcorn poppers to roast raw coffee beans in the basement of their house.
Justin made regular stops at the Goodwill store to buy the poppers. “They’re used to begin with, so they only lasted two weeks to a month,” Page said. “I know people were wondering what I was doing with all of them.”
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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.
