During this week in March 1911, George Veness and his wife were arrested for arson and conspiracy charges connected with the second devastating Winlock downtown fire. While leaving the area on a train, the pair were arrested in Castle Rock.
“Many persons who went to assist in putting out the fire when it was first discovered in the Winlock hotel, which was conducted by Mr. and Mrs. George Veness, say that the scent of kerosene was strong.” The Centralia Daily Chronicle wrote.
“They also say that Mrs. Veness’ actions further aroused their suspicion. One report is that she used a bucket of kerosene and a lace curtain, while the men were fighting the fire, and one man says that she told him to stay out of the house and let it burn, remarking that the property was insured. ...
“Among the suspicious circumstances is a discovery made by Robert Champ, temporary city marshal. He saw Mrs. Veness removing a grip from the hotel after the fire started, and insisted upon making an examination. He found Mrs. Veness’ best dresses all carefully packed.”
Mr. and Mrs. Veness had small children from previous marriages. Those children had been sent away before the fire. Mr. Veness also was not in Winlock at the time.
Agnew Barn Comes Down
120 years ago, in 1891
James Agnew’s old barn on Diamond Street in Centralia, near Main Street, was being torn down. The lumber was being used in other structures. Mr. Agnew planned to build a two-story building in the same location.
One Request for New Post Office Approved
75 years ago, in 1936
With the planning for the new post office in Centralia, located at the corner of Locust and Silver streets, local officials had requested two items: installation of a coal burning furnace and the use of Tenino sandstone.
“According to the plans, the new postoffice will use coal for heating,” The Centralia Daily Chronicle wrote. “This stipulation was made by local groups, who hope to aid the local coal industry thereby.
“But the request that Tenino sandstone be used in the construction was evidently turned down, according to Ted Dueber, assistant postmaster, who said the plans specified brick facing. Some of the trimmings will be sandstone, however, he said.”
The building was estimated to cost $100,000.
Grand Opening Held for Drive-In
50 years ago, in 1961
The Twin City Drive-In held a grand opening under new management.
Dead Woman Found in Van
25 years ago, in 1986
Joanne Jirovic, 48, Olympia, was found dead in her van at the Winlock-Vader exit, 13 miles south of Chehalis. She had been missing for 24 hours.
She and her husband had met at Denny’s Restaurant along Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia, where his vehicle had had car trouble. Driving two vehicles, they left the restaurant, but took two different routes home.
When the van was found, the CB radio, and a radar detector were missing, along with Jirovic’s purse.
FBI Agents Raid Chehalis Store
10 years ago, in 2001
At the Market Street Market, 1249 S. Market Blvd., Chehalis, FBI agents and Drug Enforcement Agency officers raided the scene and arrested a man and a woman based on a grand jury indictment. The owners of the market were not listed in the indictment.
The raid was part of a regional sting operation against an alleged methamphetamine manufacturing ring. Most of the individuals arrested were from the Tacoma-Auburn area.
Rare Bird Comes to Toledo
Five years ago, in 2006
At the pond at the South County Park, one of the rarest waterfowls visited. The bird was identified as an Egyptian goose.
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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.
