Band Upsets Animals
In 1886, many Chehalis citizens as well as the city band traveled to Toledo for Decoration Day activities.
“When our party arrived at Newaukum Prairie we waited for the band which was delayed by a break in the coupling of the wagon,” The Lewis County Bee reported. “They played in front of the school house and were presented with bouquets from the school children. The band then played a fine piece of music for Mr. Bernier, one of the old pioneers. The boys serenaded all of the old settlers living on the way. At each place when the band began to play, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and chickens broke for the woods. It was the first time that the animals had ever heard the woods re-echo the sweet strains of music and they felt quite jubilant.
“After arriving at the beautiful town of Toledo, the boys marched to the grounds a few rods below town where there was an excellent repast spread for them. After eating but little of an early breakfast and riding twenty miles over rough roads the boys were prepared to do ample justice to the many good eatables spread before them. When the wants of the inner man had been supplied the band opened the afternoon’s program with a piece of soul stirring music.”
Salkum Mill Reopens
In 1936, the Salkum plant of the Chehalis Mill reopened, five months after a $100,000 fire. F.F. Duell, manager and principal owner, reported 150 men were on the payroll. Duell also said there was enough lumber to keep the operation going for many years, with the present logging operations being carried on three miles from the plant.
East Lewis County Pool Opens
In 1961, the first public covered pool in the county opened in Glenoma. The building of the pool had been started one year before by Mr. and Mrs. Luther Cearley.
“The 30 by 60-foot splash center is of modern design,” The Daily Chronicle reported. “Mrs. Cearley said Monday that while no ‘splash’ was made for the pool’s start, 100 swimmers registered Sunday ‘as the word got about.’ Pool hours are from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with half hour breaks each two hours.”
Fire Causes $6 Million Damage
In 2001, the Web Joist Northwest plant on Borovec Road, Chehalis, suffered $6 million damage from a recent fire. Investigators said the damage resulted from a lack of hydrants.
“Unfortunately, it all boiled down to we didn’t have enough water,” said Brett Wells, safety officer for Napavine Fire District 5. “Most of the trucks made three or four runs (to hydrants) for water.”
State Track Titles Won by Locals
In 2006, Melissa Parsons, Onalaska, won the javelin competition at the State 1A Track and Field Championships. Brittnie Baker, Toledo, won the high jump title at the same competition.
Pe Ell’s 400-meter relay team won the state title at the State B Track and Field Championship. Team members were Michael Justice, Derek Khorsand, Brad Nelson and Justin Phelps.
