Homestead Now at Big Bottom
In 1886, the Lewis County Bee encouraged homesteaders to head to the Big Bottom country, as the land was going quickly.
“J.L. Randle and several others left here Monday for the Big Bottom country,” the newspaper wrote. “That part of Lewis County contains much good land and a large part of it yet is government land. Those who want homesteads had better make their selections soon, as the land is being rapidly taken.”
Man Mistaken for Bear is Killed
In 1911, a 55-year-old man was mistaken for a bear and was shot and killed.
“J.C. Cales, one of the oldest and best known residents of Bucoda, was mistaken for a bear and instantly killed this morning by R.W. Waddle, a well known resident of Centralia who was out hunting with Cales,” The Centralia Weekly Chronicle wrote. “The shooting occurred on Johnson Creek about 15 miles from Bucoda, but the details of the affair was meager. The two men were hunting bear in the dense woods in the vicinity of the shooting and Waddle, mistaking his friend for a bruin, fired, killing Cales instantly.
“He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters, all of whom are grief stricken over the accident. Waddle lived in Bucoda 20 years, but moved to this city about five years ago, buying a ranch just north of the city limits. It is reported that he is distracted with grief over the result of his mistake.”
Water Worries Will End
In 1934, the drilling of an auxiliary well-water system was planned in Centralia. An estimated 4.5 million gallons daily would go to the Seminary Hill reservoirs.
“Given an auxiliary system of 4,500,000 gallons capacity, equaling the present supply coming from the Newaukum river intake, the city will be relieved of flood worries, drought worries, pipeline worries and other mental strains that bear upon the water department in bringing the city its drinking, bathing and washing supply from an intake 14¾ miles away,” The Chronicle wrote.
Youth Sentenced for 10 Days for Slamming Door
In 1961, after Centralia Police Judge Jerry Moore sentenced William R. Giddings, 19, to five days in jail for driving a car without a license, the youth slammed the door.
“Judge Moore promptly ordered Giddings back before him,” The Daily Chronicle reported. “He charged him with contempt of court and added another 10 days to the jail term.”
Mural Unveiled
In 1986, the fourth mural in downtown Centralia was unveiled on the Pearl Street side of Rainier National Bank. The mural was a bigger-than-life size portrait of George Washington and his sheep dog. The artist was Darrell Harlow, Puyallup.
Kathleen Campbell, chairman of the Centralia Centennial Committee, told the life of Washington.
“Washington was a black Virginia slave who laid out the original four-square-block site of a new town he called Centerville because it was halfway between the two railroad terminals of Tacoma and Kalama,” The Daily Chronicle reported. “The name was changed to Centralia in 1883 to avoid confusion with another Centerville in the state.
“The city is celebrating its centennial this year in observance of the establishment of a town government in 1886.”
Kiddy Pool Demolished
In 2006, the Chehalis Kiddy Pool was demolished by employees from the city of Chehalis to make way for a “spray park” for toddler-aged children. Mike Austin, president of the Chehalis Foundation, said members had raised $83,000 toward the $118,000 price tag for the park. Mary Ingwersen, Chehalis, had donated $20,000.
Andy Sennes, Chehalis property manager, hoped construction of the park would begin in late October.
State Capital Not Coming to Centralia
In 1889, Centralia was eliminated from the competition for the state capital.
“The capital question is undecided by the present election. Olympia takes the lead by a large plurality, Ellensburg coming a good second and North Yakima and Centralia far behind,” The Centralia News wrote.
“Thurston county gave thirty seven to Centralia for capital, King county thirteen and Pierce county cast about 400 for Centralia. …
“Tuesday’s voting sealed the destiny of Washington, and today she enters on her statehood. The executive and legislature will be controlled by the Republicans and now that the contest is over we trust that the administration and the legislature chosen in this well fought contest will prove itself worthy of the great things in store for this the youngest and most promising of all the states of the Union.”
