During this week in June 1911, Centralias ordinance preventing vehicles from parking downtown was overturned by Mayor Guerrier.

The recent ordinance prohibiting all vehicles to stand longer than a certain time in the business section of Tower avenue, has been opposed by auto men on the grounds that it interferes with their means of earning a living, The Centralia Weekly Chronicle wrote. The matter was laid before the council, and it was pointed out that machines for rent were in no way detrimental to the city by standing on the street while waiting for hire, but rather added to the appearance of street activity as showing Centralia to be a place of up-to-date vehicular traffic.

Chehalis Makes Plans for July 4

125 years ago, in 1886

Chehalis made plans for the July 4 celebration.

There is to be lots of amusement for fun loving people, such as pig races; sack races; slow mule race; fat womans race; pie eating match, for gentleman; parade of horribles and political aspirants, the latter labeled with the badge of the office desired, The Lewis County Bee reported.

New Stage Terminal Opened

75 years ago, in 1936

The new North Coast Lines stage terminal in Chehalis reopened in a new building, with the previous building destroyed by fire in January 1936.

This building is the most modern in his company, according to George Newell, manager of the North Coast Lines, The Centralia Daily Chronicle wrote. Buses will be parked in the ample space provided, just outside of the station out of the way of traffic. In the rear is storage area for five stages.

The interior has Philippine mahogany fixtures, tile flooring, modern cigar stand, attractive rest rooms and the latest thing in direct lighting.

The restaurant claimed to be the most modern bus station lunchroom between San Diego and Seattle, has two complete counters with 75 stools, two fountains and two full set ups. The kitchen is equipped with the latest models of electric range and electric oven, refrigerator, stock kettle, electric dish washing machine and a larger ice box. A dining room is upstairs for banquets and private parties.

Playquato Features Marsyla and Her Accordion

50 years ago, in 1961

The Playquato Ballroom, three miles west of Chehalis on the Raymond Road, advertised the MC of the band at the Saturday night dance would be Jean Marsyla and her accordion. Vocalists were Lois Robinson and Chuck Pennington.

Weather Conditions Disrupt Balloons

25 years ago, in 1986

The hot air balloon races during the weekend were disrupted by unstable weather conditions. Only one balloon flew on Saturday, with 10 out of 11 flying on Sunday.

Rob Newgard, fair chairperson, estimated the crowd between 3,000 to 3,500 attended the third annual Hot Air Fair in Chehalis.

A balloon flown by Steven Chinn, Moses Lake and sponsored by The Daily Chronicle, made an emergency landing on the Main Street overpass on the freeway, due to a leaking propane fuel tank, The Daily Chronicle wrote. That was the end of the ride for Jeff and Janet Andersen, who were Chinns passengers.

Truck Killed Pedestrian

10 years ago, in 2001

A truck killed a man on the freeway north of the Lewis County line. The man had lurched in front of the truck and died at the scene.

Ellensburg Selects Chehalis Police Chief

Five years ago, in 2006

The city of Ellensburg selected Chehalis Police Chief Dale Miller as their new police chief. Miller had started his law enforcement career in Napavine and joined the Chehalis Police Department in 1987, where he had been chief for two years.

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.