A fund set up to provide a community memorial marker to a group of girls that died in a Chehalis powder factory fire 100 years ago hasnt generated quite the amount those who set it up hoped it would, leaving those in care of the fund hoping for people to bring in new contributions.

John Panesko, owner of Greenwood Masonic Cemetery in Chehalis and keeper of the fund at Security State Bank, said so far the community has contributed just $685 thus far toward the memorial, while $125 has been donated through the Lewis County Historical Museum.

Its fair to say contributions that are coming in are few and far between, Panesko said. It is a bit disappointing thus far, but Im hopeful we will see more people step up and contribute.

Panesko said he has worked with Sticklin Funeral Chapel manager Daniel LaPlaunt to discuss designs for a memorial headstone that would be made out of a type of dark granite with text inscribed in white marble. No design has been drawn up yet, but Panesko says the general idea features three headstones touching each other side by side and measures 6 feet in width.

We want white to be an integral element because the purity of the girls is the main story here, Panesko said.

Those that wish to donate can do so at any branch of Security State Bank to an account named The Girls, or make a tax-deductible contribution of $100 or more to the Lewis County Historical Museum in Chehalis.

Despite funds in the bank for the headstones thus far being low, Panesko says hes hopeful more money will come in.

We will get the monument installed regardless, Panesko said. I know people are donating to pretty much a concept right now, but when we complete the design and people get to see it I think more people would be willing to contribute.

Christopher Brewer: (360) 807-8235