“Centralia: The First Fifty Years, 1845-1900,” authored by Herndon Smith and published by the Daily Chronicle in 1949, is an accounting of Centralia, Washington history during its formative years. This work captures the essence of the community’s early development, providing a narrative enriched by diverse anecdotes and some pictorial representations.
The book emerged from an educational initiative started in the autumn of 1937 by a sophomore literature class at Centralia High School. Under the guidance of their instructor, the students sought to document the largely unwritten history of their town. The project evolved into a collaborative effort involving local agencies, state resources, and contributions from the descendants of early settlers.
Significant support for the publication came from Ray W. Edinger, publisher of “The Daily Chronicle,” who recognized the value of preserving these historical accounts. His commitment to the project led to the daily serialization of the collected material in his newspaper, and later, the production of the book. The physical publication was overseen by Fred H. Cole, whose meticulous attention to style and arrangement helped create a lasting record of Centralia’s history.
The narrative is supported by numerous photographs and illustrations, some of which were painstakingly copied by Ivan G. Scates, the high school’s photography instructor. Additionally, the commercial geography class, led by Miss Ethyle Thomas, played a crucial role in mapping out early land claims, providing an accurate list of early settlers.
The book serves not only as a historical record but also as an educational resource, emphasizing the importance of local history in the broader context of learning. It includes contributions from a wide array of community members, librarians, and historical societies, ensuring a broad portrayal of Centralia’s early years.
Table of Contents
- The Friendly Chehalis By Dorothy Mae Rigg
- From Prairie Settlement to City Progress By Donna Tisdale
- Early Travel By Betty Ellen Benedict
- The Early Mail By Shirlee Middlesworth
- The Indian Wars of 1855-1856 By Evelyn Walkling
- I. Fort Henness
- II. Volunteer Regiments
- III. Fort Borst
- The George L. Waunch Family By Lucile Berberich
- The Family of Sidney S. Ford, Senior By Tove Hodge
- Mary Adeline and Joseph By Donna Tisdale
- Homesteading on the Harbor Edited by Donna Tisdale
- The Journal of Patterson F. Luark Edited by Leona Helgerson
- James K. Lum By Shirley Larson
- Owners of the Holmes Donation Claim
- I. William Holmes By Owen Hansen
- II. The James Tullis Family By Alice Gundersen
- Owners of the Kritzer Donation Claim
- I. Noah Kritzer By Dorothy D. Canfield
- II. The Henry Barnes Family By Jean Spicer
- By the Cherry Tree By Eunice Martina and Jacqueline Ingalls
- The Old Halfway House in 1885 By Ellen Bennett Butterworth
- George Washington—-Founder of Centralia By Dorothy Mae Rigg
- The Friendly Chehalis and the Early Settlers By Dorothy Mae Rigg
- The Elkanah Mills Family By Donna Tisdale
- Anna Remley Whealdon Recalls Her Past By Celesta Dickey
- The August David Hilpert Family By Peggy Doran
- The Joseph Phelps Family By Leah Edwards
- The Jesse Allred Family By Verne Erwin
- The William F. Bryans By Donna Tisdale
- The James C. Ready Family By Lavone Guy
- The Joseph Salzer Family
- By Agnes Edwards and Al Middlesworth
- The Sewall and Guderyan Families By Jean Beeching and Phyllis Bevington
- Lincoln Creek By Jacqueline Ingalls
- The Upper Hanaford By Mary Adair
- d’Aubuchon Homesteads on the Lower Hanaford
- I. The Charles Perry Andersons By Mary Adair d’Aubuchon
- II. The Zenkners and Shimeks By Marcella Muir
- III. The James P. McElfresh Family By Leland McElfresh
- IV. Additional Settlers By Leland McElfresh
Gallery of Pictures
Source
Smith, Herndon, Centralia : the first fifty years, 1845-1900, Centralia, Washington : Daily Chronicle, 1949.