Our region has a rich history – but unfortunately, working people’s history and labor history is often not taught in schools. Here are a few historic events you may have missed.
“The Girls”
In 1911, a serious explosion occurred at the Imperial Powder Company, just outside of Centralia, WA, that killed eight young women and changed the course of workers compensation and labor history.
Local newspaper columnist Bill Moeller and talk-show host John Panesko gave a presentation at the August 17, 2011 TLMCLC meeting, sharing the story of the tragic event, the discovery of the group gravesite, and the efforts to memorialize “The Girls.”
The Thurston Lewis Mason Central Labor Council donated $1,000 to help purchase the memorial that both Bill and John talk about.
Read more about THE GIRLS here.
Read the letter from Sen. Maria Cantwell that was read at this meeting.
View Nov. 2, 1911 newspaper coverage here.
Additional Coverage
After A Century, A Proper Memorial To ‘The Girls’
100 years later, forgotten Chehalis ‘Girls’ are honored
