History

"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 TLMCMC is donating $1,000 to help purchase the memorial that both Bill and John talk about. We hope you'll consider a donation, too.

• 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.

 

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The IWW and the Centralia Massacre

During a 1919 Armistice Day parade, American Legionnaires rushed the I.W.W. union hall to attack the Wobblies positioned inside their hall and run them out of town. Because Wobblies had been similarly attacked two years before, they stood armed and ready inside the hall, as well as at points across the street. Local author Herb Fuller has carefully researched the events of that day and its aftermath, and has generously given us permission to publish his manuscript. Read it here.

Related Links

• UW Digital Collections: Centralia Massacre and the Industrial Workers of the World Collection
• Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest: The I.W.W. in Washington