Morty Comix # 2492

Morty Comix # 2492 found a new home and enhanced a recent issue of Cat Fancy in the Centralia Timberland Library, Centralia, Washington. Outside the library is a memorial honoring the four WWI veterans killed in the Centralia Massacre, Nov. 11, 1919.

I had relatives on both sides of that tragic event where Wobblies and vets clashed. My great-uncle testified at the trial. His mechanic business was next door to the IWW Hall. In the early 1970s I interviewed several people who were involved, including three eyewitnesses to Dale Hubbard's murder and Wesley Everest's capture. I also learned about the prosecutors wiretapping the defense during the trial at Montesano and what they did with the info. All in all, a pretty sordid story, and one day I'll publish it.

Family trivia: My great-great grandfather once lived in a house at the present location of the gray building in the background of the last photo.

Buttons - Unions - 1970s

We're in Here For You, You're Out There For Us

Back in the early 1970s I interviewed several people who were participants or eyewitnesses to the Nov. 11, 1919 Centralia Massacre as well the subsequent 1920 trial in Montesano (a great uncle of mine testified). The fact I was related to people on both sides of this tragic incident, plus those willing to talk to me were looking at the end of their lives and were feeling confessional, gave me a unique and not very admirable view of this blot on Washington State history.

In the course of these interviews, someone gave me this IWW re-issue button.

Phone photo 192

Grays Harbor County Courthouse, Montesano, Washington

I have been called for jury selection here more times than I can remember, but they never pick me. It used to be we all had to watch a video with Raymond Burr explaining the process.

This is the building where the IWW members accused of conspiracy in the Centralia Massacre case were tried in 1920.