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==Arts and culture== ===Art=== Based on a plan approved by the city council in 2009, the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team (CCRT){{efn|The Chehalis Community Renaissance Team changed its name to "Experience Chehalis" in 2022.<ref name="CCRT"/>}} was formed and implemented artistic improvements as part of long term revitalization project for downtown Chehalis. With funds provided by CCRT via community donations and various city, county, and state programs, local artists and business owners have produced artworks on utility boxes, trash can lids, and benches, along with additional murals and building façade renovations in the downtown and surrounding business districts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Julie |title=Chehalis Renaissance Team Paints the Town — Literally |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/julie-mcdonald-commentary-chehalis-renaissance-team-paints-the-town-literally,7217 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Celene |title=Chehalis Community Renaissance Team Awards 11 Facade Grants in 2019 |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-community-renaissance-team-awards-11-facade-grants-in-2019,5960? |access-date=November 4, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 8, 2020}}</ref> A rainbow painted fence, known as the Chehalis Friendship Fence, is located in the city's Pennsylvania-Westside district near Westside Park. It was first created in 2020 and is a show of support of [[LGBTQ+]] people and their rights.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Driver |first1=Michael |title=Chehalis friendship fence |url=https://www.fox13seattle.com/video/875837 |access-date=July 3, 2023 |work=FOX 13 News |date=November 30, 2020}}</ref> Sculptures located in Chehalis include ''The Guardian'', a bronze work situated at the Lewis County Law and Justice Center. Created to honor local police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, the artwork depicts a little girl along with an officer and a [[police dog]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carper |first1=Krysta |title=A Look at the Murals and Public Art of Lewis County |url=https://www.lewistalk.com/2019/09/25/a-look-at-the-murals-and-public-art-of-lewis-county/ |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=Lewis Talk |date=September 25, 2019}}</ref> Four statues, portraying young children in various states of play, are located at the [[Recreation Park Complex (Chehalis, Washington)|Recreation Park Complex]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Emily |title=Newest statue in Chehalis dedicated to the W.F. West girls fastpitch team |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/newest-statue-in-chehalis-dedicated-to-the-wf-west-girls-fastpitch-team,340259 |access-date=July 17, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 13, 2024}}</ref> A bronze sculpture of a little girl sitting on a bench reading a book is located at the Vernetta Smith Timberland Library. The book was stolen but replaced in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Over the Hill ... That Means It Gets Easier, Right? |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/brian-mittge-commentary-over-the-hill-that-means-it-gets-easier-right,273314? |access-date=July 24, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 24, 2021}}</ref> A sculpture containing multiple [[basalt]] columns is located at a commercial development near the I-5 exchange on Main Street known as Liberty Plaza. Created to honor American military veterans, the piece is part of a fountain. The {{convert|29,000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} artwork was dedicated in 2009 and features a column standing {{convert|25|ft|m|1}} in height, at the time thought to be the tallest such type in the world.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Victoria |title=Liberty Plaza in Chehalis Dedicated |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/liberty-plaza-in-chehalis-dedicated,188907? |access-date=August 28, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 15, 2009}}</ref> Chehalis is part of the ARTrails of Southwest Washington initiative. The cooperative, begun in 2003, showcases local artists, art studios and galleries throughout the region, and holds an annual autumnal studio tour that incorporates events in smaller towns within Lewis County.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Emerson |first1=Amy |title=Winlock man working to promote local art |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/winlock-man-working-to-promote-nlocal-art,251169? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 9, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Frazier |first1=Karen |title=ARTrails Seeks to Make Lewis County an Art Destination |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/artrails-seeks-to-make-lewis-county-an-art-destination,94111? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 24, 2013}}</ref> The Lewis County Historical Museum has hosted, since 2015, a permanent ARTrails gallery.<ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Historical Museum Launches Permanent ARTrails Gallery |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/historical-museum-launches-permanent-artrails-gallery,75407? |access-date=August 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 6, 2015}}</ref> ===Charitable groups=== Among the earliest women's groups in Washington state, the St. Helen's Club of Chehalis was founded on February 5, 1895. The literary organization, a member of the [[General Federation of Women's Clubs]] (GFWC) since 1896, has advocated for the importance of "literature, arts, science and vital issues of the day", a motto stretching back to the founding days of the club. The St. Helen's Club has invested in lobbying efforts focusing on issues of betterment for the state but mainly provides scholarships for high school and college women, including foreign-born students, attending colleges in the state.<ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle Staff |title=St. Helens Club of Chehalis Offering $1,000 Scholarship to Female Student |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/st-helens-club-of-chehalis-offering-1000-scholarship-to-female-student,313840 |access-date=June 9, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Women's scholarship available |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1995/03-18/page-14 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 18, 1995 |page=C2}}</ref><ref name="80ACI">{{cite news |title=80th anniversary celebration is held by St. Helens Club |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-chronicle-helen80/160349147/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=March 4, 1975 |page=5 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> During the group's history, the women organized petitions in the early 1900s to demand clean streets and organized livestock drives within Chehalis, opened a women's rest stop in downtown, and planted what was referred to as "a mile of trees" at the fairgrounds.<ref name="80ACI"/> The group led restoration endeavors of the John R. Jackson House at the [[Jackson House State Park Heritage Site]] in 1915.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.parks.wa.gov/1060/Jackson-House |title=Jackson House State Park Heritage Site |publisher=Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |access-date=June 29, 2023}}</ref> As part of a state-wide GFWC initiative, the St. Helen's Club helped to raise funds to purchase land for the [[Federation Forest State Park]] near [[Enumclaw, Washington]] during the late 1920s.<ref name="80ACI"/> ===Cuisine=== In 2021, two restaurants in the city, ''Once Upon A Thyme'', a luncheon diner,<ref>{{cite web |title=Once Upon A Thyme |url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/wa/once-upon-a-thyme |website=foodnetwork.com}}</ref> and ''Mackinaw's'', which caters to fine dining, were featured in back-to-back episodes of the television show, [[List of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episodes#Season 34 (2020-2022)|Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' Touched Down at Three Woman-Owned Restaurants in Twin Cities |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/food-networks-diners-drive-ins-and-dives-touched-down-at-three-woman-owned-restaurants-in,275336 |access-date=June 4, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 15, 2021}}</ref><ref name="MDCRO">{{cite news |last1=Monson |first1=Dori |title=Mandate defiant Chehalis restaurant owner claims LCB agents recently raided Mackinaw's |url=https://mynorthwest.com/3439758/dori-mandate-defiant-chehalis-restaurant-owner-claims-lcb-agents-recently-raided-mackinaws/ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=[[KIRO-TV|KIRO News Radio]] |date=April 18, 2022}}</ref> Mackinaw's, which was located at the Hotel Washington, was subjected to fines, loss of a liquor license, and eventual closure for failing to adhere to [[Covid-19]] protocols for restaurants.<ref name="MDCRO"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Liquor License Reapplication Denied for Chehalis Restaurant That Flouted COVID Closure Orders |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/liquor-license-reapplication-denied-for-chehalis-restaurant-that-flouted-covid-closure-orders,315731 |access-date=June 4, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 17, 2023}}</ref> Another restaurant, ''Spiffy's'', continued indoor dining in 2020 during early lockdown laws amid the Covid-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Kirk |title=Restaurants in Washington State defy governor and invite guests inside |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/12/04/world/covid-19-coronavirus |access-date=April 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> The establishment was levied with $400,000 in fines and the restaurant, which existed for 50 years, shut down the following year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Nick |title=Chehalis restaurant that racked up $400,000 in fines over COVID rules to close permanently |url=https://mynorthwest.com/3065328/spiffys-restaurant-chehalis-covid-fines-to-close-permanently/ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=MyNorthwest.com |date=August 3, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Craighead |first1=Callie |title=Washington roadside restaurant that defied COVID-19 rules, Spiffy's, permanently closes |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/food/article/spiffys-restaurant-in-chehalis-closes-permanently-16360772.php |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=August 3, 2021}}</ref> ===Festivals and events=== The city hosts a yearly, June-to-October, Community Farmers Market of Chehalis in its historic downtown on Boistfort Street. First begun in 2005,<ref>{{cite news |last1=McGinnis |first1=Robin |title=Farmers market in Chehalis ends first season |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/farmers-market-in-chehalis-ends-first-season,227676? |access-date=April 4, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 4, 2005}}</ref> the market is part of a larger Lewis County farmers market initiative.<ref>{{cite web |title=Community Farmers Market of Chehalis |url=https://www.communityfarmlandtrust.org/2021-farmers-market-guide.html |website=communityfarmlandtrust.org |publisher=Community Farm Land Trust |access-date=July 19, 2021}}</ref> It is opened on Tuesday afternoons and as of 2024, is the only such market within a {{convert|20|mi|adj=on}} radius.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saldanha |first1=Alison |title=Building an oasis in a rural WA 'food desert' |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/building-an-oasis-in-a-washington-rural-food-desert/ |access-date=February 7, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=January 27, 2024}}</ref> Locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as prepared food and art wares from the area, are often the leading focus of the market.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chronicle Staff |title=Chehalis Farmers Market Kickstarts 17th Season |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-farmers-market-kickstarts-17th-season,267087 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 2, 2021}}</ref> The history of farmers markets in the city date to 1928, when the community began its first public market at the Chehalis municipal auditorium; the market shifted to Boistfort Street later that year due to lack of shoppers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mayor West Announces Place for Public Market |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/chehalis/chehalis-bee-nugget/1928/04-20/page-1 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=April 20, 1928 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Public Market Will Be On Boistfort Saturday |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/chehalis/chehalis-bee-nugget/1928/08-10/page-1 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=August 10, 1928 |page=1}}</ref> An annual, multi-day "ChehalisFest" is usually held at the end of July. Once titled, "Krazy Days", the early festival included a "saucer drop" of candy and gift-filled cardboard [[flying saucers]] that celebrated the [[1947 flying disc craze]].<ref name="FSPLI">{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Flying Saucer Party Lands in Chehalis |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/flying-saucer-party-lands-in-chehalis,7665? |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 18, 2019}}</ref> The event is hosted by Experience Chehalis (previously the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team),<ref name="CCRT">{{cite news |last1=Warn |first1=Daniel |title=Renaissance Team Changes Name to 'Experience Chehalis' |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/renaissance-team-changes-name-to-experience-chehalis,286319 |access-date=April 18, 2022 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 18, 2022}}</ref> and is centrally located in the historic downtown district but expands to local tourist locations, including the Chehalis-Centralia Airport and Veterans Memorial Museum. Food, music, child activities, art walks, sidewalk sales, and car shows are often the highlights of the festivities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haines |first1=Amanda |title=It's Baaaaack! |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/its-baaaaack,210346? |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 22, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rubin |first1=Will |title=Expanded Array of Attractions to Headline ChehalisFest |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/expanded-array-of-attractions-to-headline-chehalisfest,8466? |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=ChehalisFest to Span Nearly a Full Week |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalisfest-to-span-nearly-a-full-week,269324 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 19, 2021}}</ref> A mid-summer Music in the Park free concert series takes place annually at Recreation Park. The event is typically held on three consecutive Fridays, with a different performer each evening. Based on local music demographics, country singers and [[cover band]]s often headline the series.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Katie |title=Free Chehalis Music in the Park Series Boasts All Country Headliners This Year |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/free-chehalis-music-in-the-park-series-boasts-all-country-headliners-this-year,10072? |access-date=July 19, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chronicle Staff |title=Organizers Announce Summer 2021 'Music in the Park' Lineup in Chehalis |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/organizers-announce-summer-2021-music-in-the-park-lineup-in-chehalis,268899 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 12, 2021}}</ref> Chehalis borders the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, which hosts an annual [[state fair]], usually in August.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yaw |first1=Claudia |title='Guessing Game': The Southwest Washington Fair Is on for August, but Planning Proves Difficult |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/guessing-game-the-southwest-washington-fair-is-on-for-august-but-planning-proves-difficult,264995? |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 5, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Southwest Washington Fair - History |url=https://southwestwashingtonfair.org/general-info/about-us/history/ |website=southwestwashingtonfair.org |access-date=June 28, 2021}}</ref> The Lewis County Fair first took place in the city in 1891 and continued to do so until 1909 when the fairgrounds began hosting the event after the site was constructed.<ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Southwest Washington Fair: A Celebration Dating Back to 1877 |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/southwest-washington-fair-a-celebration-dating-back-to-1877,323533 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 10, 2023 |quote=Reprint from a 2006 Chronicle article}}</ref> In commemoration of the [[Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting]] and the city's connection to the event, the downtown district hosts the "Chehalis Flying Saucer Party" which first began in 2019.<ref name="FSPLI"/> The festival revived the Krazy Day's tradition of the "saucer drop"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Northwest Flying Saucer Film Fest returning this September for Chehalis Flying Saucer Party; entries accepted through August |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/northwest-flying-saucer-film-fest-returning-this-september-for-chehalis-flying-saucer-party,333850 |access-date=February 8, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 2, 2024}}</ref> and is usually a two-day, September celebration. It includes symposiums, a parade, musical performances, and UFO-themed activities in the city, with several exhibits about the sighting displayed at the Lewis County Historical Museum.<ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Final Speakers for Chehalis Flying Saucer Party Announced, Schedule Released and Tickets on Sale |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/final-speakers-for-chehalis-flying-saucer-party-announced-schedule-released-and-tickets-on-sale,322447 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 19, 2023}}</ref> In 2023, a [[short film]] competition, the "Northwest Flying Saucer Film Fest", was introduced to the event.<ref>{{cite news |author1=The East Oregonian staff |title=Northwest Flying Saucer Film Festival seeks submissions |url=https://www.eastoregonian.com/community/news/northwest-flying-saucer-film-festival-seeks-submissions/article_daedd1a0-bbc4-11ed-9777-83535a02b36d.html |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=The East Oregonian (Pendleton, Oregon) |date=March 6, 2023}}</ref> Chehalis's Santa Parade takes place in early December. A theme is chosen every year and local residents are selected as [[Parade#Parade grand marshals|grand marshals]] as recognition for their community service. The route courses thru the historic downtown district and immediate business core with [[Float (parade)|floats]] and school marching bands the prime spotlight of the event. Held almost continuously since the 1940s, the parade celebrated 70 years in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Celene |title=Santa Parade in Downtown Chehalis on Saturday for its 70th Year |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/santa-parade-in-downtown-chehalis-on-saturday-for-its-70th-year,6422? |access-date=November 24, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=The Chronicle Staff |title=Santa Parade Kicks Holidays Into Action This Weekend |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/santa-parade-kicks-holidays-into-action-this-weekend,66638? |access-date=November 24, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 3, 2015}}</ref> ===Historic buildings and sites=== [[File:Vernetta Smith Timberland Library.jpg|thumb|upright|Vernetta Smith Timberland Library]] [[File:The Chehalis Theater.jpg|thumb|The Chehalis Theater]] {{see also|History of theaters in Chehalis, Washington}} The city began a historical commission in the 1980s to honor and recognize buildings in Chehalis for their historical importance as well as preservation efforts. Given the moniker, the Chehalis Historic Preservation Commission, the committee's largest listing was in 2005 with 37 homes recognized; all were located in NRHP districts in the community. Each home or building is given a plaque that lists the original construction date, and may contain dates and names regarding conservation efforts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=VanTuyl |first1=Aaron |title=History repeats itself |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/history-repeats-itself,215772? |access-date=September 27, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 16, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Commission doing well with project to preserve homes |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/commission-doing-well-with-project-to-preserve-homes,230098? |access-date=September 27, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 21, 2005}}</ref> The commission, in the mid-2000s, was responsible for the beginnings of restoration efforts in the downtown district, specifically programs to improve and revitalize building [[façades]].<ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Facade improvement proving success for downtown Chehalis |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/facade-improvement-proving-success-for-downtown-chehalis,219243? |access-date=September 27, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 19, 2006}}</ref> The [[Chehalis Downtown Historic District]] was honored with placement on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] (NRHP) in 1997, notably for its [[Colonial Revival architecture]].<ref>{{cite web |title=National Register of Historic Places |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/97001407 |website=NPGallery |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> Two other NRHP district locations [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Lewis County, Washington|registered]] within Chehalis include the [[Hillside Historic District (Chehalis, Washington)|Hillside Historic District]] and the [[Pennsylvania Avenue-West Side Historic District]]. NRHP-listed buildings include the [[Chehalis Post Office]], the [[Lewis County Courthouse (Washington)|Lewis County Courthouse]], the county museum once known as the [[Lewis County Historical Society and Museum|Burlington Northern Depot]], the 1920s [[St. Helens Hotel]], and the [[Scout Lodge (Chehalis, Washington)|Troop 373 and 7373 Scout Lodge]]. The homes of [[Jackson House State Park Heritage Site|John R. Jackson]], [[O. B. McFadden House|O.B. McFadden]], and [[O. K. Palmer House|O.K. Palmer]] are also listed with the NRHP. Other historical buildings include the [[Chehalis Theater]], originally known as the Pix Theater when it was opened in 1938, but renamed in 1954. The building, constructed in 1923, was first home to a Ford car dealership.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lewistalk.com/2016/12/21/chehalis-theatre-historical-building-lives/|title=The Chehalis Theatre: A Historical Building Lives On|date=December 21, 2016 |publisher=LewisTalk|access-date=September 13, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626121556/https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/js/devicepx-jetpack.js?ver=202125|url-status=live}}</ref> Across from the courthouse sits the Judge Seymour White House, a [[Victorian house]] built in 1904 that was planned for demolition in 1986 after it was deemed a public nuisance. A public outcry saved the home. Given the nickname, "House of Ill Repute", it once was used as a [[brothel]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Judge Seymour White House - 1904 |url=https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/visitors/11-judge-seymour-white-house-1904-120-northwest-pacific-avenue |website=City of Chehalis |access-date=June 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Lewis County Dignity Guild's New 'Home Base' Is in Downtown Chehalis |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/lewis-county-dignity-guilds-new-home-base-is-in-downtown-chehalis,320974 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 16, 2023}}</ref> The 1889 [[Hotel Washington (Chehalis, Washington)|Washington Hotel]] is situated in the downtown district and was restored by a local family in 1997 following a destructive fire. It served as a movie house and vaudeville theater, known as the [[History of theaters in Chehalis, Washington#The Dream Theater (1911)|Dream Theater]], and once hosted the [[Vintage Motorcycle Museum (Chehalis, Washington)|Vintage Motorcycle Museum]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/visitors/32-hotel-washington-%E2%80%93-1889-545-north-market-boulevard|title=Washington Hotel|publisher=City of Chehalis|access-date=March 15, 2020|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017135134/https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/visitors/32-hotel-washington-%E2%80%93-1889-545-north-market-boulevard|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Peredina|first=Graham|date=December 1, 2017|url=http://www.chronline.com/news/128-year-old-hotel-washington-vintage-building-sold-in-chehalis/article_a801097e-d727-11e7-96af-138e2a2e3211.html|title=128-Year-Old Hotel Washington|publisher=The Daily Chronicle|access-date=September 13, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626121524/https://www.chronline.com/stories/128-year-old-hotel-washington-vintage-building-sold-in-chehalis,21305|url-status=live}}</ref> To commemorate the 100th anniversary of [[Ezra Meeker|Ezra Meeker's]] journey on the [[Oregon Trail]], the city, by way of the Lewis County Historical Society, installed an historical marker at city hall. As part of a promise from towns along Meeker's trip to erect markers to honor the trail, Chehalis was one of the last areas to fulfill the obligation. Another marker was subsequently placed at [[Claquato Church]] in the nearby neighborhood of Claquato, the oldest continuously used church in Washington state.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chronicle Staff |title=Roadside sights bring history alive |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/roadside-sights-bring-history-alive,221825? |access-date=July 29, 2022 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 22, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Chehalis Couple Bringing Services Back to Historic Claquato Church |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-couple-bringing-services-back-to-historic-claquato-church,22958? |access-date=December 22, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 6, 2017}}</ref> The Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library, built in 2008 as a replacement of the city's 1910 [[Carnegie library]], is operated by the [[Timberland Regional Library]] and named in honor of the mother of former Chehalis resident, [[Orin C. Smith|Orin Smith]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tomtas |first1=Justyna |last2=Schwartz |first2=Eric |title=Person of the Year: Orin Smith Conquered the Business World, Then He Gave Back |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/person-of-the-year-orin-smith-conquered-the-business-world-then-he-gave-back,20381? |access-date=July 9, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trl.org/locations/chehalis|title=Chehalis Timberland Library|publisher=Timberland Regional Library|access-date=September 13, 2020|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018014701/https://www.trl.org/locations/chehalis|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Haines |first1=Amanda |title=Library Namesake Makes Special Visit |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/library-namesake-makes-special-visit,207370? |access-date=July 9, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 18, 2007}}</ref> ===Tourism=== Chehalis is home to the Veteran's Memorial Museum which was originally begun in 1995 and opened in Centralia in 1997.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MIttge |first1=Brian |title=New museum rising in Chehalis |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/new-museum-rising-in-chehalis,245198? |work=The Chronicle |date=January 3, 2004}}</ref> The museum contains a volumetric library of military history, and visitors can participate in direct interactions with visiting United States war veterans as well as browse thru a 9,000 square foot gallery.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Filling the Void: Amid Pandemic, Veterans Memorial Museum Asks 'What Can We Do?' |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/filling-the-void-amid-pandemic-veterans-memorial-museum-asks-what-can-we-do,267613? |access-date=June 28, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Veteran's Memorial Museum - Mission of the Museum |url=http://veteransmuseum.org/about |website=veteransmuseum.org |access-date=June 28, 2021}}</ref> The site is home to the mast of the [[USS Nicholas (DD-449)]], and the grounds exhibit both a complete [[Bell AH-1 Cobra]] helicopter and a [[Republic F-105 Thunderchief]] fighter-bomber.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Historic World War II destroyer's mast now standing outside of the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/historic-world-war-ii-destroyers-mast-now-standing-outside-of-the-veterans-memorial-museum-in,325742 |access-date=September 26, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 18, 2023}}</ref> The museum has hosted an annual, late-summer "Rust or Shine Car Show and Music Festival" since 2015, becoming the biggest automobile show in the county.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Rust or Shine: Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis prepares for its final and biggest car show of the year |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/rust-or-shine-veterans-memorial-museum-in-chehalis-prepares-for-its-final-and-biggest-car-show-of,324583 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 30, 2023}}</ref> In cooperation with other organizations, the museum sponsors an annual [[American Civil War reenactment]] in the city.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tomtas |first1=Justyna |title=Civil War Re-enactment Returns to Chehalis |url=https://cdn6.creativecirclemedia.com/lafromboise/files/20201209-133545-2017-07-13.pdf |access-date=February 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |page=7|date=July 13, 2017}}</ref> The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Museum (CCRM) is located south of the veteran's museum and hosts the [[Chehalis–Centralia Railroad]] which offers an {{convert|18.0|mi|adj=on}} passenger train ride that traverses through the Twin City corridor and the Chehalis River Valley.<ref name="CCRTR">{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Chehalis-Centralia Railroad to resume weekend excursions beginning April 6 |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-centralia-railroad-to-resume-weekend-excursions-beginning-april-6,336932 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 22, 2024}}</ref> The train, a 1916 [[Baldwin Locomotive]] Engine No. 15 from the Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade Railway, was once a display located at Recreation Park and was restored in the mid-1980s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Julie |title=Highlighting Lewis County: Goodbye, Harold Borovec, Chehalis and Railroad Icon |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/highlighting-lewis-county-goodbye-harold-borovec-chehalis-and-railroad-icon,321090#lndg2wrpxju6o2o4gn |access-date=November 9, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 19, 2023}}</ref> A [[Indoor swap meet|swap meet]] mall, [[Pay 'n Save#Yard Birds|Yard Birds]], is a local landmark known for its large, metal and wood sculpture of a black bird.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yard Birds Mall |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/yard-birds-mall |website=atlasobscura.com |publisher=Atlas Obscura |access-date=July 19, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadt |first1=Lisa |title=The Resurgence of Yard Birds: How a New Focus and a Renewed Effort Brought a Lewis County Landmark Back to Relevance |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/the-resurgence-of-yard-birds-how-a-new-focus-and-a-renewed-effort-brought-a-lewis-county-landmark,86522 |access-date=July 19, 2021 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 6, 2014}}</ref> The mall was permanently closed in 2022 and threatened to be condemned due to code compliance and safety issues but the order was lifted at the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Yard Birds Tenants Evicted, Building's Future Uncertain |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/yard-birds-tenants-evicted-buildings-future-uncertain,302960 |access-date=August 21, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=City of Chehalis Removes Condemnation Notices From Yard Birds |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/city-of-chehalis-removes-condemnation-notices-from-yard-birds,304873 |access-date=August 21, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 7, 2022}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, the attraction still remains.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Applicant Eyes Demolishing Yard Birds Shopping Center for New 622,167-Square-Foot Warehouse |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/applicant-eyes-demolishing-yard-birds-shopping-center-for-new-622167-square-foot-warehouse,320387? |access-date=August 21, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=June 5, 2023}}</ref> [[File:McKinley Stump - Ezra Meeker 01.jpg|thumb|200px|The Chehalis McKinley Stump, with Ezra Meeker]] Located at the Lewis County Historical Museum is the McKinley Stump, a replica of a {{convert|6|foot|abbr=off}} tall remnant of a Douglas fir cut down in 1901 near [[Pe Ell, Washington|Pe Ell]]. Dated between 360 and 700 years old, it was meant to be used as a speech pedestal for [[President William McKinley]], but the event was cancelled. [[Theodore Roosevelt]] used it two years later and [[William H. Taft]] employed the stump as a podium in 1907. The artifact was originally placed in downtown under a pagoda, but was moved to the railroad depot and then to Recreation Park after damages due to arson in the late 1940s. After an infestation of carpenter ants and subsequent rot, the stump was removed from the park in 2007 and a replica stump, cut from [[Tenino, Washington|Tenino]], was installed at the museum in 2008 with a restored pagoda and a display of an undamaged slab of the original stump.<ref>{{cite news |title=Different stump, same memories |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2008/jan/19/different-stump-same-memories/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |work=[[The Spokesman-Review]] (Spokane, Washington) |publisher=Associated Press |date=January 19, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stein |first1=Alan J. |title=The McKinley Stump in Chehalis is removed on October 23, 2007 |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/8374 |access-date=February 22, 2024 |work=HistoryLink |date=October 17, 2013}}</ref>
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