5: Civic Auditorium – 1928, 455 Northwest Park Street

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This building was built originally as the Civic Building then converted into the city’s fire department headquarters, and at one time, also housed the police and public works departments. The auditorium hosted a myriad of events. It was used as a community center for entertainment, dances, conventions, meetings, and professional wrestling. Some of the well known wrestlers were Haystack Calhoun and Tony Born. During the war, the United Service Organization (USO) met in this building. For many years on Veterans Day, the cities of Chehalis and Centralia alternated hosting a “bean feed” on Armistice Day. The building was also where the Mr. McGoo Club met. This 1960’s teen club was formed by civic leaders to provide a constructive, social opportunity for activities. Many famous entertainers played at dances held in this building, including Paul Revere and the Raiders, Merrilee Rush, and The Wailers. The police department was located directly under the dance floor, and needless to say, when things really got moving, dust and sometimes parts of the ceiling came floating down. The noise was so loud it was hard to hear the police radio.