Name: PEETER BERTON
From: italy
Website:

Comments: hope things are getting better for you. I knew about Centralia from a book of an American writer(Bill Bryson - A walk through the Apalachian Trail)and I was astonished. Did the U.S. Gov. helped you?

Date: July 27, 2002 at 05:11:12 EST

Name: William Phillips
From: Florida
Website:

Comments: Until the recent mine disaster, I'd never heard of Centralia, Pa. I had been reading about the trapped Coal Miners and a link lead me to your site. I read about the eternal fire burning for the past 30+ years. I'm speechless... I really feel for all those who gave their lives in the mines and those who were displaced by the cheaper cost of moving an entire town vs. taking care of the problem as it should have been. Intrigued by what I read, I researched a few other links and was even more speecless. The impact on those people, as well as the environment will be felt for years to come. I definitely agree that the issue needs more coverage by CNN, C-Span, or anybody willing to read and listen of the tragedy of this event. I'll definitely spread the word among those I know. I have a number of realtives in the neighboring state of W.Va. that work in or around the mines and the thoguhts of something like that happening there makes this hit home even more. You've got my best wishes and support.

Date: July 27, 2002 at 01:19:34 EST

Name: Jay
From: Missouri
Website:

Comments: Interesting site. I'd love to visit Centralia some day.

Date: July 25, 2002 at 22:27:58 EST

Name: Sara
From: Washington, DC
Website:

Comments: I am pursuing my Masters of Tourism Administration at The George Washington University and am designing a virtual tour of Centralia and it's history. I have visited before and would love to be able to interview as many residents as possible for this tour. I will be coming up to visit again in the near future. Please contact me (dinoff@gwu.edu) with any information or suggestions. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Sara

Date: July 23, 2002 at 13:14:51 EST

Name: Chris Brown
From: Roanoke, VA
Website:

Comments: I just read about the Centralia fire in Bill Bryson's A WALK IN THE WOODS and wanted to find out more, so I found your site. The scale of the disaster is so huge, it's hard to imagine. It sounds like something out of an Irwin Allen movie.

Date: July 22, 2002 at 16:11:30 EST

Name: Eloise
From: Shillington, PA
Website:

Comments: Was coming back from Knoebels and my husband and I decided to stop for a little bit, so he could show me. It was very interesting. Wanted to learn when and why and if they tried to put it out.

Date: July 13, 2002 at 23:37:51 EST

Name: deborah cardosa lee
From: lavergne, tennessee
Website: cardosa family

Comments: My father was borne in centralia....Henry Cardosa, one of nine children, son of Anna cardosa. The family kept the home located at 121 West Main Street until home sold in 1985...... Would like to hear from anyone who knows the Cardosa Family so I may pass on to my Father. I remember sleigh riding in front of the school and on Ray's Hill, and playing baseball across the street from the house when I was a child.... Thank You, Debbie Cardosa Lee

Date: July 9, 2002 at 22:15:07 EST

Name: Lee Feldman
From: East Petersburg, PA.
Website:

Comments: I have been there a few times over the years, most recently today. I brought my Daughter and Son. The ground was hot, the air foul, but there was a magical feeling. After reading about the goverment bungling of the whole thing, I understand a lot more than I did. If the same thing happened in a large city, there would be no problem putting out the fire. Maybe someone could get the Army corp of engineers to put the fire out as an exercise? Maybe if you had kidnapped Gov.Thornburgh and forced him to spend a few minutes in your basement... well, maybe not. Anyway, I will be back, and I will be watching to see how this turns out. Good Luck.

Date: July 9, 2002 at 21:00:59 EST

Name: Andrew Dutton
From: York PA.
Website:

Comments: My grandparents took me through Centralia on the way to our mountain cabin back in the early 70's.Over the fourth my family was camping at Knobles,and Iwanted to visit. WOW what a shock.Good luck to the people to still remain.

Date: July 9, 2002 at 20:21:16 EST

Name: The Moyers
From: Reinholds, PA
Website:

Comments: I took my wife and kids up today. We herd alot about Centralia but never was there before.We were realy amazed at how hot the ground was. you can realy feel the heat. Hope someday they can rebuild.

Date: July 7, 2002 at 22:49:37 EST

Name: elizabeth
From:
Website:

Comments: i lived in centralia, centralia is great!

Date: July 5, 2002 at 10:08:16 EST

Name: Sue Trebilcock
From: michigan
Website: just a visitor

Comments: I too became interested in Centralia when I was at campvention nearby and came through Centralia in July, 1990. I often wondered if the road we were on was safe as that 12 year old boy fell through the ground.

Date: July 4, 2002 at 21:24:13 EST

Name: Sean
From: Ohio
Website: one7one

Comments: I was reading a book the other day entitled 'A walk in the woods' by Bill Bryson and was intrigued with his mention of a town in eastern Pennslyvania that had a coal fire burning under it for over 30 years. After a few minutes of searching the web, I came across your site and learned that this place did exsist. The story of Centralia is a sad one and my regards to those who were/are affected. Just wanted to say Great work on the site! I was amazed at what I found out about Centralia and I'm curious to visit this town.

Date: July 3, 2002 at 00:47:29 EST

Name: rita(gerrity)laibinis
From: long beach ca
Website:

Comments: my mother: Betty (Mulligan) Gerrity my father: bernard gerrity.we lived in centralia until 1945 then moved to wilkes-barre pa.

Date: June 29, 2002 at 23:50:25 EST

Name: Greg Hale
From: Milton, NH
Website:

Comments: My wife and I visit Centralia 1-2 times a year. I own several books put out about this mine fire. The State of Pennsylvania and the Federal government made a lot of empty promises to the good people of Centralia. They should have made the the governor and Mr. Watts live there for a couple of weeks. Things would have been a lot different in getting that fire stopped if it was in there back yard!! What a bunch of idiots!! My wife and I will be stopping by in August. By the way, is there any way to get a copy of town map of Centralia? I am a history buff. Thanks, Greg & Sue Hale

Date: June 28, 2002 at 14:01:09 EST

Name: tina gordner
From: york,pa
Website:

Comments: I was amazed with all the changes in Centralia,pa. I was there 6/21/02 and couldn't belive my own eyes. My prayers go out to all those in centralia and to those that lost there homes.God bless to all.

Date: June 27, 2002 at 00:00:50 EST

Name: WENDY
From: BUCKS COUNTY, PA
Website:

Comments: My girlfriend and I just visited Centralia today with our children. It was very educational for all of us, but at the expense of those still living there. I hope those that had to leave may return someday, and wish those that stayed the best of luck. Thank You Centralia.

Date: June 19, 2002 at 20:43:08 EST

Name: Trudy Avery
From: Sandwich, Cape Cod Massachusetts
Website:

Comments: Thought I would check out information on Centralia after reading an article in Sunday's June 16 Boston Globe about the town. My mother is from Centralia, Catherine Burns, born 3/26/21. I had many, many relatives living in the town. I used to visit Centralia during my childhood summers when I was growing up in Brooklyn,NY. I brought my husband and four sons to see Centralia in 1990 and felt quite sad to see the changes. I look forward to coming back.

Date: June 19, 2002 at 09:46:42 EST

Name: Kerri Koch
From: bethlehem, pa
Website:

Comments: I have heard of Centralia before, but never gave it more than a passing thought that I should see it one day.... but I just finished a book called 'Those who favor fire'. A fiction book about a Pa town the author called Belle Haven, but as I read the first few pages I knew she based her story on Centralia. Although the story revolved around a few residents, the book was filled with information about the fire and stories of people having to make the decision to stay or go. I dont know how much research the author did, but having read the book, I have a new appreciation for what residents must have gone through. Peace be with you all, wherever you may be.

Date: June 16, 2002 at 20:43:20 EST

Name: Pamela Cowey
From: United Kingdom
Website:

Comments: I find this truely amazing. If this occured in the UK it would be on the front page every day... but even more amazing that yours isn't the only town in America suffering this problem. I must visit.

Date: June 13, 2002 at 11:07:33 EST

Name: Marissa Brown
From: Perth, Western Australia
Website:

Comments: It is amazing to read about Centralia and its residents, it is hard to believe such a place exists. Thanks for telling me such a wonderful story!

Date: June 13, 2002 at 07:03:22 EST

Name: Whelan,Thomas P. -and- Family
From: Hopatcong, N.J. 07843-1802
Website: BOSSY BEAR

Comments: It's been about 6 years since we first set foot and sight on Centralia. We've stopped by and talked to some townsfolk on the famous benches... Each time we travel by we stop in, with the big orange-ish sign to tell us we're there. We've seen many changes and wish everyone there and who comes back the VERY BEST....... We now check Centralia online at our TECH Center......until our next visit by.......... PEACE -and- HAPPINESS...

Date: June 12, 2002 at 16:59:53 EST

Name: Whelan,Thomas P. -and- Family
From: Hopatcong, N.J. 07843-1802
Website: BOSSY BEAR

Comments: It's been about 6 years since we first set foot and sight on Centralia. We've stopped by and talked to some townsfolk on the famous benches... Each time we travel by we stop in, with the big orange-ish sign to tell us we're there. We've seen many changes and wish everyone there and who comes back the VERY BEST....... We now check Centralia online at our TECH Center......until our next visit by.......... PEACE -and- HAPPINESS...

Date: June 12, 2002 at 16:59:37 EST

Name:
From:
Website:

Comments: Man, you are so screwed! Anyone got a light?

Date: June 12, 2002 at 16:47:23 EST

Name: Ann D.
From: Hershey
Website:

Comments: Grew up visiting my grandparents in Centralia. Seeing the town square decorated and going into town with my great aunts. Love the town and have great memories.

Date: June 12, 2002 at 11:20:34 EST

Name: chris macdonald
From: sacramento
Website:

Comments: this is the best site i have found so far. I wish all the luck to the remaining citizens of Centralia. bless you all.

Date: June 11, 2002 at 21:55:09 EST

Name: Sr.Claire Hutchinson
From: Newtown,Bucks Co PA (birthplace
Website:

Comments: I have just finished reading the message list. It is gratifying to read so many comments that inquire about the Sisters of IHM. I spent nine years as teacher of grades one and two with music ministry on the side. As our community grows smaller due to many factors it is rewarding to know that we have left our charism mark with you. Keep the faith and pass it on to the hungry hearts that you meet along life's path.

Date: June 10, 2002 at 13:32:25 EST

Name: Vernon L Rettenmair
From: Born in Pa, now live in N.C.
Website:

Comments: I find it seemingly amazing that the State of Pennsylvania has not made a recent effort to distinguish the fire underground. I feel sorry for the people of the town.

Date: June 9, 2002 at 12:17:28 EST

Name: John P Garrah
From: Honesdale, PA
Website:

Comments: My family lived in Aristes and Centralia until the mid-30's. My great-grandparents: Patrick Garrah and Margaret Lyons, are buried in St. Ignatius' cemetery.

Date: June 8, 2002 at 19:43:38 EST

Name: Amy Jeschke
From: Reading, PA
Website: Ms.

Comments: I LOVE CENTRALIA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: June 7, 2002 at 16:52:24 EST

Name: Dorothea C. Gormley
From: Philadelphia, Pa
Website:

Comments: I'm a nurse at Lower Bucks Hospital and a patient of mine came from Centrailai and I told him I would fine some information for him. I will give it to him on Thursday June 6, 2002.

Date: June 4, 2002 at 17:07:51 EST

Name: Pat (Fetterman) Roberts San Antonio TX
From: San Antonio, Tx.
Website:

Comments: I Spent many childhood summers at my Grandmother's house (Fetterman) I loved the Ice cream parlor and the Birchbeer bark

Date: June 3, 2002 at 21:04:32 EST

Name: G. McCullough
From: California
Website:

Comments: Amazing......don't leave.......!

Date: May 31, 2002 at 15:41:01 EST

Name: Jessica McGinley
From: Mt.Carmel
Website:

Comments: I am doing an Informative report on Centralia, and I came to this site to get some facts. All of my family, both the McGinley side and the Rishel side where from Centralia that is why I decided to pick this great town!

Date: May 30, 2002 at 08:19:35 EST

Name: Kailene
From: Norwood, Pa
Website:

Comments: I very much enjoyed your site. Wonderful job, well done. I remember visiting my Mom's hometown when i was a child. There was always something to do, somewhere to explore, getting candy from the store across the street (centre str.) But i remeber most of all, the kindness of everyone we met. Would love to hear from anyone who is still there. Thank you!!!!

Date: May 29, 2002 at 19:59:25 EST

Name: John Dettinger
From: West Chester, PA
Website:

Comments: I travel through the town two to three times a year. I am amazed by the changes in the town no matter how small. Has anyone documented the complete towns demize? It should be documented for all to read, just as we have for other events that are history. Especially this one as it is a part of our lives and must not be forgotten! When making this book, it should include the town of Byrnesville, which was also destroyed because of this same issue, it is off of rte.61 south where the now by-pass is located.

Date: May 29, 2002 at 15:28:15 EST

Name: Rita (Gerrity) Laibinis
From: Long Beach CA
Website:

Comments: My whole family came from Centralia. It was a nice town to grow up in. I attended St. Ignatius grade school..I have fond memories: I remember huckleberries growing in Centralia - delicious. My dad, Bernard Gerrity, was band leader for a while at the high school.

Date: May 29, 2002 at 01:57:52 EST

Name: Mary Helen (Holiney) Wallace
From: Hockessin, DE 19707
Website:

Comments: I was born in Centralia, PA in 1940. My Dad was also born there and was a coalminer. My Mother was born in Homesville. I am interested in reading about those places that meant so much.

Date: May 28, 2002 at 16:52:05 EST

Name: Peter Anderson
From: Levittown, PA
Website:

Comments: (ahem, sorry for the third entry here) NOTE: for whatever reason, the system set up by PWOTW to allow you to click on the 'Website:' for the person signing the guest book doesn't work. Instead of taking you to the website, you get a message 'Access Denied'. This is my web site: www.eyefinity.com/advanced_eyecare_center Copying and pasting it into the web browser gets you right to the site, even though clicking directly on it, in my entries below, doesn't work.

Date: May 26, 2002 at 23:27:57 EST

Name: Peter Anderson
From: Levitown, PA
Website: Advanced Eyecare Center

Comments: Oops Rita I now see that you have an area marked 'links' on your site which leads to many other sites including photos. I hadn't noticed that when I left my first entry, sorry.

Date: May 26, 2002 at 23:14:35 EST

Name: Peter Anderson
From: Levittown, PA
Website: www.eyefinity.com/advanced_eyecare_center

Comments: I was using the web to find out about Ghost Towns in America and found a site listing ghost towns by state. I checked out Pennsylvania and was surprised to find out about Centralia, PA. What an unusual and unfortunate story surrounds this town. Rita, I commend you for putting this site up on the net. I would like to recommend that you add some nice photos of the town to this page, or at least have a link to another site which would have photos of the town. That would be a tremendous benefit to those interested in Centralia. Dr. Pete

Date: May 26, 2002 at 23:05:45 EST

Name: Paul J. Olshefski
From: Mt. Carmel
Website:

Comments: I always had good thoughts about Centralia. So glad someone has stayed. Live in Sun Lakes Az. now and really miss the coal region but not the snow.

Date: May 23, 2002 at 21:14:35 EST

Name: kathy and karl barham
From: auburn pa
Website:

Comments: we are considering coming to visit centralia. it seems like a wonderful place.

Date: May 23, 2002 at 20:39:07 EST

Name: Cheryl (Roney) Hoffman
From: Coal Township/ Born and Raised in Mt.Carmel
Website:

Comments: Born and raised in Mt.Carmel. spent alot of time in centralia with friends, remember the restraunt that burnt that was my friends house.. Always going through town to get to ashland. the snake road was the quick way.. haven't been up there in years but i do keep up to date with it all. Sorry to see such a nice town disappear like that. to those who are still there my heart goes out to you.. Keep safe.

Date: May 20, 2002 at 21:50:51 EST

Name: Angel
From: Easton, PA
Website:

Comments: I first learned about Centralia about 10 years ago when I was in college. We went on a trip to State College and drove up Route 61 through Centralia. It was the most unforgettable and eerie experience. I was so overwhelmed, fascinated and intrigued by the town that I ended up spending countless hours devouring all the info I could find. Since then, I have made several trips to Centralia. However, I haven't been back recently. It is so incredibly sad to see that the church and even more buildings are gone. I wish there was a way for Centralia to rise like a phoenix from its ashes. My thoughts are with all the families that were affected by this disaster. Even though Centralia is gone, it will live on in my heart forever!

Date: May 16, 2002 at 19:28:21 EST

Name: Keenan
From: Pottstown, pa
Website:

Comments: i love going through Centraila. i go through there like 10 times a year. anyone with more information on the town please email me khdog85@aol.com

Date: May 16, 2002 at 13:01:49 EST

Name: Rosie
From: Williamsport, PA
Website:

Comments: I just visited Centralia today and took some pictures (in case you were wondering who the conspicuous woman driving the white Mustang was). It was strange to see the tree lined sidewalks along the streets that go nowhere. God bless.

Date: May 15, 2002 at 23:12:17 EST

Name: Alex B
From: Sheffield, UK
Website:

Comments: Read about Centralia in Bill Bryson's book and my net-buddy gave me this e-address. There must be some way of putting this fire out and giving the town back to the families of the people who had to leave.

Date: May 14, 2002 at 11:35:05 EST

Name: Joseph Cava
From: Luzerne County
Website:

Comments: Heard the song by the Lacava Brothers. Nice sentiment. Too bad the song itself is dreadful. Sounds like a bad 80's MTV reject. Stick to karoke.

Date: May 13, 2002 at 13:07:51 EST

Name: Steve Franco
From: Duryea, pa
Website: Practical Environmental Media

Comments: The horror of Centralia is that it hasn't been stopped. Whether the cost is $660 million or 6.6 billion, we must prevent the spread of this fire. PracticalEnvironmentalMedia would be willing to help - starting an on-line petition to save Centralia and providing PSAs and Documentalries to interested groups. If you would like to help, e-mail stevef@practicalenvironmentalism.org

Date: May 12, 2002 at 16:47:07 EST

Name: Tony Sharayko
From: Harleysville,Pa.
Website:

Comments: Born in Mt. Carmel. Uncle Frank Zimbo and My aunt Stella lived in Centralia. Frank was a miner at the colliery there.Used to hit the Legion on occassion for a cold one.Also had a sister-in-law Marge Chapman who lived there until she passed away in 2000.Only memories.

Date: May 9, 2002 at 20:58:22 EST

Name: Bobbie-Jean Corbin
From: Montrose, CA
Website:

Comments: I moved to CA from Massachusetts about a year and a half ago. Prior to moving from MA, I took several trips to PA and never knew about Centralia. I wish I had. I would love to visit on my next trip home. Thanks for sharing the story!!!

Date: May 9, 2002 at 15:29:26 EST

Name: Paul Becker
From: Stowe, PA
Website:

Comments:

Date: May 8, 2002 at 11:53:40 EST

Name: Lanny Martin
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Website:

Comments: I first learned about the events of Centralia in my English class, and I became very interested in it. I can only feel sadness when i think about the lives of those in Centralia, and how much stress the fire has caused them. I decided to write an essay about the town, even though it has been wiped off many maps. I can only hope for the best for all the lives affected by the underground blaze.

Date: May 6, 2002 at 07:50:20 EST

Name: Domenic Lacava
From: South Jersey
Website: www.mp3.com/lacavabrothers

Comments: I took interest in Centralia due to friends telling me about it and also reading. I wrote a song about the town and would at no charge distribute some of our CDs to the townspeople and supporters of Centralia. please do not get this wrong I'm not mocking the town I wrote and recorded this song in good taste. thankyou , D.Lacava, the Lacava Brothers. please contact me with a reply, you can hear our song Centralia from our music web sight on mp3.com..

Date: May 3, 2002 at 22:47:16 EST

Name: PAT PETRO
From: YORK ,PA
Website:

Comments: BORN IN BLOOMSBURG,I TRAVEL THROUGH CENTRAILIA WHEN TIME PERMITS.MY PARENTS ARE STILL LIVING IN CATAWISSIA. DAD OFTEN TALKS ABOUT THE FIRES.HE IS A RETIRED SERVICE MAN AND WOULD TALK ABOUT WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE IF IT WAS DONE A LOT SOONER. THANKS PAT PETRO

Date: April 30, 2002 at 19:14:25 EST

Name: Terry Ashenfelter
From: Moving to Hershey,PA
Website:

Comments: I spent all the summers of my first 18 years in the streets and alleys of Centralia. What an amazing little town. I used to go up and watch the burning rocks behing ST. Ignatius school at night. All of my memories are fond, what a ahame the town isn't there anymore.

Date: April 28, 2002 at 14:17:06 EST

Name: Barbara Bieber Neal
From: Warminster, PA
Website:

Comments: My ancestors all came from Centralia, as did my own father. When the mines failed, his father brought the family to Philadelphia. My great aunt stayed on and lived there until her death in the early 1950's.

Date: April 27, 2002 at 16:13:14 EST

Name: kyle
From: oxford MI
Website:

Comments:

Date: April 18, 2002 at 07:58:36 EST

Name: Eric Eckdhal
From: Downers Grove, IL
Website:

Comments: From Downers Grove and currently a resident of Iowa City, IA. I first heard about Centralia in Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods.' The whole thing fascinates me. I can't wait to visit it someday...

Date: April 14, 2002 at 20:30:04 EST

Name: Carla Farley
From: OKlahoma
Website:

Comments: Doing a report for college and this provided me with some information needed. What a tragedy.

Date: April 14, 2002 at 15:10:18 EST

Name: Ritamarie Long
From: Aristes
Website: www.centraliapa.com

Comments: The Seminar at the Susquehanna University was great. It was really nice to see former friends and to get to talk about growing up in the town. The other experts on the fire were also very considerate of everyone and it was a pleasure to meet them.

Date: April 14, 2002 at 09:32:41 EST

Name: Kristen
From: Mount Carmel
Website:

Comments: I must visit Centralia every other day. I just find it so intriguing. I would like to find a way to put the fire out without making the remaining residents leave. Being a town away, its odd you know? That could be this town. But for some reason, I think Centralia was a much better place to live than Mount Carmel, from what I've heard and how people miss it so much, it just seems it. I am empathetic toward everyone who lived and lives there now, a part of them was taken away by a negligent government. As for people saying how they won't step off the paved part of the road or whatever, I have so many times its not even funny. I know its dangerous but when i am there I just want to see and explore everything. I am just really happy I have found this page so I can find out as much as I can about Centralia and see what other people have to say.

Date: April 14, 2002 at 01:17:04 EST

Name: Zachary
From: *********PA
Website: http://hometown.aol.com/zack5535/

Comments: When i was small my Grandma used to tell me all the stories about when she live in Centralia.She lived on the main St. and all her family lived there.Her dad frank and her mom Sara .She went to school at Centralia High School ad remembers the times she had in tere today. Most people in Centralia had no radio ,so all the neighborhod kids that she played with came over to listen to the fights.Last year we went to my grandmas sisters wedding anniversary in the church up on the hill to review their vows.It was church St. Mary's Ukranian Church .when that was over we went to a hall at the bottom of the hill to celebrate,me and my sister went outside and walked around and saw right where my grandmas house once stood.The outline of the house was there and i could just see how peaceful this town use to be.Now I bug my parents to go up with my grandma cause it feels just like my home too!

Date: April 9, 2002 at 20:38:52 EST

Name: Steve Szigethy
From: Emmaus, PA
Website:

Comments: Visited Centralia on 4/06/2002...the interaction of ominous clouds, sun and snow on that bleak day set an eerie atmosphere for my brief tour of this environmental catastrophe.

Date: April 7, 2002 at 13:13:21 EST

Name: Kenneth Robinson
From: Drum Point, Lusby Md. 20657
Website:

Comments: I am very interested in the mine fire that took place in the 70's, would appreciate a reply telling me of the particulars of that fire. Thank you. I am coming there this summer, it facinates me to hear of this terrible tragedy. Kenneth

Date: April 4, 2002 at 18:03:53 EST

Name: Sr. Claire Hutchinson,IHM aka Sr. Agnes Cecilia,IHM
From: originally Newtown, PA
Website:

Comments: Delighted to be remembered and anxiuously awaiting some more news from my former pupils!

Date: March 24, 2002 at 11:45:07 EST

Name: CHARLES A SCHLADER
From: I LIVE IN SUN CITY, CA. BORN AND RAISED IN ASHLAND
Website: NONE

Comments: AH CENTRALIA, IT SHALL BE FOREVER IN MY MIND AND HEART, I'M FROM ASHLAND ORIGINALLY, SPENT MANY DAYS WITH MY FRIENDS THE GAUGHANS,WENT TO SCHOOL WITH QUITE A FEW, THE BLOCK PARTIES AND DANCES I PROBABLY SPENT THE BETTER PART OF MY EARLY YEARS THERE, GOD IS GOOD.

Date: March 20, 2002 at 18:21:46 EST

Name:
From:
Website:

Comments:

Date: March 5, 2002 at 19:12:53 EST

Name:
From:
Website:

Comments:

Date: March 5, 2002 at 18:56:22 EST

Name:
From:
Website:

Comments:

Date: March 5, 2002 at 18:56:21 EST

Name: Susan Triggiani
From: Springfield PA
Website:

Comments: Thoughts and prayers for the people of and formerly of Centralia, PA.

Date: March 2, 2002 at 16:39:02 EST

Name: Gregory Green
From: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Website:

Comments: My Grandparents,James and Nellie (Laughlin)Quigley,(and their families)and my Mother, Anne Quigley Green were born in Centralia. I visited there often in my youth. The house my grandmother was born in was the first to be torn down after the fire was discovered. Anyone having any information about my families or ancestory please email me. Thanks

Date: February 21, 2002 at 11:48:06 EST

Name: Lindsay Brennan
From: late Centralia Heights
Website:

Comments:

Date: February 18, 2002 at 14:28:42 EST

Name: Adele LaSalle
From: Bloomsburg, PA
Website:

Comments: I have been reading a book about Centralia. Today I was travelling on 61 & suddenly realized I would be going through this town. I was saddened by what remains. I believe this is the 1st time I have ever been through there.

Date: February 15, 2002 at 19:24:50 EST

Name: Jack Maloney
From: Centralia/SLC Utah
Website:

Comments:

Date: February 15, 2002 at 05:03:38 EST

Name: Katrina Jurgill
From: Centralia, PA
Website:

Comments: Thanks for this site... As a member of the last generation to be born in Centralia, I am very happy to know that the town is not forgotten and that there are many sites about the town. Best regards to all fellow Centralians!

Date: February 13, 2002 at 16:16:24 EST

Name: Mike Ferdock
From: Hatfield, Pa. 19440
Website:

Comments: Site brings back lots of great memories.

Date: February 5, 2002 at 06:21:08 EST

Name: Mary Mehalechko
From: Centralia, Penna.
Website:

Comments: I miss the town!

Date: February 2, 2002 at 23:25:07 EST

Name: John Brdaric
From: Kingston Twp., PA, USA
Website:

Comments:

Date: January 29, 2002 at 01:21:14 EST

Name: Robert J. Burke
From: Warminster Pa. (Bucks Co)
Website:

Comments: My parents & oldest brother are from here. Father John Burke, Mother Miriam King, oldest brother Johnny (He also reside here in Warminster. My mother is only 5 minutes from us and Lives still in Hatboro. I remember the town very much and pass thru at least once a year. It's ashame what happened but all the great people and memories will never leave my heart. It was a very special and unique town.

Date: January 27, 2002 at 15:46:40 EST

Name: Loretta Mac Elrath Shemeley
From: Clayton. N. J.
Website:

Comments: Hometowns are never quite forgotten no matter how far or how long you are alway. Sledding and many other fun things long forgotten have been remembered by viewing this site. We moved when the mines closed and work needed to be found elsewhere. Fondly, Now a New Jersy resident

Date: January 25, 2002 at 20:56:23 EST

Name: Albert Mac Elrath
From: Cherry Hill, NJ
Website:

Comments: We used to live in Centralia. Father worked in the mines. We left when mines closed in 1959. Sad to see what the Govt did to the town.

Date: January 20, 2002 at 21:20:42 EST

Name: Debbie Stonier-(Debbie Flannery)
From: Norristown,PA
Website:

Comments: Their lives,are our memories,we pray for those who have passed,have hope for those still with us. We go back often,to refresh those memories,those feelings of love,and caring, we all felt in our little town.

Date: January 17, 2002 at 01:33:33 EST

Name: Scott O'Neil
From: Franklin, PA
Website: none

Comments: A few years ago I became very interested in Centralia, I guess I was interested in what happened to the town. Plan to visit soon. Great Webpage!

Date: January 11, 2002 at 15:11:49 EST

Name: brandon abdiroglu
From: ringtown
Website:

Comments: my grandmother grew up in centralia ,, her father married my great grandmother eva wagner,, my grandmother Helen wagner married RObert Konopka, my grandmothers grandfater went by the name of jijjy wagner his wife had died but he worked in the mines and lived in cetralia his whole life braugt up a family that i feel has taken a strong stand in this world, his grandson my great uncle kenneth wagner made himself an industry which has seen its ups and downs but has proved to be very succesful ,, he started at the bottom and worked his way up. my grandmothers marrying of my grandfater may have been one of the best things to ever happen to my family he is surely without a doubt my true role model. he worked hard his whole life slaving in mines at an early age and operating shovels and bulldozers in strip mines his whole life, he has proved to be able to master any piece of machinery in relation to the coal industry and in my opinion can fix just about anything he wants to my whole family is full of these amazing qualities and I can onely trace it back to this coal reagion life and the little coal town where my mothers side of the family made a new start in america ,, i wish cetralia was still around it feels to me like part of my heart is in that town part of my family was made by that town.

Date: December 30, 2001 at 23:44:44 EST

Name:
From: York,Pa. ( Catawissa )
Website:

Comments: The Government Mine Officials,or whom ever,should have dug down to the fire at The Very Begining and put it out.Some officials are so Stupid!! Now there is no town.

Date: December 25, 2001 at 18:06:37 EST

Name: Ben Dover + Patttttttttttty
From: Phoenixville Middle School
Website:

Comments: I just wanted to say that like uhh, centralia's cool. i think they need to like put the fires underground. ya know? like its just not safe to live in that neck of the woods.. ya know? alright well i'm gonna jet right out of town. catch ya on the flip side.. ps. why'd the boy wear the diper to the party? answer- he didnt wanna be a party pooper!!! HAHAHA

Date: December 18, 2001 at 11:24:56 EST

Name: Thomas Fetterman
From: Cayuga, New York
Website:

Comments: I just finished visiting Centralia. I remember the borough as it was in the early 60's. It seems amazing how the village disappeared! My great grandparents William Wallace and Rebecca Fetterman are buried in the cemetary in Aristes. It seems many of my early relatives are from the Centralia area, I would like to correspond with anyone who is related to the Fetterman or Weller families.

Date: December 16, 2001 at 22:34:50 EST

Name: Michelle Pittman
From: Schuylkill Haven, PA
Website:

Comments: I was searching the web for 'weird' things while at work in Columbia, SC today (that's where I attend school) when I came across a brief notice of your site, and also the offroader site that features pictures from the town. I hope that you all continue to get recognition for your fight, and that it will all work out in the end. God bless.

Date: December 10, 2001 at 15:34:07 EST

Name: Jodi
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Website:

Comments: I recently found out about a mine that has been burning for the past 10 or 15 years near my house (not close enough to damage it, thankfully). They plan to excavate the area sometime next summer. And then last night I went to see a play called Burn which was based on Centralia and Dante's Inferno. I hope one day to visit your town.

Date: November 30, 2001 at 10:35:53 EST

Name: Ryan Conklin
From: Gettysburg, PA
Website:

Comments: I'm taking a school trip to Centralia. My first time there. I really want to learn as much as I can about your town. It's great. Can't wait to be there. The mayor is awesome!

Date: November 28, 2001 at 15:48:54 EST

Name: Danny Ryan
From: Heckscherville, Pa. (The Irish Valley)
Website:

Comments: My mother was Nora T. Wynne, from 'The Upper Shantys'. Her parents, Ignatius (Iggy), and Mary (McIntyre) Wynne. Iggy was killed in the Continental mine on 23-Oct-42. I was related to half the patch: The Guaghans, Capparells, Monahans, etc., and fine people they were, I'll say. The patch I live in, Heckscherville, used to have several coal producing deep mines. Today, one operation, called surface mining is now working over on the hillside. They find the coal by deep drilling, blasting, and then a large power shovel digs out the coal. From there on, its trucked down to the coal breaker, where several operations crush the coal to different sizes. I miss the old days, but one can easily adjust to 'Modern Times'.

Date: November 25, 2001 at 18:31:06 EST

Name: anita ansbach
From: New Boston
Website:

Comments:

Date: November 25, 2001 at 12:50:08 EST

Name: VINCENT WARGO
From: PORT ORANGE FLORIDA 32129
Website: VINCE

Comments: BORN IN CENTRALIA WENT IN THE AIR FORCE THE WORK FOR SEAR ROEBUCH FOR 35 YEARS RET 1991 FROM MUNCY LYCOMING MALL PENNA MOVE TO PORT ORANGE FLORIDA MISS THE OLD TOWN STILL BELONG TO AMERICAN LEGION THERE GRAG FROM CON CEN 1950

Date: November 17, 2001 at 18:58:36 EST

Name: Christine
From: Norristown, PA
Website:

Comments: My grandfather was born and raised in Ashland, PA and worked in the coal mines of Centralia, Ashland, etc. My grandmother and mother were both born in Mount Caramel, PA and were very involved and supportive of the mining industry. I just wanted to say that I'm very happy to see this site on the web. I've heard about Centralia my entire life (being that my family has a strong background in that area) and have visited the town many times since I was a child. I hope to be back soon, I truly feel at home in that area. Thank you for your site!

Date: November 16, 2001 at 11:11:24 EST

Name: Peggy Horvath
From: Frackville
Website:

Comments: Great web site, brought back a lot of memories.

Date: November 10, 2001 at 15:55:25 EST

Name: Nick Maris
From: Union City CA
Website:

Comments: My father's side of the family lived in Centralia, the Mariscavages, from the 1890s until the early 1960s. I believe they lived on Park Street? My sister and I were there many times as children growing up in the late 50's/early 60's. House was sold sometime in the early 60's and the rest of the family moved to Lafayette Hill (outside Philly). My grandfather, Peter Mariscavage, and my uncles John (who died shortly after birth in the 30s) and Michael (who died around 1980) are all buried in the Russian Orthodox cemetery. Is the cemetery still accessible? My family and I are planning a trip back East in 2003 and I would like to take them to visit Centralia - my son is fascinated with the idea! If you get a chance please let me know! I'm going to use the photos on the website for my wallpaper. Thanks, Ritamarie, and God Bless! Yours, Nick Maris

Date: November 2, 2001 at 10:52:53 EST

Name: erin
From: somewhere
Website: erins guest book

Comments: good

Date: October 17, 2001 at 19:07:45 EST

Name: Linda Hood
From: Odenton, Maryland
Website:

Comments: Doing research on family from Centralia, Looking for parents of Elizabeth Cable who was married to Henry A. Heist. both buried in centralia IOOF. She is my great, great grandmother.

Date: October 7, 2001 at 17:48:55 EST

Name: Ray Reilley
From: Aristes
Website:

Comments: Just checking to see if everything is ok with this guestbook

Date: October 6, 2001 at 23:34:17 EST

Name: John L. (Jack) Zaengle
From: Nesquehoning 1934-1965
Website: crimescenedivers.org

Comments: This is the second site I visited on Centralia. Mother coal raised numerous families, she also caused the death of the same families. My grandfather and several uncles died because of the black lung. Thank you for remembering all the men and their families who were miners.

Date: September 21, 2001 at 14:08:19 EST

Name: Brad Runge
From: Chester Pa
Website: fastblastit.com/listerautomotive.com

Comments:

Date: September 5, 2001 at 20:06:21 EST

Name:
From:
Website:

Comments:

Date: September 3, 2001 at 13:57:31 EST

Name: william m.odonnell
From: lancaster and vero beach florida
Website:

Comments: my grandparents john j and ellen are buried behind church also great uncles and grandparents. other living relatives are mulligans in jersey and phila areas all my relatives were miners and saloon owners, my father was born july 29 1889 two aunts etc good luck if you need some info i do have a lot of census and stories to tell signed bill odonnell in lancaster summer fla in winter

Date: September 2, 2001 at 13:13:19 EST

Name: Agnes Evans Petro
From: Centralia now Newark, De
Website:

Comments: Many happy memories of 118 West Park St. where I grew upwith my Mom and Dad, Vera and George Evans, sisters Grace and Joan, brothers Bob and Charlie, would love to hear from people that I knew from Centralia.

Date: August 28, 2001 at 22:45:12 EST

Name: Sean McDonnell
From: Quarryville, PA
Website:

Comments: I have recently found a great interest in centralia. I find it to be very interesting as well as sad. It is nice to see people interested in preserving the history of this dying town.

Date: August 27, 2001 at 23:44:44 EST

Name: Joe K.
From: Chicago, IL
Website: Interested

Comments: I have a question regarding that large hollowed out area (actually something of a ravine) located to the right of the Catholic and Russian cemeteries, from which most of the smoke and burning was obvious in the summer of 2001. Was that once an elevated area (like a hill) that has caved in due to subsidence and the burning underneath, or was thar area always deep and low?

Date: August 24, 2001 at 20:23:40 EST

Name: Chris
From: Sullivan County
Website:

Comments: Great job on Comedy Central, even though they did make a joke out of it. I love the site, keep up with new pics!

Date: August 22, 2001 at 23:35:24 EST

Name: Ed Mathewson
From: Claymount, De
Website:

Comments: Hi My grandparents are from Centralia - John & Catherine Comarnitsky. They raised 7 children. Mary Ann (Mathewson my mother), Michael, Anthony, Nicholas, Joseph, Constantine (Stella Gallager), and Josephine (Wondoloski). A few of my aunts and uncles lived there almost all their lives, before moving to surrounding towns. One aunt and two cousins still live there now. My grandparents lived in a few different houses, but the one that I remember is the one that was on Troutwine, a tall slender 3-story row house, with the second story rain gutter running overhead, across the sidewalk into the street. I can remember visiting my grandparents and watching all the towns’ people throwing their trash into the big trench located only 5 houses up the street. The trench stopped only a few feet from the edge of the road. They would drive down the alley to throw large items and truck loads of trash. I don’t think I was in Centralia when the fire first started but I shore do remember when the dump was on fire when we visited, when I was still in high school and we visited almost every school break and the fire was either burning or smoldering. I only wish that I could remember some more of the names of the guys that I used to play with on my visits. I only remember 2 names Howard (Butch) Pollard he lived next door to my grandparents, and Tony (big Tony can’t remember his last name) we spent some long summers and Easter breaks together, drinking that awful “moxey soda”, and playing baseball. A few of those foul balls went into some of the gardens and instead of throwing out the ball we would swipe some vegetables. I have so many memories from my visits. I was able to bring so many stories back to the city about my hillbilly cousins, and friends from the coal region. How they could go to the store and put things on the books and pay for it on payday. How I could pick up the phone and ask for my aunt or uncle by name and never even know their phone number, the woman at the Switchboard (I think it was located in the post office) knew everyone and would help the city slicker kid. When I went to Vietnam the town’s people and the Legion adopted me like I came from the town. The Legion even sent me a Pennsylvania State flag; I carried that flag for months until it was lost with most of our supplies and gear in a country and a war that I wish to forget. I have only been back to the area a few times and it is heart breaking to see what the mine fire has done. We still have family in Centralia Hights and Mt Carmel; we even plan a visit to Kenobels for a small family get together. Good luck to all and thanks for such a great site I plan to visit often. Ed Mathewson BAREDMAT@aol.com

Date: August 19, 2001 at 22:48:39 EST

Name: Stephens Family
From: Sunbury PA
Website:

Comments: Sadness is felt for everone who had to leave their homes due to this tragedy. We would like to let all of Centralia know we are not afraid of your town we drive straight through 61 to and from vacation every year. We feel its a way to show people that life is still there and that its a beautiful place for a drive. I hope that someday the government will decide that Centralia is safe enough to live in again so that it can be rebuilt.

Date: August 13, 2001 at 20:13:40 EST

Name: Ray Reilley
From: Aristes
Website:

Comments: So many people stop at Centralia asking for directions to Knoebels . So they are all told ,everytime you see a Turkey Hill Minit Market make a right hand turn . Hey it works! Three Turkey Hills, Three right hand turns

Date: August 7, 2001 at 23:26:26 EST

Name: jaleb
From: not Centralia
Website: my house.com

Comments: If we were not so drunk we would be there right now trying to extinguish the fire. As soon as we sober up we will be on our way. Don't worry, be happy! Things could be worse. Were out! hope we built some character

Date: July 28, 2001 at 22:37:58 EST

Name: Fern E. Becker
From: Florida
Website:

Comments: Born and raised in Pa. Traveled the Centralia Road many times. Saw the deterioration over the years. A friend from Ashland sent me the Site. I have passed it on to other Pa. folks who live in the same Park as I do, and also traveled this road. How sad that this has happened. It was bad when I left Pa. eleven years ago, but the pictures show it as being much worse. God Bless those of you who love your community too much to leave it. May God keep you safe. Fern Bowers Becker, formerly of Minersville, Pa.

Date: July 28, 2001 at 21:32:41 EST

Name: Donald G Dillon
From: formerly Trappe,PA-now FL
Website:

Comments: We used to travel thru Centralia on our way to Knoebels Grove. Sure is a shame for the demise of the town.

Date: July 27, 2001 at 21:55:50 EST

Name: Tammy George
From: matthews,NC
Website:

Comments: ENJOYED YOUR WEB SITE.MY GREAT GRANDFATHER,AND GRANDFATHER WERE FROM CENTRALIA.DOES ANYONE KNOW OF LEVI GEORGE(MARRIED CATHERINE GOODMAN), OR ISSAC GEORGE? ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

Date: July 26, 2001 at 13:04:36 EST

Name: Tammy George
From: Matthews,NC
Website:

Comments: Enjoyed your web site. My great grandfather grew up in Centralia. Is there anyone who remembers Levi George, married Catherine Goodman ,or Issac George?

Date: July 26, 2001 at 13:01:37 EST

Name: Kristen
From: Mount Carmel
Website: N/A

Comments: This site is really good, as I said in my previous post. I am posting because I have been to the closed off part of Route 61 a lot recently, and it is getting a lot worse in a short amount of time. At least, I think it is. If anyone out there knows what I'm talking about, e-mail me!

Date: July 22, 2001 at 01:15:58 EST

Name: Fred Renzi
From: Diamond Bar, CA
Website:

Comments: Saw a mention of Centralia , and your website in the LA Times on 7/20/2001. Pretty amazing phenomenon ! Just one suggestion: Lose the annoying 'Shock the Monkey' banner ad on your webpage. If you make the mistake of trying to shock the little imp, you'll pay hell trying to close all the subsequent pop-up browser windows!

Date: July 20, 2001 at 12:27:04 EST

Name: Ash
From: Boyertown,Pa
Website:

Comments: I LOVE going through Centralia everytime I go to Knobels. For around 5 yrs. I've been passing through and everytime I fall more intranced with it's history, I'm also finding out about family history up there in the area. For ex. I just learned my great grandfather lived about 20 mins outside of the town. Because of hearing about Centralia and all it's history, I've taken a new intrest in History it self and will be inrolled in a PA history class which I hope may take a feild trip up there to see the history of a small town that won't last much longer because of nature. I can't wait untill I come up there again. Take care and best wishes.

Date: July 18, 2001 at 21:46:15 EST

Name: Jennifer Melnick
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Website: Jennifer's Genealogy

Comments: I have visited Centralia several times over the past few years. My husband is from Mt. Carmel and his grandmother's family is from Centralia. I've taken a few pictures for people here in Knoxville to see. I've really enjoyed the website, keep the info coming.

Date: July 12, 2001 at 10:00:27 EST

Name: Brandi Radziunas
From: Levittown, PA
Website:

Comments: My family & I have been vacationing in Knoebels Groves every year for as long as I can remember...my grandparents used to take my father there as a child, also...so it's a family tradition. But once learning of Centralia, we have made a new tradition of spending the day there every year. It just amazes and saddens me as to how much destruction there is. We especially miss the 'little White Church'. 2 years ago, while walking down the dirt road, we fried an egg on the ground...fried instantly. The egg we tried to fry on Route 61 took a little longer, though. May God Bless all of you and keep you safe.

Date: July 6, 2001 at 22:11:19 EST

Name: Roxie Weaver
From: Germansville, PA
Website:

Comments: Just visited Centralia. It is much different from the Centralia,IL that I grew up near. I moved to PA from FL about three years ago and about a week before I left Florida the area was badly burned by pine forest fires. I remember standing in my lawn watering my roof down, so that the flames wouldn't consume it. The burned trees in your area, look smiliar to the devastation in FL. However, I noticed we all stayed to fight the fires, just like you stay to fight them. Best of luck, your battle seems to be a long and hard one. Also, your web sight was very informative, thanks for providing it.

Date: July 5, 2001 at 22:41:01 EST

Name: Ritamarie
From:
Website:

Comments: I haven't heard from anyone in awhile, Just wondering if this is working.

Date: July 5, 2001 at 12:30:30 EST

Name: JAMIE EVANS BAKER
From: GLASGOW, DE
Website:

Comments: HELLO OUT THERE!! JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO. MY DAD IS CHARLIE EVANS. MY NAN-NAN WAS VERA KIMMAL EVANS. UNCLE WAS ROBERT EVANS; AUNTS.. JOAN EVANS ECKERT,AGNES EVANS PETRO, AND GRACE EVANS MORRIS. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS!! JAMIE

Date: June 23, 2001 at 19:13:54 EST

Name: Fred Slack
From: Bethlehem,Pa.
Website:

Comments: You have a wonderful site here. Many people seem to comfort each other in writing about the good old days of Centralia. I was just on a bus tour trip to the Pioneer Tunnel in Ashland. On the train tour they point out the smoke that rises from your town and speak of the misfortune you have endured. I begged the tour guide and bus driver to take us there and glad they did. Good fortune to the remaining residents! May the lord look over them.

Date: June 18, 2001 at 12:02:58 EST

Name: Sarah Stellar
From: Mt. Carmel, PA
Website: it is poop

Comments: OMG...your site is awesome. I live five minutes away from Centralia, and my friends and I go visit there a lot. It's good to see people taking an interest in it. I was on the blocked off road, and sat IN the cracks...it is fun!

Date: June 17, 2001 at 01:17:11 EST

Name: Kristen
From: Mount Carmel, Pa
Website:

Comments: I find this site very interesting and informative. As a young resident (16) of the 'coal region,' and living so close to the fire, I visit there quite a lot and explore. I've been on the closed off part of Route 61, and stood in one of the cracks, but I would take all the explorations back if there were a way to exstinguish the fire. It's so sad to see a town like that, and know that people used to have nice lives there, I even know some people that used to live there and a boy that goes to my school still lives there. So it hits close to home. I do hope they find a way to exstinguish the fire before the town is completely gone.

Date: June 17, 2001 at 00:42:38 EST

Name: Robert L. Betz
From: Kalamazoo, MI
Website: n/a

Comments: My mother, Clara Catherine Cress, was born in Centralia on 7 August 1886. The Cress family moved to Locust Gap where she met my father, Daniel Peter Betz. They were married in Youngstown, OH in 1909 and lived the rest of their lives there. Pop died in 1954 and Mom in 1978. I am now the only surviving child and am a retired university professor.

Date: June 16, 2001 at 17:03:19 EST

Name: Wilma Ranck(Guinther)
From: Centralia
Website:

Comments: Hi Rita Just read my message from yesterday. Could you correct the spelling? Raced should be raised. Reading about Ferd Hoffman brought back many memories. It was good to hear from Mike. Wilma

Date: June 11, 2001 at 19:42:54 EST

Name: June Marie Ranck Shrum
From: Mother is from Centralia, i live in VA
Website:

Comments: Thank you for the interesting facts on the fire and how centralia is doing. i get sad every time i see the pictures. i remember an alive town that i grew up in visiting my grandparents in the 60s, 70s and early 80s. we played on the abandoned equipment by the tracks and ran around town care free. those are the memories i will carry with me of centralia.

Date: June 9, 2001 at 18:35:55 EST

Name: Wilma(Guinther)Ranck
From: Centralia
Website: Juno

Comments: I was born & raced in Centralia. My mother was also born & raced there. I have a lot of nice memories of the HoseHouse - Legion - Block Parties & many good people. Sure is sad to see it go.

Date: June 9, 2001 at 16:59:23 EST

Name: sneary
From: Lansingburgh, NY
Website:

Comments: I heard of this town thru a friend that had family living in Centralia at one point. Its a shame that so many people had to lose their homes. I can feel for all of you!!! I know that I've left my hometown several times and its a nice feeling to be able to come back home...its terrible that they did this to you all.....

Date: June 9, 2001 at 07:53:44 EST

Name: Farah Wicks
From: Australia
Website: nil

Comments: saw your town advertised (the fire of course) on the internet through an electronic newsletter called bizarre mail and so did a search for it on www.google.com and your site was first on the list the fire is a bizarre story!

Date: June 7, 2001 at 08:11:04 EST

Name: Kris Speer
From: Dowagiac.Michigan
Website: hotmail

Comments: would love more photos updated on the town,that is so close to my sister-n-law,there is a relative of hers in the town,and she sent me liinks of the town

Date: June 5, 2001 at 22:12:03 EST

Name: THE SHANFELT FAMILY
From: JIM THORPE,PA
Website:

Comments: MY WIFE, DAUGHTER, AND I VISITED CENTRALIA FOR THE FIRST TIME ON JUNE 3 2001. BEING THE HISTORY AND RAILROAD BUFFS THAT WE ARE, WE WERE IN SEARCH OF REMNENTS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY RAILROAD AND A TOWN WE HAD ALWAYS HEARD ABOUT, BUT NEVER SEEN. DUE TO A VIDEO CLIP I HAVE FROM THE FIFTIES, WE EASILY FOUND WHERE THE RAILROAD RAN THROUGH. THE TOWN WE DISCOVERED WAS MUCH MORE THAN WE EXPECTED. IT WAS NOT A BLACK, SMOKEY PIECE OF HISTORY, BUT A BEUTIFUL, GREEN, WELL MAINTAINED COMMUNITY WITH AMERICAN FLAGS FLYING PROUDLY IN THE BREEZE. WHEN STANDING ON THE BASKETBALL COURTS MY FOUR YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SAID IT BEST WHEN SHE SAID 'THIS MUST HAVE BEEN A WONDERFUL TOWN'. MAY GOD BLESS ALL THE REMAINING RESIDENTS OF CENTRALIA AND THE HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES WHO WERE DRIVEN FROM THEIR HOMES.

Date: June 5, 2001 at 21:13:20 EST

Name: Len Zarko,Jr.
From: Belleville, MI
Website:

Comments: I grewup in Centralia in the 50's and 60's, attended St. Igatius School I have fond memories of the town and former residents. Visited Centralia May 200l stopped at the sight of my old home on East Center Street.

Date: June 5, 2001 at 21:02:20 EST

Name: Jacqueline Stoy
From: Doylestown, PA
Website:

Comments: Great site, Lets not forget how the goverment screws the people

Date: June 3, 2001 at 17:34:57 EST

Name: Robert Kumosinksi
From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website:

Comments: Centralia was a beautiful well kept town, I use to pass thru many times. I am sad to see it gone

Date: May 29, 2001 at 07:21:34 EST

Name: Rick Rantz
From: Ontario Canada
Website:

Comments: My wife and I visited Centralia in May 01 after reading about it in Bill Bryson's book 'A Walk in the Woods'

Date: May 24, 2001 at 17:10:59 EST

Name: Ken Battista
From:
Website: Ken Battista

Comments: I just wrote a song called 'Centralia' after visiting several of the Centralia web sites. I welcome your comments. A sad but facinating story. You can hear the song at http://mp3.com/kenbattista

Date: May 24, 2001 at 10:00:44 EST

Name: Lori McFadden
From: New York, NY
Website:

Comments: My father grew up in Centralia, and we drive through a few times each year and he gives me a tour of where things used to be.

Date: May 22, 2001 at 11:49:55 EST

Name: Kim
From: North Central IN
Website:

Comments: I'm so very sad that your town is disappearing. What a tragedy. Your site is very imformative and important.

Date: May 15, 2001 at 00:47:36 EST

Name: joanne fessler {evankovich}
From: sodus new york
Website:

Comments: my grandparents were from centralia.they livedthier all thier life my grandmothers name was anna evankovich and my aunt name was helen cheddar, i remenber as a kids goingto the drug store with my cousin mary cheddar for orange soda they use to call us the orange girls. my uncle mickey evankovich use to tend bar at the legion and fireall i still have a beer chip from the fire hall. this last year i came to mount carmel for a family reunion on my mother side{zamboni} and i took my sister threw centralia. sorry to see what happen to the town i have alot of good memories of my familythier

Date: May 14, 2001 at 17:58:11 EST

Name: DOTTIE GAVIN (CLEWS)
From: Pasadena, Md.
Website:

Comments: I LIVED IN CENTRALA UNTIL I WAS 11 YEARS OLD. LIVED ON MYER STREET. KNEW THE POLLARDS, THE WILL'S, THE KOSCHOFF'S, CHIDOVICH'S, KLINES, MCGINLEYS JUST TO NAME A FEW. I CAME FROM A FAMILY OF 8 KIDS AND IT WAS THE BEST PLACE TO GROW UP. I TRY TO TELL MY KIDS ABOUT IT BUT IT'S HARD TO EXPLAIN SUCH A SIMPLE, FRIENDLY TOWN. I STILL FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE ITS NO LONGER AROUND. I GUESS YOU REALLY NEVER CAN GO HOME AGAIN. IT WAS A GREAT PLACE TO GROW UP. HI EVERYONE OUT THERE WHO KNOWS WHAT I MEAN.

Date: May 7, 2001 at 12:49:03 EST

Name: Sheryl 'Rubright' Werkheiser
From: Wilmington, De.
Website:

Comments: This is a great site to visit. I like to read everyone's remarks about the town. My family and I still travel through Centrailia every summer on our way to Knoebels. I have family living in Aristes and Mt. Carmel. I can remember as a child my parents bringing us 'Up Home' to visit with the relatives and passing through Centrailia unfortunately I didn't pay that much attention to details like I wish I had,Now. I do remember the church that is no longer there and the cemetary when we enter the town. Also the 'Legion'. My Aunt and Uncle (Nick and Brenda Mekosh) used to live down that side street in a house where if you walked out into the backyard and fell down you wouldn't stop rolling until you reached the road to Mt. Carmel. I also remember when we came to the BiCentennial Block Party and they would put some poor unsuspecting person in one of the homemade fake jails that was set up on the corner at the intersection of town. I still remember the house on the right side of the intersection with the white scroll railings that I thought was quite pretty. I really hate to see what is happening to this town I have pictures that I took of Centrailia in 1982 from the top of the mountain leading to Aristes. It's so hard to believe that at one time not long ago there were so many homes. Wish we could turn back the hands of time so my own children could see what a nice place Centrailia used to be.

Date: May 4, 2001 at 08:52:39 EST

Name: Mary Beth Rauch(Reilley)
From: Spring City,Pa.
Website:

Comments: Ritamarie you did a great job on this site.Wonderful and informative.Thank you.

Date: May 3, 2001 at 19:40:37 EST

Name: Tracy
From: Levittown, Pennsylvania
Website:

Comments: My fathers family is from Shamokin, and I now own a weekend home in Shamokin that I love to visit. I remember as a child driving through Centralia and I took a high school trip to Centralia. The bright spot is the church on the top of the hill. I've not seen the inside of that church and I've always wanted to, It seems to sit on the hillside watching over the remaining residents... guarding the ghost town that burns underneath of it.

Date: April 30, 2001 at 18:24:25 EST

Name: Mike Guzzi
From: Olyphant,PA
Website:

Comments: I have also been interested by whats happened there. This area was also big with coal and The mine fire in Carbondale is close to where I live.

Date: April 29, 2001 at 08:59:00 EST

Name: Anna Timko Hughes
From: Methuen, Mass
Website:

Comments: It is very interesting. I grew up in Centrailia and my father's family was there from the 1920's onward. I also remember when the fire started. I take my children back there every year to show them the town and talk about what has happened there.

Date: April 27, 2001 at 11:29:06 EST

Name: Barbara Showers
From: Jonestown PA
Website:

Comments: I recently signed a guestbook for the coal region and your father emailed me your web site. Centralia fasinates me and I was thinking of actually visiting there. Your web site is very informative and interesting.

Date: April 27, 2001 at 06:23:16 EST

Name: Bob Williams
From: KC
Website:

Comments: destruction is spelled with an 'E' not an 'I'

Date: April 26, 2001 at 21:44:19 EST

Name: Mary Helen Marouchoc
From: Coaldale, PA
Website:

Comments: When we lived in Mahonoy City (1990)we had occasion to drive through Centralia. Absolutely Amazing! Saw the melted road surface on RT.61- incredible! Grandparents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia/ worked here in mines. Once a Coalcracker, always a Coalcracker. Live near Tamaqua W/similar mine fire. Call me nuts, but I'd never voluntarily leave the area either. Please keep the History of Centralia on-line; This isn't a reverse Mt. St. Helens, but it's just as overwhelming and eerily real.

Date: April 26, 2001 at 13:34:25 EST

Name: Barbara Carbaugh
From: Marion Pennsylvania
Website:

Comments:

Date: April 26, 2001 at 09:45:21 EST

Name: Randy Keller
From: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Website:

Comments: My grandparents and parentsare from Aristes. My cousin's grandfather was Earl Zeistloft. I used to go to Ferd Hoffman's for a haircut (when he was in business) and to Lou's when Ferd's was closed. Thnk you for keeping mymemories of Centralia alive.

Date: April 26, 2001 at 09:01:20 EST

Name: Brenda L. Rizer
From: Leesburg, FL originally Marion, OH
Website:

Comments: My husband told me about this fire when we were in the middle of brush fires here in Florida a few months ago. I find it so hard to believe that people have had to endure this for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone there.

Date: April 26, 2001 at 08:49:22 EST

Name: Joan Rosh
From: Sayre, PA
Website:

Comments: My husband and I and our 3 sons have driven through Centralia several times. I find it very interesting and very sad.

Date: April 26, 2001 at 08:25:50 EST

Name: Erica Rosati
From: Exton, Pennsylvania
Website:

Comments: I have had the priviledge of seeing Centralia once back in 1999 and found it quite fascinating. Wish I would have known someone was selling shirts, I would have bought one. Well I look forward to hearing how the studies are going. Keep up the site I will be sure to check in regularly for something new. God Bless the people still in Centralia.

Date: April 25, 2001 at 21:39:12 EST

Name: David Miller
From: Pottstown, PA
Website: none

Comments: I've been traveling through that part of the area for 37 years. My family has a hunting/fishing cabin in White Deer. I remember going through a once vibrant town as a kid. Now it's just wasteland. Does anybody know when it will end? It's just a shame.

Date: April 25, 2001 at 15:37:53 EST

Name: Jon Menti
From: Bethel, Connecticut
Website:

Comments: Good Luck.

Date: April 25, 2001 at 08:25:19 EST

Name: Eric Shore
From: Miami Beach, Florida
Website: The Miami News

Comments: I was just reading up on the coal fire history of your town...As a publisher and news reporter of 30 years, I'd love to come up there sometime in the near future to record firsthand the history and current situation. It is a heartfelt story and troubling that our American government would not help this town stay alive. I wish everyone left there all the best and don't be surprised to see more media attention in the near future. Eric Shore Publisher The Miami Daily News

Date: April 25, 2001 at 02:05:10 EST

Name: thomas 'wondo' wondoloski
From: waikiki, hawaii
Website:

Comments: saw the video on aol today and it sure brought back some memories. i left centralia for the army in 1975 and have been gone since. my parents still live in the area so i try to visit once a year. i guess growing up in centralia was just practice for livng on a volcano !!!

Date: April 25, 2001 at 02:01:51 EST

Name: Ron Bell
From: Nashville, TN
Website:

Comments: Amasing story! Who would believe a fire could burn for 20 years, destroy a town, and no one really know about it except the people in the town itself.

Date: April 24, 2001 at 21:44:20 EST

Name: Don Curran
From: Crockett, CA
Website:

Comments: My grandfather was born in Centralia and he and his twin sister worked at the tipple. Granddad and about half of his brothers and sisters moved to Philadelphia and I guess the rest stayed in and around Centralia. I have visited Centralia a couple of times during the past ten years. I am now in Crockett, Ca, a small company town near to San Francisco. I think that Crockett is very much like Centralia used to be. Many people here worked for the sugar mill, often for 3 or 4 generations, everyone knows everyone and they seem to care about eachother and their town. My great grand father and great grand mother came from Ireland to Centralia, so that is where we became Americans. I wanted my kids to see where we started.

Date: April 24, 2001 at 18:40:13 EST

Name: Andy Shifflette
From: Groveport, Ohio
Website:

Comments: I had never heard of that fire until today. Can't believe people still live in Centralia! It certainly makes for a great story. Hope the fire goes out in my lifetime. I'm 25 years old.

Date: April 24, 2001 at 16:52:21 EST

Name: mike stebner
From: Long Island, NY
Website:

Comments: My grandfather was a miner from western Pa. Amazing and sad story.

Date: April 24, 2001 at 15:16:08 EST

Name: Chels
From: Lewis Run Pa
Website:

Comments: Hey all peeps! Wassup let's do dis! Hey I know your town has been rasaked by fire that are happining in the coal mines, why not reaserch how to put out theese fires that are making Centralia Pa vanish? Why not put life back into Centralia by re-planting burnt trees/grash/flowers ect? Why not motivate people to move there? Why not encourage business to move in to Centralia? Why let it go to be a wasted gost town? Why not mandate a montly meeting and orginize your thoughs as well as others? Why not restore old buildings and homes as well as Route 61? As what I can see by sites that I have reaserched alot of people like going there and come back w/ interesting stories! I know for a fact Centralia stil has life and in the next few years w/ a little bit of effort the townspeople can make it be better by doantions the goverment and by others that are willing to help! Hey I have millions of suggestions so if you want to e-amil me lady_dawg02@hotmail.com and I will give you all of my suggestions and my time 'I am all ears!' Bye Bye

Date: April 24, 2001 at 14:32:50 EST

Name: Tim Seaman
From: Dallas, TX
Website:

Comments: Heard about the fire years ago. My mother grew up in western PA - Clearfield. My grandfather was a coal miner there. News story today on Excite reminded me of the fire. Thought I would check out your site.

Date: April 24, 2001 at 14:13:50 EST

Name: Debbie Korn
From: Mohrsville, Pa
Website:

Comments: My husband is from Ashland and he remembers the booming town of Centralia. Every summer when we are in the area we stop in the town and get out of the car and walk around and are amazed at the phenomenon. I just can't believe what has happened.

Date: April 23, 2001 at 19:04:24 EST

Name: Chelsea Korn
From: mohrsville, pa
Website:

Comments: Im young and yet im very interested in centralia. my father has lived around that area and it has always interested me. Im glad a website has been developed to teach me more about this unique area. Its such a legend i don't wanna see it burn out.

Date: April 23, 2001 at 18:47:20 EST

Name: chubby
From: Centralia
Website:

Comments: das, MY quarter..i dont owe you nothing!! get yer own i enjoy still living here cause i can just put my cigarettes on the ground to light them, no need for 'pesky' matches or lighters

Date: April 23, 2001 at 15:03:38 EST

Name: Joanne Vaughn
From: Ashland
Website:

Comments: It's nice to know the DEP is filling in all the deep pits and open mines left in area..It's a shame they wouldn't put out the fire..Sad that all the people had to relocate and rebuild their lives..

Date: April 22, 2001 at 22:06:01 EST

Name: Marge Sing
From: East Petersburg, PA
Website: N/A

Comments: Have a cabin in Sullivan County and drive through Centralia several times a year - always have to stop and reflect.

Date: April 22, 2001 at 14:11:32 EST

Name: tracey fitterling
From: wernersville, pa
Website:

Comments:

Date: April 22, 2001 at 13:22:38 EST

Name: Kenny May
From: New Jersey
Website:

Comments: I have very fond childhood thoughts of Centralia. As a visitor to my father's hometown, it was always an adventure exploring all that there was. It was quite a change from modern suburbia. I remember the American Legion (Pink Bldg.), the church on the hill (I can't remember the name), the old school across from my grandmother's house (it was later turned into a furniture store), the carnival they used to have in the field behind it, the old gas station just up the hill from the church and near the cemetary (I used to get candy bars for a fraction of what they cost back home), the cemetary, of course, that was kinda creepy (I still don't know why the name on my great grandparents grave said 'Maj'), picking blueberries, finding shiny coal chunks and thinking they were cool and who can ever forget all those amazing family parties that we had at Uncle Jonny & Aunt Midge's house. Hey, there's a guy out there that goes by the name of 'Chubby' that still owes me a quarter...

Date: April 21, 2001 at 10:00:23 EST

Name: Sandy
From: PhX
Website:

Comments:

Date: April 16, 2001 at 11:17:43 EST

Name: Helen Whyne(Krynitsky)('Puddy')
From: Mt. Carmel, PA(Centralia)
Website:

Comments: In the time when I was young, Centralia was a loving town. It was a very, very nice place to grow up. Everyone seemed to get along, especially the children. If you went to the Ukrainian Grade School, you know what I'm talking about. I remember the trains blowing their whistles morning, noon and night, because I slept in the front bedroom on Railroad Street, at an intersection. A real good friend of mine, from Catholic school, was Sue Liptock. And Johnny Cheppa. I'm sad to see what has happened to our loving, friendly town.

Date: April 15, 2001 at 18:42:28 EST

Name: Ritamarie
From: Aristes
Website:

Comments: The guest book was full. All the messages are being formatted for an archive and will be available soon. You can now resume leaving your thoughts and messages. Thank you to everyone who has signed so far. Ritamarie

Date: April 15, 2001 at 11:45:36 EST