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In this 1906 photograph, taken by P.H.
Loeper of Ashland [PA], Centralia is shown as it looked at the turn of
the century. Many of the homes demolished in the 1980s and 1990s
had stood for more than 100 years.
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Although some were aware of the mine fire that doomed the community, Centralia had a great celebration for its centennial in 1966. Every building pictured, at left, would be torn down in less than 25 years. |
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Only five people witnessed the demolition of St. Ignatius Church, at left. Many of the town's residents felt that it would have been too painful to watch. |
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This photograph was taken in December 1997. In addition to the steam, a very strong smell of sulfur is present. Notice the pipe venting the underground gases. Near this area, Deryl B. Johnson recorded a temperature of 800º just 12 inches below the surface. |