Elmwood Speaks 2024 Contributors

Gayle Erxleben (Helen A. Tippit)

Born June 16, 1909, died December 17, 1977. * 68 years old. A colorful fun loving dedicated mother.

Cherokee Ray (John T. Green)

Born June 10, 1882, died November 6, 1945. Orphan who traveled to Centralia on the orphan train; he started Green Machine Shop. * 63 years old.

Will Ballantini (Adam Clark Gilmore)

Born March 7, 1831, died July 11, 1912. Farmer, teacher and early settler - 81 years old.

John Stuehmeier (Pvt Elias W. Welden)

Born June 9, 1819, died April 3, 1890. Early settler, Businessman and Mayor of Centralia 1883-1884. 70 years old

Alyssa Lurkins (Lucy Kerr Rainey)

Born December 8, 1848, died April 7, 1906. Traveled here from Japan and worked as a Missionary - 57 years old

Rob Schnicker (George W. Spence)

Born December 31, 1849, died May 10, 1911. President of Toy Wagon Factory later Engineer at Illinois Central Gulf, Trombone player and singer. 61 years old.

Michelle Moreno (Emma Kasten Michael)

Born October 6, 1881, died February 4, 1951. This actress is portraying her great grandmother. Wife, mother and proud German Lutheran. *69 years old.

Timothia Reid (Delores T. Wanzo)

Born December 20, 1929, died March 1, 2016. Prominent working woman, active in Centralia community and her church. * 86 years old