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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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CdA Incorporated 125 Years Ago

Why was Coeur d'Alene formed?  As we approach the 125th anniversary of the founding of the city (It is either Friday (Aug. 3) or Wednesday, Aug. 29 (depending on which reference in the early City minutes is correct), it is worth a quick look at the original Articles of Incorporation where there are 36 reasons for forming the city. Through the lens of 125 years of hindsight, some of them are pretty interesting.  They are contained in the attachment (spelling errors are from the original document).  Here are some of my personal favorites:

  • Third:  To restrain and suppress bawdy houses ...
  • Sixth:  To prevent the firing of fire arms.
  • Ninth:  To creat (sic) and maintain poor-houses ...
  • Tenth:  To provide pest houses.
  • Fifteenth:  To establish and regulate markets.
  • Ninthteenth (sic):  To provide for the inspection of lumber ...
  • Twenty third:  To require and regulate the planting of shade trees on the streets.
  • Twenty Seventh:  To regulate the storage of gunpowder ...
  • Twenty Eight:  To regulate the construction and cleaning of fire places...
  • Thirtieth:  To regulate prevent and furnish (sic) the carrying of concealed weapons.
  • Thirty fourth:  To establish and maintain a free public library and ... appoint a librarian and janitor therefor ...

Question: Which reason for incorporating Coeur d'Alene in 1887 do you appreciate most?



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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