The Slice City Stays The Course

Let’s look at some of the entries in our What Makes Spokane Unique Contest.

“I’ve lived in Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, Central Jersey, Wilmington, Del., and New York, and now have been a resident of Spokane for just a few weeks,” wrote Katherine Rimbach. “As we find our way around the city, sometimes stopping to use a public outdoor telephone, I’ve encountered something rare. In this fair city, the telephone book is still attached to the chain, available for use by the public.”

Barbara Chappell said the thing that sets us apart is “More beautifully maintained yards and gardens per capita than any other city I have observed in the U.S. and abroad.”

Mark Kinney said it’s the use of the phrase “on accident,” instead of the more common “by accident.”

James Nelson said it’s how friendly people are to total strangers.

Helen Bush said it’s the Spokane River. “If you have seen other rivers, you’ll know what I mean.”

Florence Olsen echoed that sentiment.

“No matter how snarled and backed-up traffic is, nobody, but nobody leans on their horn,” wrote Jack and Colleen Birchill.

Ann Mattheus noted “The decline and ruin of downtown.”

“We have wonderful weather here,” wrote Eva DeMers, who has seen nearly 92 years of it.

Barbara Krogue pointed to the Ponderosa pines, which she called “Harps in the wind.”

Esther Torrence cited residents’ respect for the area’s natural beauty.

“We have found the Spokane area to be unique in its acceptance of and kindness to strangers,” wrote Mary McDonnell.

Pat Fica said locals have perfected a special blend of friendliness and minding one’s own business.

Eva May Hendrickson mentioned “The class of the old architecture.”

Celeta Hill touted the ease of access to Riverfront Park and other close-in attractions.

Lorraine Carver wrote about how snow-covered streets remaining unplowed for days brings out the best in people.

Other answers ranged from the number of standing ovations to the antics of certain elected officials.

Lots of good phoned-in responses had to be disqualified because we had specified written-answers only.

Mary Gowdy suggested it’s the obsessive search for things that make the Spokane special on the part of The Slice and Slice readers.

That’s not bad. But we’re declaring Jeannie Maki our runner-up for her note saying Spokane has its own sound and smell. “It has a roar to it and a burnt rubber/garbage burning/ car-exhaust smell…not the moldy, fish smell of Seattle.”

But Barry Barfield, who will receive a new umbrella, is our winner. “Bloomsday,” he wrote.

Today’s Slice question: What percent of the Inland Northwest’s population looks good in T-shirts?

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: The Slice appears Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA. 99210; call (509)459-5470; fax (509)459-5098.