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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jim Kershner’s This Day in History

» On the Web: spokesman.com/topics/local-history

From our archives, 50 years ago

An unusual problem – ice and frost – threatened to play havoc with the lowland trout season opener in 1960.

Meteorologists were predicting a record low of 24 overnight. The region’s spring blooms were also in jeopardy. The flowering trees and shrubs were in full bloom but had already been bitten hard by a low of 26 the night before.

From the crime file: Edmond Allen Gray, 20, was sentenced to three consecutive life terms for the slaying of his wife and her parents at their farm near Dartford. Two children survived when they hid in the home.

In a statement to the court, Gray said he was “completely satisfied with the verdict.”

From the arts file: The Spokane Civic Theatre staged “Teahouse of the August Moon” to what a critic called an “enthusiastically appreciative” crowd. He said that Joan Welch displayed “perfect mastery” of her role as Lotus Blossom, a geisha.

He also added that “Lil Eva, a live goat, is a real scene stealer.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1864: Congress authorized the use of the phrase “In God We Trust” on U.S. coins. … 1954: The publicly televised sessions of the Senate Army-McCarthy hearings began. … 1970: Millions of Americans concerned about the environment observed the first “Earth Day.”