Jim Kershner’s This day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

A troop of “invaders” attacked Fort George Wright in Spokane on Christmas Day, 1910.

Soldiers peeked out of their barracks windows to see a column of small soldiers, marching down the parade ground, ready to “take” the fort.

They averaged about 5 years old and were the sons and daughters of officers and soldiers. They were armed with drums and tin horns.

“While on the march, the two-note blasts came at three-step intervals and sounded much like a prima donna attempting to reach a high note,” said a reporter who witnessed the rebellion.

One 5-year-old was reported “distressed” when nobody would follow his orders, but “much pleased” when all agreed to follow him to the big guns and the flag staff.

Meanwhile, the real soldiers were given a big turkey feast “by Uncle Sam” and were allowed to eat all of the Christmas extras they wished.

The Williams Jubilee Singers, a local chorus, provided the musical entertainment afterward.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

2004: Some 230,000 people, mostly in southern Asia, were killed by a tsunami triggered by the world’s most powerful earthquake in 40 years beneath the Indian Ocean.