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

Jim Kershner’s This day in history

From our archives,

100 years ago

A construction worker fell 172 feet off scaffolding inside the Morris Theater at Front Avenue and Post Street – and survived.

In fact, he was able to walk to the doctor’s office to be treated for bruises.

He bounced off timbers all the way down, which slowed his fall. Then when he hit bottom, he hit a barrel filled with wood shavings and plaster. He smashed the barrel, but at least he didn’t hit the concrete floor.

He was knocked unconscious but soon revived. The doctor said the man was a little confused but should be fine.

From the church beat: The members of the First Methodist Church were all abuzz over a choral controversy: The choir director was summarily fired and a new director immediately appointed to take his place.

Even the new director thought that the former director, Frederick Brueschweiler, didn’t get a fair shake.

“Like many foreign-born men, he is somewhat bohemian in his habits, and some of the influential people in the church objected to his drinking an occasional glass of beer,” said the new director. “…It seems to me a little more leniency should have been shown him.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1812: The United States declared war against Britain.