Jim Kershner’s This day in history

From our archives, 75 years ago

Spokane residents were alarmed about a new, modern evil in the city: parking meters.

The Spokane City Council was considering installing new devices called “parkometers” downtown. At least one city official wanted none of it.

“Anyone has the right to park on the street, whether or not he has a nickel,” thundered commissioner Ralph Hendricks.

“In my opinion, the parkometer is unconstitutional.”

Still, the city was considering giving the parkometers a trial run. The council was no doubt enticed by the news that Oklahoma City, which had installed 2,100 parkometers, was now raking in $14,000 a month in revenue

From the Mauro beat: Ray Mauro, the Gonzaga University team trainer, was nearing Spokane. He was hiking all the way from Pullman after vowing to do so if the Bulldogs beat the Cougars in football.

The team and students were making plans to meet him for a big celebration at the downtown public library at the end of his journey. But he put the kibosh on that plan.

Apparently, he called the organizers from the road and said, “Listen, I’m going to walk exactly to the city limits and sit down – and if you want me to go any farther, you’ll have to pack me.”