Jim Kershner’s This day in history » On the Web: spokesman.com/topics/local-history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Today we’ll take a look into a particularly information-packed section of the 1911 Spokane Daily Chronicle, the classified ads.

The “Personals” are particularly intriguing. One advertises “bath treatments” which are “guaranteed to cure rheumatism and all nervous disorders.” The treatments included “steam bath, vibratory and body massage.” The proprietor was Mrs. W.D. Freeman, masseuse.

The “Help Wanted” ads included many railroad jobs and farm jobs. Here’s a typical ad: “Wanted, married man to work on small place, wages $35 to $40 and board for wife and self; no milking; light work; good home.”

The “Help Wanted – Female” ads were usually variations on this theme: “Wanted, competent girl for general housework.”

Under “Situations Wanted” we find: “A Japanese wants position as laundry boy at any place; many years’ experience,” and “Wanted, wells to dig.”

Finally, the “Lost and Found” section included the following optimistic plea: “Lost $200 in $50 or $100 bills. Finder please telephone for liberal reward.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1836: Congress voted to establish the Wisconsin Territory. … 1971: The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the use of busing to achieve racial desegregation in schools.