August 24, 2011 in City

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

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From our archives, 100 years ago

Hundreds of costumed Spokane residents took part in a spectacular “Midsummer Fete” on the Coeur d’Alene Hotel’s “hurricane deck” (the roof).

It began with a grand march, including:

• Men dressed in sailor outfits.

• A “sorceress,” dressed in a “dazzling Oriental costume.”

• Four “gypsy” girls.

• Seven “mermaids.”

• Seven Japanese “geisha girls.”

• Six “Havana maids.”

• A “Dutch” couple, “Lena and Hans,” who wore wooden shoes and “sold hot dogs on the deck.”

• And, finally, 20 little girls, “dressed as white bunnies, followed by 20 little boys “in hunting costume.”

From the bridge beat: City engineer Morton Macartney made a bold prediction: “There is not a single doubt that the Monroe Street bridge will be opened for traffic in time for the Apple Show and carnival week, Nov. 23-30 (1911).”

Bold, because this beautiful new concrete bridge had already suffered several delays since it was conceived in 1909.

Yet Macartney proved to be correct.

The bridge would, in fact, officially open on Nov. 23, 1911, in time for the big National Apple Show parade and celebration.

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