Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The 1912 Spokesman-Review ran a column titled “Chinookers” most days, consisting of short items of humor, poetry and random observations.

Here are a few of the “Chinooker” offerings for April 22, 1912:

• “While a man may call his wife the better half, it often happens that he gives her no quarter just the same.”

• “If the referendum, initiative and recall were only new drinks, most men would know more about them.”

• “Little cups of liquid / Little box of pills / Little daily visits / Then the doctor’s bills.”

• “About the closest some men ever get to dining a la carte is to grab a few ‘hot dogs’ from a lunch wagon.”

• “After all, who can blame those North Central high school students for referring to the nearby ‘wienie’ works as the ‘doghouse’?”

• “From a casual observation in some local offices, we don’t wonder why there are jealous wives in Spokane.”

• “Speaking of spring flowers, many a farmer, when he sees in his field the havoc of a crow, cusses. Think it over.”

Get it? Crocuses.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1864: Congress authorized the use of the phrase “In God We Trust” on U.S. coins. … 1970: Millions of Americans concerned about the environment observed the first Earth Day.