Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The Spokane Hotel’s house detective, Bill Shannon, known as “the hobo’s nemesis,” hid behind a pillar in the lobby, eyeing his prey.

He saw a man who looked “socially ineligible” to mingle with the well-dressed guests. The man had a stubby beard, a ruddy nose and a tattered shirt, open at the neck. The detective pounced.

“Out of here, ye bum,” said the detective.

“But officer, I’m a guest of the house,” said the hobo.

The detective was unmoved.

“In my time, I’ve given the razoo to hundreds of bums and I know ’em by sight,” said Shannon. “Out ye go.”

As he roughly escorted the bum to the sidewalk, the other guests began chortling gleefully. They explained that he was not a hobo, but an actor, Edmond Hayes, headlining at the Orpheum.

He was still in costume and makeup for his role as a shabby character.

They all went out to a saloon to have a laugh about the incident – whereupon Hayes was tossed out of the saloon.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1962: Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man made his debut in issue 15 of “Amazing Fantasy” (cover price: 12 cents). … 1680: Pueblo Indians launched a successful revolt against Spanish colonists in present-day New Mexico.