Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Della Olds wrote a letter to The Spokesman-Review thanking all of those who supported her during her trial for murder. She also gave a brief biography of her life.

She said she was born near Atlanta and her first memories were of “white fields of cotton.” She came to Spokane at age 19 and one year later was married to Dr. W.H. Olds, then in his 50s.

Of the marriage she said little, except that “it is the commonplace story of a girl who has at times found fortune gazing at her with a frown.”

About eight years later, she shot her husband after one too many drunken beatings. She was acquitted of all charges.

She said she and her sister planned to return to Georgia.

From the accident beat: L.D. Wallace, 28, a bridge carpenter, was standing on a wooden platform while repairing a Great Northern railway bridge over the Spokane River near Natatorium Park.

Two boards suddenly gave way, and Wallace dropped straight down to the rushing waters below. He was clearly badly injured by the impact with the water, but his fellow workmen watched as he made a desperate attempt to swim.

However, he soon sank below the surface and was swept down the current. His body had not yet been recovered.