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

From our archives, 100 years ago

Dr. F.E. Yoakum, of Los Angeles, staged a dramatic faith-healing revival at the Pisgah Mission at Howard Street and Front Avenue (now Spokane Falls Boulevard).

About 400 people attended and 20 people came forward, asking Yoakum to cure them of various physical and mental ills. One woman wanted to be cured of the coffee habit. Another wanted to be relieved of an “ugly temper.” Another confessed that she “was cursed with the uncontrollable desire to ‘speak back.’ ” Others had stomach troubles, kidney troubles and blood disease. One requested the cure of a paralyzed infant.

The treatment was the same in each case. The doctor performed a “laying on of hands,” said a brief prayer, and sent the petitioners back to their seats.

One old man had rheumatism in his knee and walked painfully with a cane.

“Throw away that stick now,” said the doctor. “You don’t need it anymore. Get up and walk off smart. You’re all right.”

The man put down his cane – somewhat reluctantly – and hobbled “with difficulty” back to his seat only a few feet away.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1849: The U.S. Department of the Interior was established.

1940: Artie Shaw and his orchestra recorded “Frenesi” for RCA Victor.