Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

A Hillyard brakeman was under arrest for killing an elderly man during an argument – although he stoutly maintained that four men held them both up and he barely escaped with his own life.

However, three young people came forward to say that they were walking home from a picture show when they saw and heard the victim quarreling with someone. One of the teens went to investigate and saw a fight break out. He also heard the victim say, “Beg pardon,” which “is known to be a common expression” used by the victim.

The suspect maintained that he and the elderly victim were close friends and the old man “treated him as a son.”

From the parks beat: The city closed a deal to buy a sizable chunk of parkland on the Hangman Creek bluff, south of 29th Avenue. This $45,000 acquisition was adjacent to an even larger chunk extending down the bluff above the creek, which was also in the process of being acquired.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1519: Artist Leonardo da Vinci died in Cloux, France, at age 67. … 1945: The Soviet Union announced the fall of Berlin, and the Allies announced the surrender of Nazi troops in Italy and parts of Austria. … 1972: A fire at the Sunshine silver mine in Kellogg claimed the lives of 91 workers.