Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

A Colville jury found Springdale town marshal C.E. Bartholomew not guilty of the murder of saloonkeeper C.H. Geist.

The defense had argued that Bartholomew shot Geist in self-defense after a confrontation with Geist escalated into gunplay in the crowded saloon.

In closing arguments, Bartholomew’s attorney told jurors that “Springdale was a hell hole on the day of the killing, the drunken mob of lumberjacks congregating around the saloons of Geist and Herndon.”

He said Bartholomew was merely trying to keep order.

The prosecution said Bartholomew was a notorious brawler who had it out for Geist and intended all along to “batter and bruise the old German.”

The jury apparently didn’t agree.

However, in an unusual post-verdict lecture, Judge D.H. Carey advised Bartholomew to “refrain from mixing up in the administration of the affairs of the town.”

During the trial, it had become clear that strong “wet-versus-dry” (pro- and anti-prohibition) sentiments in Springdale had raised tensions to the boiling point.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1962: The first Boeing 727 was rolled out at the company’s Renton Plant.