Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

 A Kennewick butcher was roused out of bed by burglars, forced into his shop and tied to his own sausage grinding machine.

One burglar turned on the electric motor, which caused the butcher’s hands to be pulled slowly toward the grinder. Only then did the butcher tell them where he had hidden $200 in cash.

The burglars grabbed the cash, turned off the machine, locked the butcher in the refrigerator and fled.

From the “old pioneer” beat: A hot argument arose at the meeting of the Pioneers’ Society of Spokane County. 

The society’s rules stated that a person had to have moved to Spokane by 1884 to be eligible for membership. But Judge L.H. Prather proposed changing the year of eligibility to 1889. Otherwise, they would be like some Southern societies, “who regarded all newcomers, even after 20 years, as carpetbaggers.”

However, other members poured scorn on this proposal. It would mean that “those who came in palace cars” (fancy train cars) would be considered equal to those old pioneers “who footed it over the mountains.”

When put to a vote, the proposal failed resoundingly.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1792: Congress passed the Coinage Act, which authorized establishment of the U.S. Mint.