Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The east side of Mount Spokane was set aside as an immense game preserve by Spokane County’s fish and game commissioners.

They said it was the first step in making Mount Spokane a “natural game breeding grounds, with special reference to deer, bear, grouse, pheasants, prairie chickens and songbirds.”

Two townships on the east side of the peak were immediately closed to hunting. Two game wardens were assigned to enforce a prohibition on the carrying of any firearms in the area.

From the prison beat: A Spokane police desk sergeant knew exactly how to subdue “Dock” Coler, an unruly prisoner.

Coler, arrested for delirium tremens and still in a “highly nervous state of mind,” climbed onto the lockers in the booking room and started to make a commotion.

The desk sergeant, who knew Coler from many other visits, immediately picked up a harmonica and started playing it poorly on purpose.

“In an instant, Coler jumped from his lofty perch and challenged the officer, saying he could beat such playing,” the Spokane Daily Chronicle reported. “The officer willingly handed over the instrument and Coler started to play ragtime.”