Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The investigation into the Medical Lake Insane Asylum produced its first arrest: An attendant was charged with cruelly beating patients.

However, at least one patient testified that the attendant had beaten patients only when necessary to restrain other unruly patients.

In other testimony, a man claimed that a nurse beat his mother and made her scream and cry. The man later admitted under cross-examination that his mother “had the habit of screaming whenever he forced her to do anything she didn’t want to do.” He also admitted he took her back to the hospital because he couldn’t handle her.

From the industrial beat: Spokane was to be the new home of the Day Automotive Co., formerly of Detroit. The president of the company decided to move operations to Spokane.

The company made three kinds of autos, including the Day Utility Car, which could be used as a “straight touring car” or converted to a delivery car capable of carrying 1,500 pounds.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1775: The Second Continental Congress voted unanimously to appoint George Washington head of the Continental Army.

1836: Arkansas became the 25th state.