Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The Spokesman-Review editorialized over the importance of music as a vital factor in building a city. Commerce and business are important, said the editors, but in any new city, “it isn’t long before music is thought of as essential.”

They pointed out that Chicago’s symphony and opera brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars in business from visitors and arts lovers. Music, they said, was not just a frill, but a “practicality.”

Why were they bringing this up? Because Spokane was in the midst of trying to decide whether to bring the New York Philharmonic to town for a series of concerts in the summer.

“Spokane has her opportunity to do a practical commercial stroke of business” by bringing in the orchestra, said the editorial. The orchestra was one of the most important in the world, and Spokane should not let this opportunity slip. Music should play its part in the upbuilding of the city.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1867: U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward reached agreement with Russia to purchase the territory of Alaska for $7.2 million. … 1963: Singer Lesley Gore, age 16, recorded her hit “It’s My Party.” … 1981: President Ronald Reagan was shot and seriously wounded by John W. Hinckley Jr. outside a Washington, D.C., hotel.