Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The Washington Children’s Home Society declared that Thanksgiving should be Homeless Children Day.

They wanted people to remember – while they feasted on turkey – the state’s many orphaned and homeless children. Gov. Ernest Lister sent his official endorsement of Homeless Children Day. He recommended that the state’s public schools take some time, before Thanksgiving, to educate students about the plight of so many children.

“Remember those who are not as fortunate as yours are,” wrote the governor. “I know of no better time than Thanksgiving, and no better place than the public schools, among the children who see the bright side of life and know so little about the sufferings of homeless children.”

From the robbery beat: Two of the three highway robbers who held up the Deer Park auto stage were deserters from the U.S. Navy. J.E. Riley and H.E. Smith admitted that they were deserters after an expert was brought in to confirm their identities. Police still were looking for a fourth accomplice.

The driver of the stage was still in St. Luke’s Hospital with serious gunshot wounds.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1959: The United Nations issued its Declaration of the Rights of the Child.