Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Dr. R.P. Sims, 52, a pioneer druggist, was found bludgeoned on the sidewalk not far from his home.

He had failed to return home from Owl Drug, his late-night drugstore, the night before. At 7 a.m., a passerby discovered him lying unconscious in a pool of blood. A fence post, with blood on it, was near the body. He died shortly afterward. The coroner said he had a fractured skull and extensive brain damage.

Police believed he had been attacked by an unknown “highwayman,” i.e., a robber who waylaid him as he walked home. A fence post had been yanked up from a nearby yard.

Sims had come to Lewiston in 1889, then moved to Spokane in 1893 and began a pharmacy practice. He was “the originator of many proprietary remedies.” 

From the music beat: Spokane’s new orchestra, the Spokane Philharmonic, opened its season with a warmly received concert of Schubert, Rossini and Strauss.

“Leonardo Brill and his orchestra may be said to have justified their existence,” concluded the paper’s music critic.

That praise may sound lukewarm, but he also said the crowd response was so positive and appreciative, “that the success of the next concerts is certain.”