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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

 Spokane was mourning the death of Col. D.P. Jenkins, 92, a pioneer Spokane lawyer and landowner.

Jenkins was a Union officer during the Civil War. He came to the tiny village of Spokane Falls in 1879 and acquired 157 acres of land north of the river. 

“His homestead covered the area between Howard and Cedar streets, from the Spokane River to Mallon Avenue,” his obituary said. “From this district, he gave the site of the courthouse, a full city block, and also the site for the Plymouth Church and parsonage, at Mallon Avenue and Adams Street, although not a member of the church.”

He developed what came to be called the Jenkins first, second and third additions. He also built the Jenkins Block at Broadway and Monroe.

He was a patron of the local YMCA, founded the Jenkins Institute of the YMCA, “and gave to the school a permanent endowment of $50,000.”

He also owned land in Chewelah and “gave the site for the erection of a high school, which bears his name.”

His obituary concluded that “Colonel Jenkins’ name has ever been interwoven with the improvement record of Spokane as one of its upbuilders.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1995: Mexican-American singer Selena, 23, was shot to death in Texas by the founder of her fan club.