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

Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

When the Barnes Hypnotic Show – a vaudeville act – went defunct in Lewiston, four members of the company were stranded penniless. Two of the male performers provided just enough money for train fare to Spokane for young “actresses” Flo Russell and Grace Marvel. The two men followed by hopping a freight.

However, when they arrived in Spokane, they were all still penniless, and police said the two women “pawned their jewelry and prepared to become housekeepers for the young men.” 

Police picked them up on vagrancy charges, but the judge suspended the sentences on the condition the girls go to stay with relatives in Portland.

From the cricket beat: The Grant County cricket plague was finally halted, according to county authorities. 

A movable fence with a tin top proved to be effective. The crickets could not get over the fence, and fell into pits, where they were destroyed. A man was assigned to move the fence wherever needed. 

Also on this date

1960: An earthquake of magnitude 9.5, the strongest ever measured, struck southern Chile, claiming some 1,655 lives.

1992: After a reign lasting nearly 30 years, Johnny Carson hosted NBC’s “Tonight Show” for the last time.