100 years ago in Spokane: Pioneer saloon owner forms “Go to Hell Club”

From our archives, 100 years ago

Jacob “Dutch Jake” Goetz, Spokane’s pioneer saloon-and-hotel man, announced the formation of his new club: The “Go to Hell Club.”

The club’s motto: “Don’t trust nobody.”

There were only four members, and he allowed only one member from each state. Washington’s member was, of course, Dutch Jake.

This announcement was made in an interview in which the cantankerous old man was quoted, in comically rendered German accent, as saying such things as, “Religion? Dutch Chake has his own religion. I never go into churches except at a funeral of some of my friends vat does believe in churches. Ven I die the Elks Lodge will take care of Dutch Chake. I have the highest respect for a minister if he stays in his own line. I don’t like him in politics.”

He also didn’t like women – “vimmins” – in politics and he was not in favor of women’s suffrage. “They teach young girls to go into politics instead of teachin’ ‘em that vimmim’s place is at home vit her kids.”

He also said that there were four kinds of people he would like to stay away from: Lawyers, ministers, doctors and newspaper men.

“But I guess you can’t do it,” he admitted. “You cand’t dodge ‘em all the time.”

He was, after all, speaking to a newspaper man.