100 years ago in Spokane: 2 escape juvenile jail; Glover Field dedicated

Two boys, 15 and 16, made a daring escape from the county juvenile detention center — but they didn’t get far.

It all began when the two boys, being held as vagrants, were sent upstairs to clean the dormitories. The matron followed a few minutes later, but heard a crash.

It was the sound of the boys hurling a large rocking chair through the glass of an entry door. The chair went all the way out onto the sidewalk.

The boys leaped through the door, cutting themselves on the jagged glass, and raced down the street. A probation officer immediately gave chase and caught them within a block. One of the boys was smeared with blood from his cuts.

From the park beat: Hundreds gathered in Peaceful Valley for the dedication of Glover Field, named in honor of the James N. Glover, “the father of Spokane.”

A band played and orators paid tribute to Glover. A monument in his honor was also dedicated.

“He saw a vision and has lived to see his dream come true,” said one speaker. “All that is built here is the creation of a single generation. Mr. Glover has seen it all.”

The aged Glover was present for the ceremony, and he thanked the crowd for the honor.