100 years ago in Spokane: Liberty bond flunker gets unwelcome visit

A group of 12 soldiers from Ft. George Wright paid a not-so-friendly visit to Valentine Reynolds, the cigar store owner who was in trouble for failing to buy a Liberty bond (war bond).

The soldiers unfurled an American flag and ordered him to kiss it.

Reynolds lost no time in “placing his lips to the emblem.”

“The only trouble with Reynolds was that he seemed so scared or excited that he dropped the flag,” said one of the soldiers. “We made him pick it up and kiss it again for good measure.”

Then the soldiers took the flag and nailed it over the cigar store sign, and made him promise to keep it there.

“We want you patriotic,” said the soldiers. Reynolds agreed and treated the soldiers to a drink of cider.

Reynolds might have gotten off easy. About 40 soldiers had vowed to pay Reynolds a visit, but only a dozen were able to get away.

“I guess it was well enough the others did not come,” said one of the soldiers. “Some of them are a little fiery.”

From the movie beat: The Washington Motion Picture Corp. announced that it was ready to begin filming its first feature, starring Tyrone Power, at its new studios at Minnehaha Park.

“Our story is strong and virile, possesses human appeal and will portray the scenic beauties of parts of the Inland Empire, and some of the experiences of the pioneers,” said the general manager.