100 years ago: ‘Spectacular’ Pend Oreille cave makes progress toward state park status

The first steps were taken toward turning a spectacular natural cave in northern Pend Oreille County, near Metaline, into a state park.

W.H. Crawford, a prominent Metaline mining man, filed on the land with the purpose of protecting the title until it could be transferred to the proper authorities as a public park.

“The (Spokane Historical Society) and Mr. Crawford hope to induce the legislature to make an appropriation from the state park fund,” the Spokane Daily Chronicle said.

Their efforts would eventually turn out to be successful. The site is today known as Crawford State Park and its main attraction is the Gardner Cave.

From the epidemic beat: New numbers were unavailable, because it was a Sunday, but all indications were that the Spanish flu continued to spread unchecked through Spokane. All public gatherings were still banned and normal life in Spokane was at a near standstill. There were no church services, and some preachers were distributing their sermons via newsletter.