Jim Kershner’s This day in history » On the Web: spokesman.com/topics/local-history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Two “bunco men” played the old “lock trick” on two young Minnesota farmhands in Coeur d’Alene Park in Browne’s Addition.

The con men planted a lock on the grounds of the park, made a show of opening it, and then bet the two young men $50 that they couldn’t open it, too.

The innocent farmhands took the bet and could not open the lock. The bunco men walked off with all of the money, but they walked back and returned $25.

“You’re young, with lots to learn,” said the semi-kindhearted con men. “Be careful with sharpers.”

From the noise pollution beat: The men staying at a Union Rescue Mission on Front Avenue threatened to “throw a brick” through a gramophone (record player) at a nearby shooting gallery arcade.

The incessant noise wasn’t really the problem. The problem was that the tune was always “I’ve Got Rings on My Fingers and Bells on My Toes.”

They wanted the tune changed, or else.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1848: The Oregon Territory was created. … 1935: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. … 1947: Pakistan became independent of British rule.