Jim Kershner’s This day in history
From our archives, 100 years ago
In 1910, Halloween mayhem in Spokane went way beyond mere pranks.
One police officer was called to a Halloween disturbance where he was “decidedly set upon and mauled by a gang of boys” on Broadway Avenue.
They knocked the officer down, stole his star and his club, tied him up and left him on the street. Passers-by later released him.
Another officer was sent to the same neighborhood. He was “almost blinded by showers of flour thrown on him by a bevy of girls, who also succeeded in tripping the officer.”
In Stafford’s Addition, a gang of kids piled obstructions on a track and held up a streetcar.
Phones at the police station rang nonstop from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
“My gate is gone and think it is at the top of a telegraph post,” went one typical call.
“There is a gang tearing things loose up here and our very lives are in danger,” went another.
One “timid voice” called the station and asked, “Will there be any harm in a bunch of 10 girls dressing up as boys and going out for a lark?”
The police reply: “No particular harm, but you and your friends will stand a very good chance of being arrested.”
A number of kids were arrested.
Also on this date
(From the Associated Press)