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

From our archives, 100 years ago

Reports rolled in of more injuries and accidents in July Fourth celebrations around the Inland Northwest. The worst occurred in Malden, a “new railroad town” near Rosalia.

Hundreds of people were gathered to watch a horse race on the town’s main street when one of the ponies panicked, bolted and plunged into the crowd of spectators. Three men were injured, two critically.

“The serious accident put a damper on the further celebration of the day, but it was thought best to continue part of the (holiday) program to divert attention of the crowds from the injured men,” said the Chronicle.

Meanwhile, fireworks took their usual toll on the region’s boys. One 14-year-old boy was carrying a packet of firecrackers in his inside coat pocket when they somehow ignited. The resulting explosions burned through two shirts. He was recovering.

Several other boys were injured by Roman candles and cannon crackers (big firecrackers), including one injury caused by the classic Fourth of July mistake. A 12-year-old lighted a cracker, which failed to go off. So he picked it up and peered at it to see what the trouble was and …

He too was recovering from burns and lacerations.