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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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

From our archives, 100 years ago

A large hobo encampment – a “jungle town” in hobo jargon – was developing at the east end of the Great Northern Railway’s yards in Hillyard.

“It has become a veritable mecca for ‘IWW tourists,’ ” said The Spokesman-Review.

The paper was referring to the Industrial Workers of the World, or Wobblies. The paper at the time considered hobos and Wobblies to be synonymous, not entirely accurately.

The paper said the railroad officials were puzzled about how to cope with this influx.

“The floaters go to ‘Jungle Town’ to catch the eastbound freight and passenger trains to take them to the summer encampment at Duluth,” said the paper. “Night watchmen in the yards have been much annoyed.”

They found it impossible to keep men from hopping every outbound train.

“For several days, passenger train No. 4 has been compelled to stop a short distance from the station and be relieved of from eight to a dozen of the barnacles,” said the paper. “… Thousands have so far ridden free out of Hillyard.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1862: President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill passed by Congress authorizing the Medal of Honor.