Jim Kershner’s This day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Adolph Hirsch, of Spokane, was asking for a divorce from Fanny Hirsch, of Chicago, because she had refused to come west with him.

He submitted a letter from his wife to support his case, which made for fascinating reading:

• “Everything some people write to you about my going around with other men is a lie. I have always got a good name. Ask anybody in Chicago that knows me.”

• “If you saw the way I look, you would be surprised. I wear nice clothes and I am healthy and strong. I fixed my teeth and it cost me $85.”

• “I work at Siegle & Coopers (tailors) … I get $13 a week in winter and $18 a week in summer. Everyone likes me there. Many people want me to marry them. I do not want to because I make a good living.”

• “You can do as you wish if you want to make me free. I don’t want any money.”

• “I have more sense now than when I was your wife. I know how to treat a man if he is good. I know how to behave myself now.”

• “P.S.: Don’t believe your dear brothers.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1911: Marie Sklodowska Curie was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, eight years after winning the Nobel Prize in Physics with her husband, Pierre. … 1940: The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge, nicknamed “Galloping Gertie,” collapsed into Puget Sound during a windstorm.