Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The American Theater in Spokane was offering a novel new entertainment: a chorus girls’ contest.

Apparently, this was to be a talent contest in which the singing-dancing girls would step to the front of the stage and try to win audience approval. They would be allowed to show off “any specialty they desire.”

The winner, determined by audience applause, would get a prize of $6.

However, the theater manager warned the mostly male audience to show some decorum. “Cat-calling, pounding the floor and yelling” would be strictly prohibited.

From the fallen women beat: Two sisters from Anaconda, Mont., were nabbed in a vice raid in Spokane.

Their “hard-working parents” were distraught because they had sent the sisters to be educated in a Spokane academy. Instead, the sisters were tempted by a life of vice because of “a desire to have fashionable gowns.”

A 21-year-old man, who worked at a bowling alley, was also arrested for allegedly leading the two sisters astray. 

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1861: The American Civil War began as Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

1955: The Salk vaccine against polio was declared safe and effective.