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

From our archives, 100 years ago

The Spokane Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet, and this ever- positive group of boosters was in particularly optimistic form.

“I see no reason why 1912, if it will not be the biggest, cannot be the best year,” said Mayor Hindley.

The mayor predicted that 1912 will “have all previous records backed off the boards.”

The president of the chamber listed the reasons why 1912 was going to be a spectacular year for Spokane:

• New paving, new sewer systems and a new city hall.

• The North Coast and the Milwaukee railroads were completing their terminals.

• The Northern Pacific railroad was beginning “grade separation,” i.e., work on elevating its tracks through downtown Spokane.

• Washington Water Power was beginning new power projects.

• The lumber industry was looking up.

• Agriculture was on the rebound.

All of these predictions were made in a buoyant atmosphere. The banquet included an orchestra, the Elk’s quartet, local parodies of popular songs and “character impersonations” performed by Cap Brown, a talented local fireman.

Also on this date

From the Associated Press

1917: The United States paid Denmark $25 million for the Virgin Islands.