Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The city marshal of Springdale was on trial for murder, after he clubbed and shot a saloonkeeper during an altercation in the saloon.

According to prosecution testimony, C.F. Bartholomew went to the bar to collect back payment on a city water bill. Saloonkeeper C.H. Gneist argued with him and Bartholomew returned later that day with “a long bundle wrapped up in paper under his arm.”

Gneist brandished a knife and Bartholomew said, “Drop that knife or I’ll kill you.”

Then Bartholomew unwrapped the package and pulled out a 20-inch length of gas pipe and hit Gneist in the head five or six times. Gneist, miraculously, did not go down. Both men pulled guns and a gunbattle ensued.

The bar patrons fled. A short time later, Bartholomew came out the front door and said, “Gentlemen, it’s all over now.”

From the forest fire beat: The region’s foresters heard a presentation on a promising new tool in forest firefighting techniques: the wireless radio.

A representative of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. told the forest officials that it would allow firefighters to communicate over long distances, even when the fires had burned down the telegraph and telephone lines.