Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

May Arkwright Hutton, noted Spokane suffragist and philanthropist, wrote a letter to the editor to clear up some questions about money the city loaned to Hazel Nelson, 16, a vaudeville actress.

Nelson had been fired by the manager of her traveling show, titled “The Incubator Baby,” because she “giggled on the Pullman car after midnight” and because she went horseback riding with some Spokane saloon men.

She was left penniless, with no way to get back to Chicago. She petitioned Spokane’s Mayor Hindley for assistance. The mayor sent her along to Hutton, with a note saying, “Can you do anything for this girl?”

Hutton talked to the manager of the Empress Theater, who said that Nelson was “a good actor on stage and a mighty poor one off.” But he gave Hutton $10 for the girl’s fare.

Hutton then convinced the Spokane County commissioners to give her $30 and the City Council to give her $15.

Nelson was subsequently put on a train. From Chicago, she wrote that she was being offered plenty of vaudeville work and that she would pay everyone back soon. She effusively thanked Hutton and everyone else who advanced her the money.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

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