Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Work was proceeding on the grand, new Davenport Hotel – and it was obvious that the decor would be something special.

A $15,000 contract had just been awarded to D. Zelinsky, of San Francisco, “the greatest mural decorator in western America,” for most of the interior painting.

Also, an $85,000 contract was awarded for decorative plastering, consisting of “special designs evolved by skilled workmen on the building and molded by them directly on the walls and ceilings.”

And a $50,000 contract was awarded to Vermont Marble Co. for white statuary marble. It was not to be used for statues; rather, for “pilasters and wainscotings on every floor.”

From the murder beat: An itinerant telegraph operator named J.H. McDonald, a suspect in the murder of railroad station agent E.B. Irwin, was arrested in Rosalia, Wash., while trying to board a train. He was under suspicion because he had been staying in the station house at the time of the murder and had subsequently disappeared. 

McDonald denied any connection or knowledge of the murder. However, police said they found a used .33 cartridge in his pockets.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1859: London’s Big Ben chimed for the first time.