Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The president of the Inland Automobile Association advocated a new kind of law for Spokane: A “jay-walker” law.

He said that “automobile owners are up against it” because they are constantly getting fined for “hitting persons who dodge out at unexpected moments in front of the machines between blocks.” 

The phrase “jay-walker” was fairly new, which is why the story included a definition: “a person who crosses the street in the middle of the block.”

He said Paris had already enacted jay-walker laws. Spokane needed a strong jay-walker law “to protect the public, especially children who play in the streets,” although it was unclear exactly how the law would protect them. He said he wanted jay-walkers fined for obstructing traffic.

From the whiskers beat: The Ancient Order of the Bearded Knights disbanded and went in search of a barber. 

A group of Lewis and Clark High School senior boys had vowed not to shave for the rest of the school year, but finally relented under pressure from teachers and senior girls. 

Especially the senior girls. They vowed never to go out with bearded boys.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1952: The Kentucky Derby was televised nationally for the first time on CBS; the winner was Hill Gail.