Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Miss Virginia Riblet, of Spokane, took on the job of being, in essence, Spokane’s Santa Claus.

In previous years, letters mailed to Santa by children went directly to the dead letter office. Miss Riblet, along with her team of “30 society girls,” proposed to read the letters and supply the neediest kids with a toy or two.

Donations would fund the project. A taxi company offered to help with delivery. 

“The kiddies might get food and clothing from a charitable institution,” said Miss Riblet. “… But they wouldn’t get any fun.”

From the red light beat: Spokane’s city prosecutor suggested that the city needed an honor farm for women, not just for men.

The recent arrest records showed why. On one day, 16 women were arrested on charges of vagrancy or for running a disorderly house.

The prosecutor noted that most of these women would pay a fine or forfeit their bond and then merely “return to the places from whence they came … to ply their vocation and become subject to arrest again.”

“What good does it do?” he  said.

He suggested following Chicago’s example and giving women “shelter and employment and the chance to work their way into legitimate occupations.”