Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The vice president of the Great Northern Railway predicted a flood of tourists in the summer to Glacier Park.

He told Spokane reporters that the Glacier Park Hotel’s capacity had been doubled, and the camping areas had been improved. Also, a “high-class automobile service” would make a regular run from the hotel to St. Mary Lake and several other points.

This was significant for Spokane’s tourist prospects, because a large percentage of rail travelers to the park continued on to the West Coast. The railroad executive said the new Davenport Hotel, nearing completion, would be a “big inducement to stop off in Spokane.”

From the court beat: “Original” Kelly, a Spokane entertainer whose real name was George Kelly, was given a 15-day suspended sentence for getting “fresh” with a maid at his rooming house.

Miss Elizabeth Stone testified that he was always hanging around in the hallway, harassing her.

“I can’t go for water but that he is there,” she said. “I slapped him half a dozen times. I slapped him in the mouth about a week ago. I not only slapped him, but I hit him as hard as I could.”

“Original” Kelly told the court that he just kidded her a little. However, he did admit that he had been drinking on St. Patrick’s night and said some things to her that he “felt sorry for.”