Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Rain continued to dampen the Interstate Fair, yet 5,000 people turned out for the premier event, the Spokane Derby.

Nannie McKinney, a little bay filly, won “by the shortest of heads in one of those blanket finishes which leave you gasping and breathless.” Three horses were within a neck’s length.

Derby Day was more than just a sporting event. It was a day when Spokane society turned out in its finery – with plenty of furs and heavy wraps because of the cool, wet weather.

The festivities included a lacrosse match featuring the “scantily-attired athletes” of the Nelson and Cranbook teams, as well as a polo match and Wild West show.

There was a “flutter in the Baby Show headquarters under the grandstand” when the judges announced the first “perfect” baby, meaning, the first baby to win a score of 100 percent.

From the carnival beat: The Interstate Fair’s carnival featured the usual midway attractions, including Happy LaBelle, the “fat woman,” who weighed in at 495 pounds.

The Arkansaw Kid was a “midget” by comparison, since he weighed only 480 pounds. 

“He blames corn pone and hoecake,” the paper said.

Other attractions included a “double boy” and “Ugo, the strangest girl alive,” although the nature of her strangeness was not specified.