Jim Kershner’s This Day in History

From our archives, 100 years ago

About 100 Italian army reservists were seen off by well-wishers at the Union Depot in Spokane. A band was on the platform to add to the festivities.

The reservists were mostly Italian laborers, between 21 and 29 years old, who had been in Spokane for only a few years. They had been called up by their home country for service in the raging European war. 

They joined another 150 reservists who were on the train from Seattle. The train was bound for Milwaukee, and from there they would make their way to the old country.

This was the second contingent of Italian reservists to leave Spokane. Italy had recently entered the war on the Allied side.

From the entertainment beat: It was a big Saturday night at Natatorium Park, Spokane’s amusement park. 

First, 2,000 merrymakers attended the Eagles Grand Ball. A huge convention of the Fraternal Order of Eagles was in town, and the ball began with a grand march led by Miss Spokane and an Eagles official.

Later that evening came the John Philip Sousa concert, attended by 5,000 people.

Sousa, the nation’s leading bandleader, was in Spokane with his band all week.

Then, at 10 p.m., came a big fireworks display.