Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

H.H. Woodbridge of Spokane strongly advised picking the beaver as the state animal “if some other state hasn’t beat us to it.”

Why the beaver? Because the “industrious beaver” would set an example for thrift and “forethought.” A beaver was always “prepared to weather the storm” and is happy and contented in peace and plenty, he said.

The Chamber of Commerce was soliciting recommendations for a state animal, and newspapers around the state were taking part in the process.

Among other suggestions: the cougar.

From the religion beat: Spokane’s two Jewish congregations were making plans to celebrate the Hebrew New Year. The Temple Emanu-El was preparing to hold opening services followed by a number of other events over the next nine days.

“On New Year’s day it is a custom of Jewish people to keep open house and to call on each other with greetings for the new year,” Rabbi David Levine said. “The formal Hebrew greeting commonly used is, in English, ‘May you be inscribed for a happy year.’ ”

The congregation Ahavath Israel was selling tickets for its celebration of the holidays. The services of two cantors had been secured.