100 years ago in Spokane: Even then, a 52-year-old marrying a 16-year-old was frowned upon

From our archives,

100 years ago

Robert McCullough, 52, a hop picker, was enjoying a honeymoon in Okanogan with his wife, Gladys, when he was arrested and hauled before a judge in Wenatchee.

Why? Because Gladys was only 16.

The couple had eloped from North Yakima (called simply Yakima today), but Gladys’ parents did not approve. In fact, they swore out a warrant of kidnapping, which is why McCullough found himself in jail in Wenatchee. The bride was sent back to her parents pending the outcome of the case.

From the weather beat: Walla Walla was enjoying a spell of record-breaking “freak weather.” The afternoon high was 65.3 degrees, breaking the record for the warmest December day. A series of warm chinook winds blew through the region.

At one point, the mercury climbed from 33 to 57 in one hour.

From the booze beat: The great booze selloff continued, with Greenough’s market in Spokane advertising its entire stock of wine and liquor at half price. A case of “Old California Claret” was selling for $2.35.

The stores needed to get rid of their stock by New Year’s Day, when state prohibition would take effect. Residents needed to build up their basement supplies, for the same reason.