100 years ago near Glacier National Park: Spokane brakeman, 3 ‘hoboes’ injured in train wreck

From our archives, 100 years ago

A Great Northern brakeman and three “hoboes” were injured when a Spokane-bound freight train derailed near Glacier National Park and badly damaged a bridge.

Only about one-third of the 300-foot bridge remained standing. The line was blocked and the Great Northern sent crews from both directions to repair the bridge as soon as possible. The engine was almost across the bridge when it derailed, and the injuries appeared to be minor.

From the poison beat: When Ellensburg painter Frank Day arrived home from work, his wife, 29, met him at the door with a cup in her hand.

“I’ve done it,” she said. “I’ve taken poison and you’d better call a doctor.”

Then she calmly told him the phone number of a physician. She also quietly told her daughter, 14, what kind of antidote might work: lard.

However, it was too late. Mrs. Day had taken carbolic acid and she died three hours later, despite the best efforts of the doctor. She left behind three children. She was apparently despondent over a long bout of ill health.