100 years ago in Spokane: Chamber of Commerce hosts swimming event in chilly Spokane River

From our archives, 100 years ago

Between 6,000 and 8,000 people lined the banks of the Spokane River to witness a swimming exhibition staged by the Chamber of Commerce.

Three top amateur swimmers “plunged from the Division Street bridge near the south channel … and swam to the north bank through currents that would carry away an ordinary swimmer.”

Charles L. Sheeley “furnished the real thrill” when he “shot far down midstream like an express train and did not pull for the shore until he was close to the rapids above Washington Street.”

“Many spectators thought he could not get out of the current and a shout went up as he was seen to near the danger line,” the paper said. “… The life boat started to dash after him, when he turned for shore and made a safe landing a few yards from the break of the rapids. The crowd cheered.”

A number of other swimmers also engaged in a relay race and some were “mere boys, and some anxiety was felt for them.”

For good reason. The currents were flowing swiftly and the temperature of the water was 38 degrees.

The swimmers were “received on shore with blankets and bathrobes” and rushed by auto to a nearby gym locker room where they were “cared for.”

“Not one felt any ill effects from the icy dip.”