100 years ago in Spokane: Officials were battling prostitution – and squirrels

From our archives,

100 years ago

The “social evil” (prostitution) was thriving in Spokane, according to a report submitted to the Spokane Chamber of Commerce.

A chamber member who was investigating the issue said that eradicating the social evil should be a priority of the chamber in 1916.

“Can we recommend Spokane as a safe place for the residence of families having young girls in the family?” he asked in a letter to the chamber.

The investigation showed a record-breaking year for the Florence Crittenton Home for unwed mothers.

There were eight births at the institution in the previous month. The “girls and babies” at the home totaled 36, and the matron reported 20 more applications and a “tremendous demand,” exceeding anything in its history.

The chamber report also recommended new laws to hold men responsible in cases of illegitimate birth.

From the squirrel beat: The County Farm Agent arranged for “10,000 students in the rural schools to poison squirrels” on designated days in March.

“I am planning to give special rewards to the schools that poison the most squirrels,” the agent said.

He appeared to be talking about ground squirrels, since he said the poison should be left at their holes.

Why did he want to wage war on squirrels? Because squirrels accounted for $400,000 worth of lost grain in Spokane County, he said.