100 years ago today in Spokane: Local commissioners say they have Wobbly situation in hand

Spokane’s city commissioners withdrew their petition requesting Gov. Ernest Lister to intercede in the Wobbly situation in Spokane.

The city had previously requested that Gov. Lister declare martial law and request federal troops, but Lister declined. So the city took matters in its own hands and raided the Wobbly halls and arrested dozens.

Now, the governor was returning to Spokane to discuss the situation. The commissioners decided to present him with a new letter which would essentially inform him that they were dealing with the situation on their own.

From the employment beat: About 25 women “donned overalls and jumpers” and began work at the Great Northern Railway shop in Hillyard.

“The women and girls will fill places made vacant by men who have left the shops, either to enter the service of their country or to enter any other lines of endeavor.”

A reporter from the Spokane Daily Chronicle said he showed up at the Hillyard shop, tapped a busy workman on the shoulder and asked, “Where are the women working?”

“Here,” answered the “workman,” brushing a blond strand of hair from a very besmudged face. “My brother has gone to war, and it is up to someone to do the work here at home. Besides, I like this kind of work better than measuring ribbon behind a counter.”