100 years ago in Spokane: Spokane sends more sons off to World War I

Spokane prepared to honor its war dead on Memorial Day – and also said farewell to a contingent of 28 new draftees heading into the army.

“The usual pathetic farewells marked the departure of the men, and several women became hysterical as the train drew away from the station, bearing their loved ones to the army camp,” reported the Spokane Daily Chronicle.

One woman cried, “Don’t go; don’t go Harry!” She had to be led away by friends.

Another woman was admonished by her husband, “Remember dear, you promised not to cry.” She made good on that promise, but only until the train was out of sight.

From the royalty beat: Spokane was getting ready to welcome a Duke – champion Hawaiian swimmer Duke Kahanamoku – and was hoping to welcome a prince – Prince Arthur of Connaught.

Kahanamoku was scheduled to swim at an exhibition at Natatorium Park while on a tour of the West. He would be accompanied by two other champion swimmers.

Prince Arthur, cousin of King George V of England and grandson of Queen Victoria, was crossing the U.S. on the way to Japan, where he would be part of a special mission.

The British-Canadian Club of Spokane extended an invitation to the prince to make a brief stop in Spokane to meet with dignitaries from British Columbia and Alberta.