100 years ago in Spokane: City prepares for flying circus and returning World War I soldiers

Spokane was preparing for two spectacles, both to be held the next day.

The first was the big “Flying Circus” event in which a squad of military aviators and stunt pilots would perform demonstrations over the Parkwater Airfield (later renamed Felts Field). They also would give “airship” rides to 16 prominent Spokane people, including Thomas Hooker of the Spokane Daily Chronicle and Aubrey L. White and and Miss Vashti B. Kaye, Liberty Loan drive officials. About 300 people applied for the flights.

The city’s grocery stores and markets were scheduled to close for three hours in the afternoon in order to give employees and proprietors a chance to watch the aerial show. The county courthouse and city hall would be closed for the entire day.

The other event was the arrival of the 361st Infantry of the 91st Division, including a number of Spokane soldiers.

The soldiers would be greeted by a crowd at the at the Northern Pacific depot , and would then parade through downtown at 11 a.m. The spectators were encouraged to shout the following slogan: “We’re glad you’re home, boys.”

The soldiers also would be given a luncheon at the Davenport Hotel.