100 years ago in Spokane: Boosters tout city growth over past decade - by 35 people

Spokane finally achieved a census victory of sorts. The city had raised its 1920 census count above the 1910 count – by a total of 35 people.

Spokane boosters had been shocked weeks earlier when the 1920 census showed a decrease in Spokane’s population over the past decade. Boosters launched a campaign to find residents who had not been counted, and the U.S. Census Bureau agreed to revise the number if it was proved wrong.

The Spokane Daily Chronicle published a blank form every day for 20 days, on which names of overlooked people could be reported.

When the revised figures were finally released, about 233 new names had been added, bringing Spokane’s 1920 census total to 104,437.

The Chronicle congratulated Spokane – and itself – in an editorial hailing this “victory.”

The editors admitted that a population gain of 35 “seems only a trifle.” But it was a symbolic victory.

“It is enough to save Spokane people from the need of explaining and apologizing for the next 10 years,” an editorial said.

The successful drive to put Spokane over the top taught a valuable lesson, said the editors: “Don’t quit.”