Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

An ad in The Spokesman-Review alerted readers to a new educational institution in town.

“Gonzaga University – New Law Department – Will Open October 1st,” announced the ad. It promised a “complete staff of eminent professors” and unveiled the school motto: “A First Class Law School or None at All.”

Prospective law students were asked to apply to the dean of the new department.

From the education beat: A special advertising section devoted to education made it clear that Spokane offered more than a law education. The section included ads for the Spokane School of Music, the Counselman School of Stenography, the Blair Business School, The Brunot Hall boarding and day school for girls, the Saylor Boarding School for Boys and the Northwest Business College.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1936: Boulder Dam (now Hoover Dam) began operation as President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a key in Washington to signal the startup of the dam’s first hydroelectric generator.

1941: Groundbreaking took place for the Pentagon, now headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1954: The Miss America pageant made its network TV debut; Miss California, Lee Meriwether, was crowned the winner.