Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

A Japanese aviator gave a spectacular performance at Liberty Lake in an exhibition.

Spectators thrilled to his daring exploits – until he made a return to his hangar. As he was trying to land, his magneto became stuck and it continued to rev at about 40 miles per hour.

The engine could not be stopped. The biplane hit the ground and just kept speeding along. It left the airstrip and crashed into a grove of trees. The propeller chopped down a few trees, which ended up on top of the plane.

The crowd rushed to the scene, expecting the worst, but they arrived to find the pilot out of his plane, scratching his head and contemplating the wreckage. He was fine, but the afternoon exhibition was canceled.

From the heavyweight file: An odd contest occurred in Garfield. The town was visited by state Sen. H.O. Fishback, known for his girth. He weighed 353 pounds. As part of his visit, the people in Garfield arranged for a weigh-off, with Fishback competing against some of Garfield’s largest residents.

Fishback won. The other three contestants weighed 321, 276 and 250.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1920: The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed the right of all American women to vote, was ratified.