Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

When it comes to love and marriage, there’s not much new in the world. But this was a Spokane first: “The first motorcycle elopement in Spokane.”

Jay Granger, 19, whisked Florence Clement, 18, away on his motorcycle and raced to Coeur d’Alene, where they secured a marriage license and were married by the pastor of a local Methodist church.

Neither set of parents, when contacted by reporters, would admit that their children had eloped.

From the accident beat: Roy Hutchins, 28, was changing a light bulb in the basement of the shop where he worked when he jerked his hand away from the brass fitting.

“It stung you that time, Roy,” said his brother, who knew this fixture was shock-prone.

“I guess it did,” laughed Roy.

They were still joking about it when Roy staggered, grabbed his head with his hands, and went limp. He was dead before he hit the damp basement floor. 

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1919: Germany’s Weimar Constitution was adopted by the republic’s National Assembly. … 1930: The radio character “The Shadow” made his debut as narrator of the “Detective Story Hour” on CBS Radio. … 1991: President George H.W. Bush and Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in Moscow.