Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

One of the most popular summer excursions in the region was advertised with this headline: “The Shadowy St. Joe River.”

It was an all-day excursion, combining a train ride and a steamboat ride. The Inland Electric Train left Spokane at 7:30 a.m. for Lake Coeur d’Alene, where passengers boarded the steamer Oakes. Then it was up the St. Joe River to the “head of navigation.”

“For 40 miles, the steamer glides up the phantom valley, bringing a new vista of wonderful reflections and shadows into view at each angle in the winding river,” the ad said. “The cool buoyant mountain air completes an ideally healthful day in the open spent in perfect comfort on trolley and steamer. Positively no crowding, because the Oakes is the largest steamer on inland waters and affords every convenience.”

And you could also enjoy a “delicious chicken dinner on the Oakes.”

Total round trip mileage: 200 miles.

Total cost: $2.50 per person.

Excursionists were back in Spokane by 8 p.m. the same day.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1999: The United States women’s soccer team won the World Cup, beating China 5-4 on penalty kicks after 120 minutes of scoreless play at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.