100 years ago in Spokane: Boy abandoned by mysterious parents

From our archives, 100 years ago

Authorities were at a loss about what to do with little Donald Lamphere, 6, whose parents were nowhere to be found.

Mrs. E.C. Coyle said that several weeks earlier, a “mysterious couple,” who gave the name F.A. Lamphere and wife, appeared at her door with their little boy. She asked Mrs. Coyle to board the child for a time.

Mrs. Coyle agreed, apparently with the understanding it would be a temporary arrangement. Mrs. Lamphere later wrote from Wallace saying that she would soon send clothing and funds.

Since that letter, Mrs. Coyle had heard nothing. She contacted the county probation officers, who were “unable to explain the mystery.”

At this point, little Donald’s future was up in the air.

“There is nothing for us to do but to offer the boy for adoption if no one claims him,” said the probation officer.

From the hobo beat: George Bartch, 20, of North Yakima, decided to “beat his way” (hop a train) from Spokane to Wallace. It did not go well.

He attempted to jump on a moving passenger train at Division Street, but miscalculated. He was thrown against a switch stand and into a pile of railroad ties. He suffered four scalp wounds and a badly bruised leg. Bartch was taken to the emergency hospital, where he required 28 stitches.