100 years ago in Spokane: Considerate, safe-cracking burglar sends back some deposit slips

An especially considerate burglar mailed several deposit slips to the Interstate Motor Co. — the same company he had just burglarized.

A “yeggman” (safecracker) had stolen the slips, along with $130 in cash, from a safe that was drilled open in the early hours of the morning. The deposit slips were of no value to the burglar, but probably of value to employees or auto purchasers.

“The burglar was very considerate to return these papers, but I wish he would mail the insurance policies amounting to some $40,000,” said the company manager. “These are really valuable to us, and can be of no use to him.”

Spokane police said they were already working on some important clues in the case.

From the plumbing file: Spokane’s brutal cold snap was over, but the plumbing disasters continued. As pipes thawed, more leaks became apparent. And many pipes were still completely frozen shut.

A special “freeze-up bureau” was established at Spokane City Hall, and 30 new cases were reported, bringing the total to over 500. At least 245 families were without water at all.

“I have now been without water for two weeks and have not had a chance to wash my clothes or take a bath,” shouted a North Side woman, over the telephone. “If you don’t get me water this afternoon, I am going down to turn on the fire hydrant in the street and get water.”

A city “electric thawing crew” was visiting houses all over the city and attempting to restore service.

At least 570 water meters froze and burst. These meters were in basements, in many cases, causing basements to flood.