USA > Washington > Spokane County > An illustrated history of Spokane county, state of Washington > Part 12
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"Never has a fire consumed so many build- ings and wrought so much devastation in so short a time as the one that has levelled the business portion of Spokane Falls to the ground.
"The accompanying diagram shows the boundaries of the burnt district, together with the locations of the most prominent buildings that were destroyed :
North.
RIVER.
Nortb.
25
FRONT STREET.
24
23
MAIN STREET.
14
15
13
19
12
16
1
18 19
RIVERSIDE AVENUE.
9 10 11
20
21
SPRAGUE STREET.
FIRST STREET.
1
RAILROAD AVENUE.
3
LINCOLN
POST
MIL.L.
NOJ. HSV.M
1-Origin of fire.
2-Nortbern Pacific passenger depot.
3-Nortbern Pacific freigbt depot.
4-Pacific hotel.
5-Falls City opera house.
6-Browne block.
7-Van Dorn & Bentley.
8-Cannon's block.
9-1lyde block.
10-Moore block.
11-Keats' block.
12-Wolverton block.
14-Grand hotel.
15-Frankfurt block.
16-First National bank.
17-Spokane National bank.
18-Washington building.
19-Eagle block. 20-Tull block.
21-Postoffice block.
22-Great Eastern block.
23-Arlington block.
24-Union block.
25-Windsor hotel.
26-symons block. 2 :- Lamona block.
13-Cœur d'Alene block. 25-Witherspoon block.
A list of the sufferers from the fire cover over three columns of the Review, comprising two hundred and fifty-three persons and firms. The estimated loss was about five million dol- lars, with about fifty per cent. covered with insurance. A meeting of the city council was held the morning after the fire and an earnest effort was made at the outset to prevent the erection of wooden buildings in the burned district. . \ relief committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. F. A. Bettis and Peter Dueber, on behalf of the council, and Messrs. A. M. Cannon and J. N. Glover, W. T. Tay- lor, R. W. Forrest, Cyrus Burns and H. L. Wilson, on behalf of the citizens. The reso- lution was passed that any person offered em- ployment and refusing to work should be noti- fied to leave the city. Also that all keepers of hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, and deal- ers in supplies who advance prices on this occa- sion shall forfeit their license. On the after- noon of the same day a citizens' meeting was held at the American Resort, which was called to order by Major Furth. Hon. A. M. Can- non presided and J. M. Adams was made sec- retary. Some ringing speeches were made and a resolution passed prohibiting the erec- tion of wooden buildings within the fire limits. Telegrams expressing sympathy with offers of substantial assistance came in from all di- rections and tents, bedding and provisions soon began to pour in. It is worthy of spec- ial attention that Medical Lake offered to ac- commodate one thousand sufferers. System- atic and effective efforts were made to provide for the needy.
AFTER THE FIRE.
The subject of one of the editorials in the
64
HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
Review was, "Will Rise Again." "When we consider the magnitude of the disaster that has befallen our city the fortitude displayed on all hands is remarkable and indicative of our fu- ture. Although our losses are appalling, ex- ceeding any that has heretofore afflicted an American city, yet our resources-our natural resources-remained unimpaired. Spokane Falls, amid the desolation of smoldering em- bers and fallen walls, is to-day what she was yesterday, the city of magnificent water power, the converging center of a vast network of railroads, the supply depot of the great Cœur d'Alene mines, the distributing point for an empire of agricultural wealth. But above all her other resources, Spokane Falls counts most confidently upon the energy and progressive spirit of those whose past loyalty to her inter- ests has given her a national reputation. We
have lost much, but there are those among us who can remember a time when we had less is now left us. We believe those now here will in a comparatively short time see a more beautiful and substantial city than was yester- clay swept away. Let courage-courage, al- ways courage-continue to be our watchword."
Despite the terrible blow, the people were not daunted. There was no time lost. Some took the first train to the east to obtain new material or goods to resume business. There were others who ordered by telegram. For a season we had a city of tents while the build- ings of brick were being erected. A more busy city it would be impossible to find in the whole American continent. At the expense of being a little previous we will say here that the city was rebuilt with much greater proportions.
CHAPTER XVI.
SPOKANE CITY, CONTINUED-1890 TO 1900.
The year following the fire might be per- tinently designated the building year, in which time one hundred business blocks, costing from thirty thousand dollars to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, were created. Also one thousand residences, the aggregate value of all being estimated at five million dolars. Take it all in all this year was probably the mist memorable and eventful one in the history of the city.
It was a year of marvelous development and prosperity, hardly paralleled in the history of the country. There was a remarkable es pansion of business interests in all direction. The business houses increased during the year from four hundred and eighty nie to one thou- sand. The value of frades done by the
rolling mills amounted to two million dollars. and that of the flour mills nearly a million. The railroads did a business in freight amount- ing to nearly two million dollars. Real estate sales aggregated seventeen million dollars. and the assessment of real and personal prop- erty in city and county reached the enormous sum of fifteen million dollars. The business more than doubled, and the increase of cm- merce was fully equal and the populace" augmented fifty per cent. The Sol Vi- marked by the completion of the O. R. a .V Railroad into the city, giving advantage of two transcontinental raila ads as well as of el- trance into the rich Caur d' Veje con and the fertile Palouse. In addition po sin- the Spokane Falls & Northern Railroad w
CITY HALL, SPOKANE
65
HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
constructed from the city as far as Colville and making rapid- progress toward the Colum- bia. A corporation had been organized the year before with A. A. Newberry as president, and some surveying was made. They fortu- nately succeeded in interesting Mr. D. C. Cor- bin in the enterprise, through whose energetic management the road was constructed. It made a fertile and rich country tributary to Spokane. Much was expected and the most sanguine expectations have been realized.
The expenditure on the road during this year was about one and a quarter million dol- lars, and more than the one hundred thousand dollars bonus received from the citizens of Spokane were applied to improvements within the city. This year the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad was constructed as far as Davenport. During this year there were altogether two hundred and seventy-five miles of railroad built from Spokane. Nearly half a million dollars were subscribed in subsidies. This year the Ross Park Car line was built at an expense of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, also the cable road to Nata- torium Park. The Washington Water Power & Electric Light Companies extended their plants. the former taking possession of the C. & C. Mills ; the city water works were greatly increased at an expense of one hundred thou- sand dollars, and ten miles of street grading was done with twenty-two more established. During this year five bridges spanned the Spo- kane river and it was estimated that no less than fifty thousand people landed at our sta- tions. This year the garb of statehood was conned, adding dignity to all around. It passed Congress January 18th, the Senate, February 12th, and had President Cleveland's signature February 22d. On July 4th. del- egates met at Olympia to form a state consti- tution, which was ratified at a general election held October Ist, by a vote of 40,152 against 11,789. The year 1890 was one in which there was risen a new city on the ruins of the 5
old. Magnificent brick blocks were built in place of the city of tents.
Among the headings of the Review for January 1, 1891, we find, "Spokane Leads the World," "A Stupendous Record." The list of buildings erected in 1890 covered over twenty columns of the Review. One thou- sand homes were built. Business in almost all lines doubled. Ten thousand added to the population. bringing it up to twenty-six thou-
sand. Manufacturing firms doubled. Post- office receipts the same. Real estate transfers amounting to nearly eighteen million dollars. Volume of wholesale trade reaching eight mill- ions of dollars and total of sales to over twenty- one million dollars. The freights of the seven railroads averaged about three hundred thou- sand dollars per month. Four ward school- houses, eight rooms each, were erected. Also. the magnificent high school building, at the ag- gregate expense of two hundred and fifty thou- sand dollars. From October Ist to November- Ist, the Northwestern Industrial Exposition was held in this city. A large building was erected on Sprague avenue near Sherman street, since burned, toward which and other expenses the citizens contributed one hundred thousand dolars. It attracted large crowds to the city day after. day, and was in all respects, creditable to its managers and promoters. Mr. F. Lewis Clarke was the president, and Mr. C. W. Robinson, manager. In connection with the exposition there was published an expensive and artistic souvenir. The inside title was, "The City of Spokane Falls, and its Tributary resources, issued by the Northwestern Indus- trial Exposition." It contained valuable ar- ticles on Spokane Falls, its scenery, natural ad- vantages, wonderful growth, tributary re- sources, by Major E. A. Routhe, John R. Reavis and others. It also contained portraits of many citizens. It was finely illustrated all through and doubtless the most complete "write up" of the city and its tributaries up to that time. The year 1891 was one of steady-
66
HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
growth. Although not compared with the pre- vious year, which was phenomenal in number of buildings erected, many substantial business houses went up and many residences. It was a year noted for public improvements. Nine miles of street grading was done and two miles of sewers at a cost of two hundred and twenty- five thousand dollars. More merchandise was carried in and out of the city than any previous year. Many of the old firms were enlarged and new ones added, such as Galland-Burke Co. and Washington Cracker Co. The job- bing trade was enlarged and postoffice business greatly increased. The construction of the marvelous steel bridge across Monroe street was completed. The Spokane Fair & Agri- tural Association was organized with A. M. Cannon as president ; H. G. Stimmel, secretary; J. A. Todd, general manager. The fair was held at the old grounds in Forest Park, com- mencing October 5th and continuing ten days. The new year 1892 found the people buoyant with hope. Important public improvements, costing nearly threee hundred thousand dollars, were made. The Howard and Division street bridges were built. Sewers were put in sev- eral streets and others were graded. One mil- lion dollars were expended on brick blocks and residences. There was a great increase in the jobbing trade and the railroad carried more merchandise than ever before. The most im- portant event of the year was, perhaps, the com- pletion of the Great Northern Railroad from St. Paul to the Pacific coast. The construction of this road through the city occasioned pecu- liar satisfaction to the people. It opened a vast and promising area of country and made it tributary to this city. It added another trans- continental railroad and it was expected to re- sult in the cessation of freight discrimina- tion, consequently reducing materially the rates to and from eastern and western terminals. Cœur d' Alene park was laid out and decorated at considerable expense, which is to-day the pride of the city. Three of the largest plants
were lost by fire, the Echo mill, owned by Bravinder & Keats, with a capacity of two hundred and fifty barrels a day, the saw-mill and factory of the Spokane Mill Company. which employed three hundred men. and the Spokane Oatmeal Mills, the largest on the Pa- cific coast. Despite discrimination in freight rates, inroads were made into new territories resulting in an increase in the jobbing trade. This year the Marble Bank building was built. which is now 'occupied by the Old National Bank. During this year important discover- ies were made, with some active development in the mineral empire to the north and the ac- quisition by the Spokane capitalists of rich promising mining properties which have con- tributed largely to the prosperity of Spokane. The years 1893-4 were not full of events of special interest to the public. With the rest of the country the city suffered from the panic. But it was by no means on a standstill. It is true that real estate depreciated and business was dull-followed by results incident to such circumstances. Despite all. several hundred houses were erected with other evidences of prosperity. The city hall was completed in the summer of 1894, at a total cost for build- ing and land of one hundred and twenty-six thousand and sixty-five dollars. It occupies the northeast corner of Front and Howard. the annex extending to the river. All the general city offices, the public library, the municipal court, and headquarters of the fire department are located here. During the year 1895 the jobbing trade increased, so also, the retail. Many costly and handsome structures were erected with an expenditure of six hundred thousand dollars. This year is noted as the one which saw the county court house com- pleted, probably the largest and best equipped in the northwest. All the people of Spokane county are proud of the court house, built at an expenditure of three hundred and forty thou- sand dollars. Mr. W. A. Ritchie is the archi- tect who planned the symmetrical structure.
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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
and D. B. Fotheringham the contractor under whose supervision it was constructed. The beautiful white bricks of the walls were made by the Washington Brick & Lime Company of Clayton. It is admirably arranged, the offices and court rooms being spacious and comforta- ble. It will meet the needs of the county for many years to come. Though not built for show it is beautiful and magnificent to behold. From the lofty tower is obtainable an enchant- ing view of one of the most superb landscapes in America. The Northwest Power & Mill- ing Company was organized and the Phoenix mill and factory and flour mill was erected. The postoffice was promoted to the first ranks, and the public school enrollment reached the five thousand mark, and the population passed the thirty thousand point. "In the year 1895, while the rest of the world was debating whether to return to prosperity or not, Spo- kane spent from six hundred thousand dollars to six hundred and twenty-five thousand dol- lars in the erection and improvements of buildings alone, to say nothing of such other extensive construction work as was performed during the year." Despite the general de- pression incident to the Presidential election, Spokane enjoyed a wholesome degree of pros- perity during the year 1896. The population increased considerably. Well nigh on a mil- lion dollars were expended on new buildings. The jobbing trade increased over forty per cent. and the retail trade thirty per cent. It estab- lished itself both as a railroad and mining cen- ter. The industries increased rapidly, which will be treated in their proper place. This year the Northern Pacific Company erected their new and extensive shops at a cost of two hun- dred and fifty thousand dollars, and removed hither from Sprague. They include large machine shops, blacksmith shops, round house and other necessary buildings, adding one thou- sand dollars a day to the pay roll and one thou- sand people to the population of the city. The postoffice was removed from the Granite block,
on the corner of Riverside avenue and Wash- ington street, to the corner of Riverside and Lincoln, the increase of business necessitating larger quarters.
There was a large influx of people during the summer and the volume of business far ex- ceeded that of the previous year. Over eight hundred thousand dollars were expended in structures. Among the specially favorable in- dications we note the erection of a large num- ber of residences for rent, more than twenty · by the Jesuit fathers in the vicinity of the Gon- zaga College. It is sufficient to say to avoid repetition, that it was a prosperous year and closed with most promising hopes for the future.
The development during the year 1897 was gratifying. Many public and business buildings and a large number of dwellings were erected at
an ultimate cost of no less than a million dollars. There was an increase of population of over two thousand, bringing it up close to forty thousand. Every line of business enjoyed a gratifying degree of prosperity. The activity in real estate was greatly in excess of that of the preceding year. Among the encouraging features of the year was the passing of a great deal of property from mortgage companies to investors with in- dications of much surplus wealth in the city. The year was distinguished as the one in which the first street was paved. Howard street was paved from Riverside to Front with vitrified brick on a six-inch concrete foundation, at a cost of thirty-three thousand dollars.
The year 1898 was an advance on the pre- vious one in every respect. The fortunes made in the country tributary to Spokane were to a great extent invested in city property, thereby showing their faith in its future. Al- though not to be compared with the booming days, the real estate transactions reached the millions. It was estimated that half a million dollars were expended in building homes. It was a very prosperous year, and closed with very bright prospects.
68
HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
1898.
The increase of deposits in the banks was over a million dollars, and there was a fifty per cent advance in postoffice business.
Three new school buildings were erected at a cost of eighty-three thousand, five hundred and fifty-three dollars, the Hawthorne, Gar- field and Whittier, and additions were made to the Logan and Bryant buildings. Some im- portant public improvements were made, such as the completion of the army post, the build- ing of sewers, grading of streets, repairing of bridges and work on the new park east of the city. There was marked development in the jobbing trade. The field was greatly widened so as to nearly cover all the country between the Rocky and Cascade mountains, and from south of the Oregon line far into British Co- lumbia, giving employment to fifty commer- cial travelers.
Early in the year ominous war clouds began to gather, and day by day it became more evident that a serious conflict be- tween this country and Spain was inevitable. In April war was declared and a call for one hundred thousand volunteers. The quota of this state was one thousand, one hun- dred and seventy-eight, the first time for it to be called to furnish troops for the defense of the country. April 21st and 30th were days to be remembered. On the former date there was a demonstration hardly paralleled in the his- tory of the city, when five hundred soldiers marched down Riverside avenue on their way to Chickamauga amid a great outburst of patriotic enthusiasm. Acting Mayor Comstock presented the regiment with a beautiful flag in behalf of the citizens,
The later date, April 30th, was the day of the departure of the volunteers. The local companies had responded to the call with full ranks. On the 29th orders had come from the Governor for two companies to be ready to start for the rendezvous at Tacoma. They were ready. An editorial in the Spokesman-Review
said : "If the city of Spokane grew patriotic when the Sixteenth Regiment went to the front from here, it grew more so yes- terday. Beneath all the loud cheering, the joy and the brilliancy always attendant upon a military parade. and the outburst of patriotic applause, there was a tone of sorrow in the murmurings of the crowd." It was a marvellous demonstration. Patriotism reached the pitch of the days of the civil war. There was a oneness of sentiment among the peo- ple regarding the war, believing it to be an un- selfish and holy one. As the soldierly appear- ing volunteers marched on Riverside avenue amid a profusion of national colors and decora- tions, looking buoyant and happy. thousands of people that lined the sidewalks did everything they could to express their good wishes and God-speed. After reaching to the front of the Northern Pacific depot, where a platform had been erected. speeches were made by Dr. E. D. Olmstead, mayor of the city, and Mr. J. M. Comstock, president of the city council, and flags were presented to each company. Cap- tains Otis and Gilbert made brief responses. They left amid applause and tears, and their journey from here to Tacoma was almost a constant ovation.
1899-A YEAR OF MARKED ADVANCEMENT FOR CITY AND COUNTY.
The increasing public business of the coun- ty is illustrated by a few figures and compari- sons taken from the books of the county audi- tor at the close of the year. In the auditor's office over ten thousand instruments were filed for record during 1899 compared with six thousand. six hundred in 1898. During the year the auditor issued six hundred and twen- ty-four licenses to wed against five hundred and fifty the previous year.
The building record of the city was one that can hardly be equalled by any city of the size. The Chronicle puts it thus :
"In order to reach the actual amount of
69
HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
building started in Spokane last year as ac- curately as possible, the architects of the city have furnished statements of the amounts which have been done in each of their offices. These reach a total of one million dollars. Al- lowing two hundred thousand dollars as a moderate estimate for building work that did not go through the local architects' offices, we have a grand total of one million, two hun- dred thousand dollars as the best estimate of work started in Spokane in 1899."
The buildings erected have added mate- rially to the appearance of the city. The resi- dence portion has been much improved. The demands have taxed to their utmost capacity the mills and brickyards and the supply of red repressed brick was thoroughly exhausted. Some fine homes were built in Browne's addi- tion and the hill and hundreds all over the city costing from one thousand to five thousand dollars.
According to the city directory, recently published. the estimated population has reached forty-seven thousand and forty-seven, and counting transients it can fairly be counted fifty thousand. The Directory says :
"The state of general trade was good and everybody appeared prosperous. There was no complaint of hard times, and all who wished work and business activity found plenty to do. Merchants, manufacturers, professional men, real estate owners, mine owners and operators. laborers, mechanics-in short, everybody, in every field of activity, was employed and satisfied.
"The improvement of business conditions is nowhere better exemplified than in the bank statements. The year 1899 has shown a steady and constant increase in the banking business, both in deposits and clearances. The following is a comparative statement of the deposits and clearances for the past three years :
DEPOSITS.
December 1, 1897 $2,937,000
December 1, 1898 4,501,000
December 1, 1899. 6,000,000
BANK CLEARANCES.
Year 1897 $32 911,000
Year 1898. 45.800,000
Year 1899. . 64.000,000
"The government receipts in the post office and the internal revenue departments show large increases, which are commensurate with the increase in other affairs of the city.
"Last year was distinctly marked over any preceding year in the last decade by the large operations in real estate. The total value of real estate transfers amounted to $8.772.074. This included not only a few pieces of business property, but also a large number of pieces of residence property, which were bought princi- pally for homes.'
According to the statement prepared by City Comptroller Smith, the city shows an in- crease of assets over liabilities :
Liabilities $2.367.985.64
Assets 3.611.444.54
Excess of assets $1.243.458.90
Regarding the semi-public improvements the Directory says: "The year 1899 showed a marked increase in the improvements made by the semi-public corporations. .... railroad companies, the street railway companies, the electric light company, the telephone company, the telegraph companies, have all bettered their plants, in order to meet the growing demands of their business. This is especially true of the telephone company, in its new building and equipment ; and of the street railway company in its extension of new lines; and of the Great Northern Railway, which has begun its con- struction of a new railroad through the city, together with new depots and bridges, which will cost at least one million dollars."
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