USA > Washington > Spokane County > An illustrated history of Spokane county, state of Washington > Part 32
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The first officers of the organization were : Mrs. A. J. Ross, president : Mrs. Walter Hughson, vice-president ; Mrs. Warren W. Tol- man, recording secretary; Mrs. George H.
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Leonard, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Ly- ยท man Williams, treasurer.
The work closed in the winter of 1898 un- der the management of Mrs. Ross, president; Mrs. C. H. Weeks, secretary ; Mrs. L. F. Will- iams, treasurer.
CROCKER KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION.
This organization was incorporated in 1895 with C. L. Knox, J. Edwards and Mrs. C. G. Bettz as trustees. The first school was opened the previous year on Ermina avenue and Pearl street, Heath's addition, Miss Bettz, trainer. The school was afterward held in Pilgrim Congregational church, Indiana ave- nue, and continued until the kindergarten sys- tem was incorporated into the public schools. Excellent work was done by this association, the trainer being one of the most competent in the city. Mrs. Smith was president and Mrs. M. E. Logan, secretary.
SPOKANE RED CROSS.
When the dreaded signal was flashed over our country that "the dogs of war were to be loosed," that strife, sorrow and suffering were to succeed peace and quietness ; when the arm of our government was roused into action, result- ing in the order that our country be placed upon a war footing; when the iron-clad monsters were made ready for sea, when all equipments needed for mortal combat were quadrupled in number and efficiency; when our brave volun- teers quickly responded to the call of the Presi- dent, leaving aching, breaking hearts in the homes of the land,-this was all quickly fol- lowed by the thought and eager question, What can we women, who have been left behind with anxious sorrow as our companion, accomplish for the men at the front ? Over the broad land, as if by magic, sprang into existence the Red Cross societies; united, systematic effort was begun and the watchword of sisterhood was ce- mented, as competent brains, busy hands, began the work of the great preparation. On July 13,
1898, twelve women gathered together in Spo- kane for the purpose of forming a Red Cross branch, Mrs. A. W. Doland in the chair, Mrs. J. A. Schiller, as secretary. Mrs. Virginia K. Hayward was elected president, who issued a call for a meeting on July 15, when the local constitution and by-laws of San Francisco were adopted. Later the society became allied with the state organization. The self-imposed task was greater and more varied than was at first expected, and withal they "builded better than they knew." While it was not granted them to stand by and render actual aid to our soldiers, they began at once to work for their needs and comfort; their object being to begin where the suddenly overtaxed government left off. Ad- ditional clothing to preserve health and to re- store it when shattered. delicacies for the sick, literature to while away the weary hours, and, when needed, ready money, were the objects aimed for and attained.
The Spokesman-Review opened its columns to receive public subscriptions, and so generous was the response received from the citizens of Spokane, the Red Cross has never from lack of funds been obliged to curtail its work or its generosity. When a sudden call was made in the morning issue of the Review that jellies and preserved fruits were needed to send on that afternoon to San Francisco for the use of Company L, while on the transport bound for the Philippines, five hundred pounds were re- ceived, boxed and shipped by three o'clock. Generous response and rapid work surely. A goodly portion was carried to Manila for hos- pital needs. The White House Dry Goods Company, also the Boston Store, gave a liberal per cent. of their sales at a stated period, and private acts of accommodation and assistance were frequent. Christmas packages were sent to every man in Companies A and L, carrying into tropic heat and discomfort the substantial memory of evergreen and holly. At the An- nual Fruit Fair. 1898 and 1899. a Red Cross booth was kindly donated by the management
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of the fair and presided over by members of the society ; on both occasions substantial returns resulted. As the time drew near for the re- turn of our volunteers to their native land, prep- arations were made for their reception. Abreak- fast was served at the Northern Pacific station to four hundred South Dakota men. A few days later a substantial morning meal was pre- pared at short notice for one thousand and thir- ty-two Minnesota men at the exposition tent ; while the day following food was prepared for seven hundred and fifty North Dakota troops. To use the words of Mrs. Hayward, our presi- dent, "We have met every emergency that has come whether local or from the state. The home-coming of Companies A and L was fitting the occasion and the welcome accorded them did credit to all. The Spokane Red Cross aux- iliary has the honor of being the only society in the state to entirely pay for the transporta- tion of two companies from San Francisco to their homes. And the breakfast prepared and served to them, in the elaborately decorated Elks hall, with its attendant music and ad- dresses and its royal cheers of welcome, must long, long remain as a hallowed memory. Then followed the care of the sick and those disabled for active life, in many cases only temporarily. But again it has been our painfully sad duty to watch till the end the passing of brave lives, which were as truly given for their country as if they had fallen pierced by the bullets of the enemy on the battle field. We have followed them to their last resting place, wrapped in the flag they fought to uphold, on which rested a Red Cross pillow, and listened till the volley's were fired and taps sounded over their open soldier's grave.
"We have given hospital treatment when necessary, or cared for the ailing ones in their homes and provided medicines. In this we have been assisted by many resident physicians, who have gladly given medical treatment free. We have found work for those in strength, and in some cases have sent the disabled soldiers to
their far away Eastern homes. We have cared for the dead who have been brought home by the government, till they were claimed by fam- ily or friends. The constant duty has been to extend needed assistance and care, in all cases brought to our attention, not forgetting the families left at home."
The annual election of officers was deferred by vote till November, 1899. immediately after the return of the Spokane companies, when Mrs. Frances F. Emery, who had long been an active worker in the society, was elected presi- dent; Mrs. J. A. Schiller, first vice-president ; Mrs. A. J. Shaw, second vice-president ; Mrs. W. S. Bickham, recording secretary ; Mrs. Virginia . K. Hayward, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. N. W. Durham, treasurer ; directors, Mrs. E. A. Jobes, Miss Victoria Fellows, Mrs. J. R. Stone, Mrs. William Nettleton, Mrs. S. K. Green, Mrs. Louise Stratton, Mrs. L. J. Birdseye, Mrs. J. W. Chapman, Miss Susie Bell, Mrs.A. P. Fos- ter, Mrs. Charles Stewart, Mrs. M. M. Cowley.
The report of the treasurer, Mrs. A. E. Durham, showed a sound financial condition and careful management. Total receipts of the society since its organization, July 11, 1898, $5,055.39; disbursements, $4,400.98; leaving a balance in the bank November 20, 1899, $654.41.
The state convention of the Red Cross so- cieties will be held in Spokane on May 22, 23 and 24, 1900. The need of the work still con- tinues and not until the last volunteer has re- turned to his home and all disease and destitu- tion resulting from their active service is ended, will the work of the Red Cross, which was called into existence by the war with Spain, be finished. It is then expected, that following the advice of Clara Barton, the national president, the society will remain intact, ready to perform such relief work as emergencies may demand.
THE SPOKANE ART LEAGUE, ITS OBJECT AND WORK.
BY MISS V. T. FELLOWES.
On the 27th of May, 1892, a meeting was
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held in the mining exhibit room, Hotel Spo- kane building, presided over by Mrs. Alice Houghton and Mrs. Samuel Slaughter, ap- pointed from the state of Washington as com- missioners, to have charge of the woman's building at the Columbian Exposition. The object of this meeting was for the purpose of assisting the state board in the Washington Art Exhibition in the World's Columbian Ex- position, and to collect material for a complete exhibit for said exposition in 1893, soliciting the painting of panels to be used in the main room in the woman's building and selecting a state flower.
In Mrs. Houghton's explanation to the ladies, she had suggested making this a World's Fair Club, but Mrs. Slaughter, president of the Tacoma Art League, a lover of art, spoke with great enthusiasm, and urged the ladies to form an art league, its object the advancement of art in all branches. The suggestion was adopted, a constitution was formed and the name of Spokane Art League given to the new club. Many meetings were held to further the work for the exposition, but those interested in the history of art, suggested meetings for the pur- pose of writing papers and discussing artists and their work. With this object alone in view the league kept up fortnightly studies un- til March, 1893. Wishing to broaden its field of usefulness and encourage the study of art. the league purposed carrying on a school of art under the name of the Spokane Art League School, the officers and directors to give time. labor and influence for the worthy cause. _ 1 room was rented, local teachers engaged, and lessons given at a very low price. Then began the struggle to make enough money to pay rent. buy casts, tables, chairs, and other necessary articles for teaching. Entertainments were given at intervals to help defray the expenses of the school, for pupils were few. The first room used for school purposes was at the Fern- well, a move was made to the Symons block, then to the Review building, where Mr. Can-
non and subsequently Mr. Cowles helped the league in its work, by charging a nominal rent for three large rooms. Obliged to move, and not having the means to pay much rent, the league petitioned the council to allow the art school to continue its work in the unoccupied rooms on the fourth floor of the city hall. where it is now located.
To keep life in the Art League School has required untiring zeal and courage on the part of the officers, directors and teachers. Mrs. J. D. Herman, Mrs. C. G. Brown and Mrs. J. An- thony Smith were at their post continually. doing everything in the way of precept and example to awaken the enthusiasm and draw out the love of art that dwells within us all. with very little hope of financial reward. The winter of 1897 the school was fortunate in se- curing the service of Prof. Eugen Lingen- felder, of Munich. He was in Spokane on a visit to his brother and consented while here to take charge of the classes. Under his able in- struction the school flourished. The following year, Miss Anna L. Thorne, of the New York Art Student League, was instructress, and this vear Mrs. M. Von Gilsa, from the Chicago Art Institute, a most gifted and talented lady, Classes in drawing, oil, water color, pen and ink, sketching from life, are under her super- vision. Pyrography or the art of etching on leather or wood has lately been added. China painting is also taught and fine work is produced under the tuition of Mrs. Harry A. Burt. a pupil of Bischof. The wood carving is taught by Mr. A. Ostergren, a graduate of the School of Arts at Stockholm, and many useful and beautiful articles have been turned out from this department. Among the pupils who received their first instruction at the Spo- kane Art School, one was admitted to the de- partment at Heidleberg without previous prep- aration, another entered the Chicago Art In- stitute with words of praise for his first in- structor, and another passed three very suc- cessful examinations to enter the School of
FRANK JOHNSON SPOKANE
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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.
Painting and Designing in Rochester, New York. The work of the Art League is not confined only to doing good to those who have means, but to all who wish to study, and many in Spokane have profited by the league's gener- osity. Three very fine exhibitions of work by Eastern artists have been held under the aus- pices of the Art League, one large exhibition of school work from the Art Institute of Chi- cago, and last year an exhibition of designs from the Boston School of Decorative Designs, The league has for officers : President, Miss V. T. Fellowes; first vice president, Mrs. M. E. Ganahl; second vice president. Mr. C. A. Clarke; third vice president, Mrs. E. L. Kim- ball; secretary, Miss M. McBride; treasurer, Mrs. E. J. Fellowes, and fifteen directors. Sev- enty-five active members and associate mem- bers, and ten annual subscribers. The league needs a building where exhibitions could be held, and lectures given, and it is to be hoped that the liberal and enterprising citizens of Spokane will lend a helping hand to this strug- gling league and put up a structure useful and ornamental, "The Spokane School of Art."
A literary club has also been formed, com- posed almost entirely of Art League scholars, for the purpose of studying the history of art.
and using the fees for buying books. The name of the club is "The Art League Literary Club." The officers at present are : President, Mrs. Charles W. Clarke: first vice-president. Mrs. Wm. Byer: recording secretary, Mrs. F. S. Merrill. treasurer : Mrs. E. L. Kimball. Mrs. B. F. Buck and Mrs. Wm. Byer have charge of the literary program.
[Miss Fellowes has characteristically avoided making any reference to herself and the part she has taken in the work of the Art League. but those who have been most closely related with her in this work, cheerfully recognize her aspreeminently the most important factor in the organization. Her indefatigable labors and self-denying devotion to the interests of the league have excited the profound admiration of those especially interested. To her more than to any other one person is to be attributed the honor for the results already attained, and it is to be earnestly hoped that her labors (and that of others), will be speedily crowned with success in a greater measure. and that her heart's desire will be gratified in the permanent establishment of an art school, and an art gal- lery and building that will be a credit to Spo- kane .- J. E.]
CHAPTER XXV.
THE SPOKANE PRESS.
"The United States is the Paradise of newspapers, if a rank and rapid growth indicates a paradise. A daily newspaper has become a necessity of life to every city and every extemporized village on the extreme frontier of civilization. As a medium for learning and telling news and for the manufacture and the retail of gossip, the newspaper has taken the place of the fountain and the marketplace of olden times; and in times more recent, of the town pump, the grocery, and the exchange; as well as of the court-house and the cross-roads of a more scattered population."-Dr. Noah Porter.
The influence of the press or newspapers in the development of a new country can hardly be overestimated. To the pioneer journalists- often consuming their energies for inadequate remuneration-is due much credit for the rapid march of civilization. Among modern benefac- tors there are none, perhaps, that fail to receive
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rewards commensurate with their services, to a greater degree than the pioneer newspaper men in the frontier towns. Often in the same person is found the compositor, pressman, re- porter, editor, business manager, and collector, who is inevitably burdened with multiplicity of duties. The labor and cost to patience and brains in the publication of a paper in a fron- tier town, with limited material and means, is beyond the comprehension of those who know naught about it by experience. It is a work that demands great resources to draw from. Newspapers, more than all other agen- cies, advertise a new country; through their instrumentality immigration is stimulated. To them is given an enviable opportunity to exert a salutary influence upon the community. They are in a great measure the guardians of a coun- try's reputation. To the editor is given the coveted privilege of making and elevating the moral sentiment off the people. The newspaper becomes more and more the educator of the public. The press of Spokane has been, on the whole, a credit to the city. Publishers and ed- itors have been and continue to be, enterpris- ing, intelligent, aggressive and thoroughly de- voted to the interests of the country.
The earlier toilers who did the preparatory work amid trying conditions, have been dis- placed by others, but the results of their labors continue, and the present workers have entered into their labors.
THE SPOKAN TIMES.
The history of the first newspaper published in Spokane is pregnant with interest. As early as February, 1878, Hon. Francis H. Cook, then publisher and editor of the Tacoma Herald, made a tour of inspection of eastern Washington territory. He "was spying out the land." Coming by water as far as "The Dalles," Oregon, he there purchased a cayuse on which he rode through Yakima, Kittitas, Walla Walla and Whitman counties to Spo-
kane Falls. It was his purpose to study the topography of the new country, with a view to decide for himself the most practical route for the Northern Pacific Railroad. He pub- lished in his paper the results of his investiga- tions, which was the first "systematic descrip- tion of eastern Washington in its entirety" put in print. Being favorably impressed with the prospects of Spokane Falls, in the spring of 1879 he decided to establish a newspaper in the little village.
He had two laudable objects in view, viz : to assist in the development of the new coun- try, and also to exercise his influence as much as possible in preventing the "meddling of the Northern Pacific Railroad with our politics." Mr. Cook brought with him a Washington hand-press and a job press. The outfit was brought up the Columbia and Snake rivers as far as Almota, thence by wagon to Colfax. As an evidence of the isolation of Spokane in those days and the difficulties incident to the publishing of a newspaper, it is worthy of no- tice that the first two issues had to be printed at Colfax. The wagon roads from that place to Spokane were impassable.
After starting, it took six days of strug- gling with muddy roads to bring the printing material to its destination, and costing one hundred dollars a ton from Colfax. The town proprietors presented Mr. Cook with half a lot on which to erect a small office. It was on the corner of Riverside avenue and Howard street.
The first issue of the Spokan Times, the pioneer newspaper, was dated April 24, 1879, and was a thirty-two-column paper. It was a creditable paper in every respect.
It was two weeks later before it was actu- ally printed on the ground. Mr. Cook esti- mated the population of the town at that time at one hundred and fifty people. In view of the fact that the paper was to meet the de- mands of a large territory, it was independent in politics. After the weekly had been pub- lished about two years and the population had
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reached about six hundred, a daily issue, with telegraphic news, was started, and continued for several months. Finally the plant was sold to a Mr. Herron. This was early in 1882, and the name of the paper was changed to the In- dependent. Mr. Cook now resides on the Lit- tle Spokane river, a short distance east of Dart- ford.
A description of the first issue of the Times willbeof interest. Under the heading. The Spo- kan Times, are the words : "Devoted particular- ly to the best interests of those who dwell in this new and beautiful country." On the left it stated that the paper was published at Spokan Falls, in the wonderful Spokan coun- try. "Devoted to the best interests of its read- ers, its patrons, and northeastern Washing- ton." On the right, "The Spokan Times is the only newspaper published in the great Spokan country. Its circulation promises to be very large, among a wide-awake, progressive, read- ing people. It is a most excellent paper in which to advertise your profession or business. Subscription, $3.00 per year in advance." Among the items we find : "Dam Washed Out. -Recent high waters washed the dam away which was used in connection with the saw and grist mills at this place. In the short space of one minute, the result of many days of hard labor and an outlay of a thousand dollars was washed away." "Colfax has the advantage of a daily mail. We enjoy simply a semi-weekly service. Small favors from Uncle Sam are thankfully received, larger ones in proportion." "Oats are worth three cents a pound at this place ; wheat is scarce ; hay is valued at thirty- five dollars per ton. Who wouldn't be a far- mer in this rich and productive country?" "Spokan Falls has one piano and five organs." "Mr. J. J. Browne has just erected a very neat dwelling house which is situated in one of the pleasant suburbs of the city." "Our day-school, with Miss Waterhouse as teacher, and an at- tendance of twenty-two scholars, has been run- ning over two weeks."
THE CHRONICLE.
In the spring of 1881. when there were clear indications of rapid progress and great increase of population, in view of the coming of the Northern Pacific Railroad into the city, and other reasons, J. J. Browne, A. M. Can- non and J. N. Glover decided that a new paper was needed. They planned and worked to meet the need, and in the month of June an outfit was purchased. A little frame building was procured and fitted up nicely for those days, on the corner of Riverside and Howard. About the first of July the Spokane Chronicle appeared with the name of C. B. Carlyle as ed- itor and manager. Mr. Carlyle was a bright and capable newspaper man. After managing the Chronicle creditably for less than a year, he left for Portland, Oregon, and became editor of the Standard. He was subsequently the sec- retary of the board of trade. After going to California, he pursued theological studies and became a Congregational minister, serving churches at Phoenix, Arizona; Reno, Nevada, and more recently at Winthrop, Iowa.
In May, 1882, the late Hon. H. E. Allen, then a young man just from college, purchased the plant and did good work for a short time, when he sold to Arthur K. Woodbury. Early in 1883 the plant came into the possession of Rev. H. T. Cowley, who had learned the print- er's trade in youth. Under him the paper and plant were developed. The printing house for some time was located where the Crescent store now is. H. W. Greenburg was the foreman for several years.
In September, 1886, the daily evening Chronicle began to be issued, Major E. A. Routhe becoming associated with Mr. Cowley in editorial work. In the autumn the paper and plant were leased to Messrs. W. D. Knight and Dickenson, and a year later purchased by them. In February, 1890, J. J. Browne became the sole owner of the paper and plant, and also editor, with S. R. Flynn as manager.
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The following year the Spokane Chronicle Publishing Company was organized, with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dol- lars. J. J. Browne, president ; W. J. Collins, vice-president; Thomas Hooker, secretary and business manager. In early years the paper was designated as independent, but with Re- publican proclivities. At this time it was a pronounced Democratic paper. The place of publication was Post street. between Riverside and Main avenues. In 1894 it went into the spacious quarters in the Auditorium building, now occupied by the postoffice.
Since September, 1897, the business offices and editorial rooms are in the Review building, where the mechanical work is also done. The publishers are the Spokane Chronicle Pub- lishing Company, the officers of which are : J. J. Browne, president : H. A. Rising, vice-pres- ident; Thomas Hooker, secretary and manager. Published daily and weekly.
THE REVIEW.
The third paper established in Spokane was The Review, by Frank M. Dallam. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Dallam resided at Haywards. California. The weekly Journal, which he had been publishing in that place for about five years, had been recently disposed of by him. As he was debating as to which way to turn in search for a new location to publish a paper, a friend of his returned to Haywards from a trip in eastern Washington Territory. He brought good news of the country and its pros- pects. He was enthusiastic in his opinion that both Spokane and Cheney would become ex- cellent points for any line of business as soon as the Northern Pacific Railroad would be completed. Mr. Dallam decided to take a trip north with the gentleman referred to, and they reached Walla Walla in December, 1882. They drove from Walla Walla across the country to Cheney. Thoughi Cheney was the more bustling place of the two. Mr. Dallam was from the first more impressed with the possibilities of Spo-
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