Thomas G. Moses and Howard Tuttle joined Ed Loitz in Spokane Falls, Washington, on March 29, 1890. They were itinerant artists, traveling from town to town to paint theatrical scenery and decorate halls. Instead of working for themselves and reaping the profits, however, they represented the scenic studio of Sosman & Landis. Each received a weekly salary for their necessary skills, such as those needed on site at the Auditorium Theatre in Spokane Falls.
During the early years, the spelling of the city varied from Spokan, Spokane and Spokane Falls. By 1891, the “Falls” of Spokane Falls was mostly dropped in maps, advertisements, and many public records. Fur traders and missionaries were the first wave of individuals who invaded the region. The trickle of those seeking land and opportunities became a flood, altering the landscape by cutting down the forests.
By 1871, a sawmill was constructed at the falls on the south bank of the Spokane River and lumber became an incentive for additional settlers to venture west. By 1873 James N. Glover and Jasper N. Matheny arrived from Oregon seeking land and contemplate the establishment of the town. They purchased “Downing’s Mill,” the surrounding 160 acres, and started a settlement. Soon a gristmill was constructed at the falls and the existing sawmill was expanded to include a general store. Families continued to arrive and 1880 ushered in a period of rapid growth and prosperity. By 1883, the Northern Pacific Railroad was completed and Spokane Falls became an economic center in the region.
A devastating fire destroyed much city’s downtown area on August 4, 1889. Fire razed more than thirty blocks. The citizens were resilient and a tent city popped up in the city center only a few days later to serve the population as the area was rapidly rebuilt. While the three scenic artists worked in the Auditorium, they ate at one of these tent establishments.
Moses recorded that the weather was quite bleak and a cold theatre did not make easy for easy painting. During their first week on site, the scenic artists sought warmth during mealtime in one of the dining tents. Moses described the establishment “It was very long, possibly one hundred feet, including the kitchen. The first waiter we had smoked a cigar, wore a Prince Albert coat and apron and a battered silk hat. We never knew why this comedy make-up. It was a hit. The tent was run by a man named Davenport, now the owner and manager of the big new Davenport Hotel.” Moses was describing Llewellyn “Louis” Davenport.
Davenport arrived in Spokane Falls during March of 1889. He first worked at his uncle Elijah’s restaurant, called the Pride of Spokane. Like many other downtown establishments, it burned to the ground during the great fire. In the midst of devastation, Louis started his own business with two tents and salvaged furniture three days after the fire. He called his tent business Davenport’s Restaurant. After moving his enterprise to a more permanent location, it soon became one of the most renowned restaurants in the region. He was so successful that by 1914, Davenport entered into another business venture, this time with other Spokane businessmen to construct a hotel. Overseeing the entire endeavor at the corner of Post Street and Sprague Avenue, Davenport became the first proprietor of the Davenport Hotel. Architect Kirkland Cutter had designed the building and it was the first hotel in the United States with air conditioning, a central vacuum system, pipe organ, and dividing doors in the ballrooms. It is also the place where “Crab Louis” (named after Louis Davenport) originated. The Davenport Hotel is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
To be continued…
