Spokane was experiencing a heat wave with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, which caused problems at Expo ’74.
Many of the pavilions did not have air conditioning.
The decision was left to each pavilion. “Installing air conditioning in every Expo building would have been prohibitive in terms of cost and power capacity,” said the Expo’s maintenance and operations director.
The pavilions, which did not have air conditioning, had fans installed to keep the air moving.
About 20 people suffering from heatstroke were visiting the relief center each day.
Officials pointed out one natural advantage of the fairgrounds: They have “a giant air conditioner running on it,” namely the Spokane River, with its waterfalls and splashes.
100 years ago: Spokane’s pioneering aviator Foster Russell died at Sacred Heart Hospital from injuries sustained after his plane crashed into the ground near Appleway.
A full military funeral was planned, with “planes flying overhead and scattering flowers.” He had served in the Army Air Corps during the war.
After the armistice, he operated an aviation operation at his Foster Russell Field on Spokane’s east side.
This day too
(From onthisday.com)
1215: King John of England signs Magna Carta, placing limits on royal power and documenting the principle that the king and his government are not above the law.
1940: German troops occupy Paris.
