On December 2, 1975, world-renowned violinist Isaac Stern captivated audiences at the Spokane Opera House, delivering a performance hailed as one of the finest of the era. This concert marked Stern’s second appearance in Spokane within two years, following a successful show at the Expo ’74, where he had previously dazzled a full house.
Critic Larry Young of the Spokesman-Review noted the unique anticipation surrounding a Stern concert. Describing the artist’s entrance as reminiscent of “an Alfred Hitchcock in tails,” Young reported that despite his unassuming appearance, Stern’s playing brought “fireworks” to the evening. Although the audience was smaller this time, Young emphasized that the performance was crafted to be distinct from the previous program, ensuring that attendees experienced something new.
In a separate event, on this same day in 1925, staff at the Salvation Army conducted a heroic evacuation of a smoke-filled shelter located on Garland Avenue in Spokane. The workers successfully rescued 30 infants and 44 young girls as smoke engulfed the building. According to the Spokane Chronicle, the staff, “half-blinded by clouds of smoke,” feared the worst but managed to carry the mothers and babies to safety in an adjacent cottage. Firefighters quickly located the blaze, which had originated in the laundry due to a bundle of baby clothes falling into a dryer, and extinguished it before it could spread further. Remarkably, all individuals involved in the incident were reported safe and unharmed.
In addition, December 2 is notable for a significant announcement made in 1927 by anthropologist Davidson Black. He presented findings to the Geological Society of China regarding ancient human-like fossils discovered at Zhoukoudian, China. This new species, named Sinanthropus pekinensis, is now recognized as Homo erectus, marking an important milestone in the study of human evolution.
These events collectively highlight the rich historical tapestry of December 2, a day marked by remarkable performances, courageous acts of rescue, and groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
