Person

Robert Bridges

Named in 21 stories. Back to all names

May 1, 1889The Deadly Cost of a Black Diamond BurglaryA thwarted nighttime break-in at a mining camp saloon ends in a fatal shooting, prompting a coroner's verdict of justifiable homicide.Black Diamond, WA
Jun 2, 1889The First Wedding in FranklinA historic ceremony marks the beginning of a local tradition for the growing industrial settlement.Franklin, Black Diamond, WA
Mar 17, 1892The Secret Plot to Block a City AppointmentWhen labor leaders discovered a politician was angling for a street commissioner post, they held a secret midnight meeting to kill his candidacy—but a reporter was listening through a hole in the roof.Seattle, WA
Apr 4, 1892The Political Infighting Within Seattle’s Labor MovementA blistering letter to the editor exposes internal power struggles and corruption allegations within the Knights of Labor, revealing the fractious state of turn-of-the-century worker politics.Seattle, WA
Apr 17, 1892The Political Brawl of the CenturyA fiery public feud between two prominent Populist leaders culminates in an arrest for libel after a scathing letter is read aloud to a Knights of Labor assembly.Seattle, WA
May 2, 1892The Battle for the HallWhen two rival labor factions attempted to book the same venue for their organizational meeting, the dispute devolved into a chaotic scramble for possession of the room.Seattle, WA
May 3, 1892The Fight for Cash WagesA proposed Seattle ordinance to force contractors to pay laborers in 'lawful money' rather than time checks was struck down by the City Council.Seattle, WA
May 13, 1892Seattle Rallies for Roslyn Mine Disaster VictimsAfter an explosion at the Roslyn coal mines leaves 43 men dead and hundreds of children fatherless, Seattle residents and local business leaders organize a massive relief effort to aid the mourning families.Roslyn, WA
May 15, 1892Seattle Rallies for the Orphans of RoslynFollowing a deadly mine explosion, Seattle citizens and workers mobilize a massive relief effort to aid the destitute families left behind in the company town.Roslyn coal mines, Roslyn, WA
May 16, 1892Roslyn Relief Fund Grows as Miners' Families StruggleSeattle rallies for the widows and orphans of the catastrophic Roslyn mine explosion, while investigators confront the reality of corporate negligence and the brutal nature of the disaster.Roslyn, WA
May 17, 1892The City Rallies for RoslynSeattle organizations and individuals pool resources to support the widows and orphans of a devastating coal mine disaster.Seattle, WA
May 28, 1892Labor Tensions Flare Over City AppointmentsThe Knights of Labor claim Seattle's mayor is prioritizing corporate security over working-class interests.Issaquah, WA
Jul 23, 1892The Knights of Labor Civil WarA bitter internal dispute within the local Knights of Labor spills into the courts as a libel suit.Seattle, WA
Oct 21, 1892Seattle's Money for the Roslyn Widows and OrphansA citizens' committee reports nearly $3,000 raised for families of the Roslyn mine explosion, places five Catholic children in the House of the Good Shepherd, and sends the final check to Roslyn.Seattle, WA
Oct 29, 1892The Heckler Who Fell FlatA political agitator's attempt to disrupt a Seattle campaign rally on Pioneer Place ends in a literal tumble.Pioneer Square, Seattle, WA
Jan 1, 1893Labor Unions and Lawmakers Craft PolicyLocal labor leaders and the King County delegation meet to push for a progressive agenda, including a bureau of labor statistics and public printing.King County Courthouse, Seattle, WA
Jan 20, 1893The Whistleblower Who WonA Seattle man is acquitted of criminal libel for writing a letter warning labor organizers against a corrupt local official.Seattle, WA
Nov 8, 1893The Fight for City Hall ReformA committee clash over charter reform and the initiative process reveals deep divisions in Seattle's civic governance.Seattle, WA
Jan 29, 1894Taxpayers Oppose 'Charity' Wages for Street CleanersA reform group challenges the city's plan to pay men $1.25 a day for street cleaning, arguing the city is exploiting laborers under the guise of charity.Seattle, WA
Feb 4, 1894The Political Sewer SchemeA power struggle in Seattle’s city hall erupts over patronage, infrastructure, and the systematic firing of qualified engineers to make room for political favorites.Seattle, WA
Dec 14, 1903State Court Rules Against Land Grabs in BallardThe Washington Supreme Court finds that the Land Commissioner acted unlawfully when canceling private leases to clear way for the Lake Washington canal.Seattle, WA