Here's another bit of Spokane cigar-store history, to go with the posting immediately below.

Reader Paul McNabb wrote in to tell me about the surpring evolution of a Spokane cigar store, originally located in the 900 block of West Sprague. The owner then opened another location at 1019 W. First, in the old Odd Fellows Hall, now CenterStage dinner theater.

He started making candy, which he sold right alongside the cigars. In 1913 he officially launched the Riley Candy Co.. which made sweets in Spokane for many years.

"He was my grandfather," wrote McNabb. "The company was sold by his son in 1966 and the company is now called Spokandy."

Spokandy, of course, remains beloved by many of the region's sweet tooths.