Day in history for June 15, 2000

1875 -- 125 years ago

A 60x40 foot barn owned by William Johnston of Preemption was struck by lightning and burned. Several hogs and a quantity of produce were lost.

1900 -- 100 years ago

Robert G. Young resigned as superintendent of Rock Island schools to accept a similar position at Butte, Montana.

1925 -- 75 years ago

Diplomas were presented to 162 graduates of Rock Island High School at exercises conducted at Augustana gymnasium.

1950 -- 50 years ago

Not exactly the eighth wonder of the world, but certainly interesting to see are three large heads carved in a clay bank northeast of East Moline State Hospital on the old Joslin Road. They are the work of one of the hospital patients. From a distance they strike the observer as being a pint-sized version of Mount Rushmore. Not content with merely hewing the faces out of the native clay, the artist went so far as to color cheeks and lips with powdered red sandstone.

1975 -- 25 years ago

Massive gasoline shortages will crop up by July 1 as a result of manipulation by oil companies, and gasoline prices will rise. Robert Jacobs, executive director of the Illinois-Indiana Gasoline Dealers Association, urged people planning long auto trips to change their plans, saying they could end up paying $1.25 a gallon for gas.

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