Day in history for February 20, 2001

1876 -- 125 years ago

The total Rock Island city debt stands at $288,348, a total of $126,177 over the constitutional limit.

1901 -- 100 years ago

The Rock Island High School Library Association was formed to replace books destroyed by fire.

1926 -- 75 years ago

Colonel Frank L. Smith, candidate for the Republican nomination for senator, attacked the world court in a speech in Rock Island.

1951 -- 50 years ago

A welcome sign to the city of Rock Island may be forthcoming as a result of action taken by Rock Island aldermen last night. The council received a request from the chamber of commerce for permission to erect a 32-foot long sign, advertising Rock Island as the ``Hub of the Quad-Cities,'' on top of the city's waterworks pumping plant at the foot of 23rd St.

1976 -- 25 years ago

When Liz Meegan, Dispatch women's news editor, visited the White House last week she didn't really expect to meet the ``lady of the house.'' But much to their surprise, 23 women's editors in Washington for a two-week seminar at the American Press Institute, were welcomed personally by Betty Ford. Liz reports ``Mrs. Ford walked like a model into the Diplomatic Reception Room. And with every bit as much grace and charm as has been attributed to her, the First Lady shook hands and talked briefly with each editor.''

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