Day in history for January 4, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

The Rock Island County courthouse cost $15,000 and for the finest courtroom in the state $800 more was spent. That is why there is a rule against using the courtroom for meetings, but the supervisors have allowed Robinson's troupe to encumber the room with orchestra boxes, scenery and other paraphernalia of the theater. We can now go to court to ``see the elephant.''

1877 -- 125 years ago

Because rowdies and roughs have taken over some volunteer fire companies and have turned the fire houses into scandalous club houses, Chief Bollman proposes reorganization placing appointment of volunteer firemen under the city council, where it belongs.

1902 -- 100 years ago

A French syndicate offered to sell its holdings in Panama for $40,000,000 if the United States wishes to take over the Panama canal project.

1927 -- 75 years ago

The state president of the Elks has approved the new home purchase of the Rock Island lodge.

1952 -- 50 years ago

It is small wonder downtown Moline has the appearance of a deserted city after dark. City Engineer Allan Hallberg said that he made a check of the whiteway lighting system downtown and found only 63 out of 212 lights burning.

1977 -- 25 years ago

Water drenched the front of Hub Furniture, located in the old New York Store, 1523 5th Ave., Moline, after a sprinkler system water line broke, causing minor damage on the first floor.

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