Day in history for February 10, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

This notable year of 1852 is one of especial privilege to the fair sex; it is leap year. In olden times, the ladies went a-courting in leap year.

1877 -- 125 years ago

The Rock Island City Council passed an ordinance to fund the city's debt, amounting to $140,000.

1902 -- 100 years ago

There were several cases of smallpox in Rock Island, and a movement for an isolation hospital was started.

1927 -- 75 years ago

According to J.F. Barrett, commercial manager of the Illinois Bell Telephone Company in Rock Island, the sum of $150,000 will be spent by the company in 1927 in the placing of additional trunk cables between Rock Island, Moline and East Moline.

1952 -- 50 years ago

A fire described by Moline Fire Chief Jack Polchow as one of the ``toughest we've ever had to fight'' broke out in the basement of the Moline Royal Crown Bottling Works, 101-103 3rd Ave., Moline, this morning. All available fire equipment in the city was sent to the scene, and a call was issued for all off-duty firemen. By 1:30 this afternoon, the blaze was still going.

1977 -- 25 years ago

Students and employees at United Township High School are being urged to wear a sweater to school to keep warm when an energy saving plan is initiated Friday. Officials have ordered all thermostats turned down, setting the classrooms at 65 degrees and halls and restrooms at 60 degrees.

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