Day in history for February 8, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

Mr. Ray, agent of the Rock Island County Bible Society, is canvassing the county. He is distributing Bibles and accepting donations.

1877 -- 125 years ago

Because Rock Island High School students must enter the school at the south doors and leave by the north doors, two Rock Island men who fancy themselves as school bosses have gone to court. They want the judge to issue an injunction to prevent the principal from enforcing this arbitrary rule.

1902 -- 100 years ago

The Clock Tower building has been saved. Word from Washington is that congress will refuse to tear down the building. The war department wants to use the stone in the building to erect a small arms factory at Rock Island Arsenal.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Chester C. Thompson, former county treasurer, announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for mayor.

1952 -- 50 years ago

William ``Bill'' Veeck of the St. Louis Browns baseball club will be the speaker at a joint meeting of the Davenport Kiwanis and Exchange Clubs Friday noon in the Blackhawk Hotel.

1977 -- 25 years ago

A deadly poisonous powder resembling heroin or cocaine could be appearing in illicit local drug dealings with tragic results, law enforcement officials warn. The white, granular powder is an Army tear gas called Lance. If tasted, this substance causes instant death. If smelled, it causes irreparable brain damage.

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