Day in history for March 17, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

The Maine liquor law, which forbids the sale of intoxicating drinks, is attracting much attention in the country. In New York State, 175,000 people have signed petitions to the legislature for a Maine law.

1877 -- 125 years ago

A post office has been opened at Sears. The town is receiving mail daily via the Aledo hack. (Note: Sears is now part of Rock Island.)

1902 -- 100 years ago

The census bulletin of Illinois shows Rock Island second downstate in number of factories. This city's 181 factories employ 2,368. Moline leads among Illinois cities outside Chicago in the amount of capital invested in factories.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Some members of the county board of supervisors expressed themselves as in favor of a state tax on gasoline.

1952 -- 50 years ago

A professional safe-cracking break-in was under investigation by Scott County sheriff's deputies and Bettendorf police. Burglars escaped with between $700 and $800 in checks, tools and cash estimated to total $125. The bulk of the valuables were taken from the safe and offices of the Bottle Gas Corporation, 1100 State St.

1977 -- 25 years ago

Don Breivogel of Moline is building a hang glider equipped with a motor and propeller, which he says will take it to new heights. The 12-horsepower motor and 30-inch propeller will take the machine to 3,000 feet where he will turn the engine off and glide on currents of hot air called thermals.

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