Day in history for May 19, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

The wheat crop in this vicinity looks fine and promises an unusually abundant yield.

1877 -- 125 years ago

During the last 12 months, 122,466 freight cars passed through Rock Island, Rod W. Justin, yardmaster of the Rock Island Lines, informed The Argus.

1902 -- 100 years ago

Rock Island awaits 25,000 visitors during the Illinois encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic next week.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Time limits on the parking of automobiles in downtown Rock Island streets will be enforced as soon as signs are received.

1952 -- 50 years ago

Because he leaned to one side to make a telephone call, Ted Goodwin, recently appointed Scott County treasurer, is all in one piece today instead of pieces. Late yesterday a light fixture in the treasurer's office broke loose from the ceiling and crashed down where Goodwin had been a few seconds before.

1977 -- 25 years ago

The editor of an oil company trade magazine and Quad-Cities gasoline distributors say there will be plenty of gas for vacationers this year, but no one knows how much it may cost by summer's end. The Chicago Motor Club says Quad-Citians are paying from 59 to 68 cents for regular; an average of 71 cents for premium, and about 69 cents for unleaded gasoline. Quad-Citians can take heart in the fact that Chicagoans are paying 5 cents more for regular gas and as much as 79 cents for premium and unleaded.

Back: Available days in May 2002