Day in history for July 8, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

Rock Island is becoming known as a summer resort, many people are coming here from St. Louis and elsewhere to avoid the heat. Living is cheap here. Boarding at the hotels can be had for $2 to $5 a week. The steamboat cabin fare from St. Louis is only $4.

1877 -- 125 years ago

The Misses Charlotte, Lucy and Blanche Buford have returned from their tour of Europe.

1902 -- 100 years ago

The Rock Island City Council agreed not to buy the old Rodman Rifles Armory for use as a city hall unless there is a two-thirds vote in favor of the purchase.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Major B.C. Dunn will conduct the Fulton bridge toll rate hearing in the Federal Building July 10.

1952 -- 50 years ago

Mrs. Prosper VanMeulebrock of Moline's crusading VanMeulebrock family delivered an ultimatum to motorists allegedly speeding in front of her residence at 4507 5th Ave. She declares she'll give motorists just two days to heed homemade speeding signs she intends to replace on the avenue. ``After two days are up, I'll carry a two-by-four and if they don't stop I'll smash it on their cars.''

1977 -- 25 years ago

The prospect of a $10,000-per-day pollution fine for Moline, East Moline, Geneseo and the Quad-Cities Nuclear Plant dimmed as Environmental Protection Agency officials said there is ``little chance'' the penalty will be levied. According to EPA officials, the violators' list was released prematurely.

Back: Available days in July 2002