Day in history for October 15, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

The steamer Illinois has arrived in California carrying the mails of Sept. 19 and $1,600,000 in gold dust.

1877 -- 125 years ago

M.M. Corbett has withdrawn as a candidate for county superintendent of schools.

1902 -- 100 years ago

Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Davis of South Rock Island left today for Phoenix, Ariz., for the benefit of his health.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Residents of the southwest district of Rock Island were assured at a mass meeting that a new school would be built there soon.

1952 -- 50 years ago

An operation to remove a peanut, lodged in the windpipe of a 16-month-old Rock Island girl, has been delayed until at least tomorrow morning at Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago. The youngster, Sharon Ann Engel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Engel, was taken to the Chicago hospital Tuesday night. The operation has been delayed until swelling, caused by irritation by the peanut, goes down.

1977 -- 25 years ago

A sewer pipe, two pieces of strap steel, a door hinge and a father's unwillingness to buy expensive dentures sparked a thriving business. James Hurst is proprietor of Hurst Dental Laboratories, Galva, which produces dentures, crowns, bridges and orthodontic items. He became interested in becoming a dental technician about 25 years ago when his father, Edmund Hurst, taught himself to build his own false teeth.

Back: Available days in October 2002