Day in history for October 18, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

England has extended her foothold upon the North American continent through the Gallipagos Islands on the coast of Equador by assuming that country's debt to English creditors and paying two million sterling to the republic.

1877 -- 125 years ago

The Argus published a long letter from a committee of citizens who argued that there is no reason a woman should not be elected county superintendent of schools. Miss Annie Kilpatrick was a candidate for the office.

1902 -- 100 years ago

The star actor, Joseph Jefferson, is playing in the stage hit ``Rip Van Winkle'' at the Illinois Theater.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Albert A. Rounds, a Rock Island house-moving contractor, was critically injured by a falling beam.

1952 -- 50 years ago

Serious fire hazards would be corrected at the Rock Island County courthouse by the proposed $350,000 overhaul and improvement of the building, according to Otto C. Dahl, state fire marshal. In a written report, Dahl endorsed some of the major phases of the proposed work as essential to making the courthouse safe.

1977 -- 25 years ago

For the first time, a woman is heading Augustana College's board of directors. Dr. Paula A. Arnell, Rock Island, was elected to head the 36-member board during its annual reorganizational meeting. Dr. Arnell is a pathologist and director of the clinical laboratory at Lutheran Hospital.

Back: Available days in October 2002