Day in history for December 15, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

The Argus indignantly insists that it is owned by its editors, not by secret owners, as the opposition newspaper contends.

1877 -- 125 years ago

Advertisement in The Argus: VanDeusen's confections, are sure protections; they bring to terms, intestinal worms.

1902 -- 100 years ago

C.H. George of Rock Island and A.G. George of Kansas City, brothers, met for the first time in 27 years at the Rock Island Lines station.

1927 -- 75 years ago

A delegation from Andalusia appeared before the county board of supervisors and was promised first consideration in paving of the road from Milan to Andalusia.

1952 -- 50 years ago

There'll be no Christmas tree this year in the lobby at the Rock Island County courthouse. Sheriff Morris E. Muhleman said it had been decided that a tree would be a fire hazard. He said the decision against having the traditional tree was made after he met and discussed the question with members of the courthouse and jail committee of the county board of supervisors.

1977 -- 25 years ago

Confusion over whether tracks were clear may have caused the collision of two trains near Erie, according to Jim Hagle, spokesman for the Burlington Northern Railroad in Chicago. The two trains were moving slowly at the Denrock crossing on Ill. 2 when the front engine of the westbound train hit the second car of the eastbound train, knocking it from the track and destroying it.

Back: Available days in December 2002