Day in history for December 24, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

The Christmas religious rites will be celebrated at the new Catholic Church although the building is not completely finished.

1877 -- 125 years ago

Judge Burwell's dog, Sam, lost since the hunting season began, returned home to the great delight of his master.

1902 -- 100 years ago

The first issue of American Home Journal, published here by the American Home Publishing Company, has appeared.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Argus Santa Claus and helpers spread Christmas cheer through distribution of more than five hundred gift packages.

1952 -- 50 years ago

A bus at the Rock Island-Moline City Lines garage, 3448 5th Ave., Rock Island, rolled much to the discomfort of Elmer Dietz, Cambridge, a night maintenance man at the garage. The errant bus, rolling about three feet down a slight incline, pinned Dietz against another bus and held him prisoner for almost nine hours. Dietz, freed by Fred Hesser who found the Cambridge man still conscious at 6:52 a.m., is reported in good condition at St. Anthony's Hospital.

1977 -- 25 years ago

Three Moline fire trucks, three police squad cars and a command vehicle arrived at the scene of a fender bender accident after a Chicago man, involved in the accident, triggered a nearby fire alarm to summon authorities. Ernest E. Doty, 26, Chicago, was arrested at the scene and charged with disorderly conduct.

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