How Time Flies for Dec. 3, 2008:

100 years ago

Dec. 3, 1908: Gordon "Pawnee Bill" Lillie, formerly of Bloomington, has taken control of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Pawnee Bill will combine Buffalo Bill's show with his own next season. (The musical Annie Get Your Gun is based on this story.)

75 years ago

Dec. 3, 1933: Runaway Lewis Nordine, 15, of 1610 West Olive, is back home after "bumming" (riding freight trains) over half the country. Either he saw a lot of life and death or he is a master story teller. His advice to other boys considering bumming: stay home.

50 years ago

Dec. 3, 1958: Bloomington is taking delivery of 63 new street light poles for installation in the downtown area. They should be connected by December 15. The present source of street lighting downtown is the multiple-globe style of fixture.

25 years ago

Dec. 3, 1983: Advertised in the Pantagraph: fresh cut scotch pines, 4-7 feet tall, just arrived at Adolph's Discount Store. Hundreds to choose from. (Adolph's was located in the Brandtville center, at Old US 66 and US 150.)