How Time Flies for Jan. 12, 2008:

100 years ago

Jan. 12, 1908: The Howard & Kirkpatrick store, 502-504 North Main Street is losing its lease. So, they are getting out of the second-hand business and holding a big closing-out sale. Prices are slashed, and terms are cash only.

75 years ago

Jan. 12, 1933: James Gray is running for Mayor of Bloomington, and plans on a repeat race with Mayor Rhodes in the Republican primary. Mr. Gray's issue is the cost of government, and a tax situation he calls "confiscatory." He says he'll spend nothing on his campaign.

50 years ago

Jan. 12, 1958: 1957 saw 77 fewer births in McLean County than in 1956. Also, year-end figures show the McLean County Court committed just 39 people to mental institutions in 1957, 29 fewer than in 1956. The average number of commitments is eighteen.

25 years ago

Jan. 12, 1983: A move to get pioneer Jesse Fell's picture on a postage stamp has failed for a second time. A citizens' advisory committee in Washington, DC turned down a request to have him included in the Great American series. Mr. Fell founded ISU and the Pantagraph.