How Time Flies for Dec. 31, 2008:

100 years ago

Dec. 31, 1908: Bloomington can expect big things in 1909. Two new interurban lines are expected to come in, and at least one new church will be built. Thousands will be spent on new pavement and sewer jobs. (The two interurban lines never came. But the new church was built.)

75 years ago

Dec. 31, 1933: There will be watch parties, dancing and traditional noisy welcoming of the New Year tonight. Goings-on are scheduled for the McBarnes Memorial Building, Coliseum, Bloomington Club, Illinois and Tilden Hall hotels, Salvation Army and more.

50 years ago

Dec. 31, 1958: Dr. Merle Schwartz, formerly of Carlock, now runs a hospital in the Congo. He tells of major surgery costing $3 (about two weeks' pay). But he cautions that service in the Congo is inferior to what we Americans get in our $20-per-day hospitals.

25 years ago

Dec. 31, 1983: It's New Years Eve. If you're going out tonight, read the story on page A-2 of the Pantagraph. Based on the fact that alcohol is a depressant, the story tells how to avoid waking up with a hangover tomorrow morning.