How Time Flies for Oct. 13, 2008:

100 years ago

Oct. 13, 1908: This is the semi-centennial of the McLean Congregational Church. It is prospering under Pastor W.E. Kuhl. Before becoming a minister he worked as a cowboy and a railroad man. He says he committed his life to God while riding on top of a boxcar in Texas.

75 years ago

Oct. 13, 1933: It's not a crop failure, but this year's corn yield is the smallest since 1887, according to the state and federal agriculture departments. The probable yield is 26.5 bushels per acre, compared to last year's 43. The dry weather is to blame.

50 years ago

Oct. 13, 1958: The Citizens Betterment Committee is forming in Normal to protest their treatment by Mayor Raab and the city council. The city is cutting the police force to ten men, despite the petitions to the contrary, signed by 806 people.

25 years ago

Oct. 13, 1983: Brokaw Hospital (now BroMenn) and Illinois Wesleyan University share equally in money from Louise Behr Emerson's estate. She died in 1960 at age 103 and provided for the hospital and university in her will. This year's distribution is $70,000.