How Time Flies for July 18, 2009:

100 years ago

July 18, 1909: J.K. Slonaker of near Danvers lost his silver watch five years ago. His son Albert found it Friday while mowing weeds along a hedge, striking the watch with his scythe. Despite the years and weather, the timepiece still kept good time once it was wound.

75 years ago

July 18, 1934: Mamie Stombaugh, 12, was an aspiring dancer when she fell and broke her neck last spring. Now she is sufficiently recovered that she wants to dance in a recital Friday. Mamie lives at ISSCS and the school doctor will have the final say.

50 years ago

July 18, 1959: ISNU assistant art professor W. Douglas Hartley won second place and $1,000 in a national essay contest. He had to explain his "Dream Come True" in 25 words or less. Swift and Company sponsored the contest. Mr. Hartley got his entry blank at Redbird IGA in Normal.

25 years ago

July 18, 1984: The symphony orchestras of Springfield and Bloomington-Normal will combine into one musical group. They already have about 20 musicians in common. The merger was triggered when the B-N symphony conductor resigned due to demands on his time.