How Time Flies for July 16, 2009:

100 years ago

July 16, 1909: Bloomington street signs already need replacement after seven years. Many of them are eroded by weather or defaced by vandals. The city is taking bids for 1,500 of them. The question as to how to display them is still not settled.

75 years ago

July 16, 1934: Morris Tick, 62, died from heart disease. He started his salvage business here in 1899 in partnership with his cousin Jacob Tick. (The family business survives today at 501 East Stewart with Morris Tick's name in its website address.)

50 years ago

July 16, 1959: The 30th annual Farmer City Fair opens its five day run Tuesday. It concludes with motorcycle races Saturday. The hobby show may be of special interest. Mrs. Clarence Swallow, who runs it, says there are more entries than she expected.

25 years ago

July 16, 1984: Union workers and central Illinois Kroger stores ratified a new contract, 429-220. Decisive as the vote was, it was a tough package to accept, with an average wage reduction of 17.4 percent. Kroger is said to be happy with the deal.