100 years ago: Woman from traveling theater company fatally burned near Pontiac
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.
Nov. 8, 1924: Mrs. P.M. Gendrich, a member of the Rainbow Theatrical Company, may die as a result of the explosion of a gasoline stove used in preparing meals for the members of her party, who had parked at the tourist camp southwest of Pontiac. The party was traveling in a large Republic truck and had camped while its male members searched for temporary work.
Nov. 8, 1949: Should Normal's volunteer fire department answer calls outside the corporate limits? The question was raised Monday night (Nov. 7) at a meeting of the Normal Town Council by Mayor Charles E. Murray, who noted it costs about $60 to answer one of the calls. Councilman R.J. Laible noted that sending firefighting equipment outside of the town would leave residents hamstrung if a fire broke out in Normal, and Fire Chief Ralph Rich agreed: "We just haven't enough men and equipment to take the chance."
Nov. 8, 1974: Bloomington firefighters have tentatively agreed to a new contract, which is pending City Council approval. The 18-month agreement calls for a 2.5% across-the-board increase for firefighters and lieutenants retroactive to May 1; 7% more on May 1, 1975; and 2% on Nov. 1, 1975. Captains will receive a $50 pay differential over lieutenants and get the same percentage increases at the same time.
Nov. 8, 1999: Started as a part-time, in-home business by owners Bob and Karen Altman, Altman's Billiards and Bar Stools has expanded several times over the past 14 years. It now has moved into a new location at 1511 S. Morrissey Drive in Bloomington, growing to 2,000 square feet.
A girl's best friend: 24 vintage Pantagraph ads for diamonds
