Looking Back, June 4
90 years ago
On Thursday, June 4, 1925, The Daily Register ran a report on the Redpath Chautauqua, organized by a Miss Pearson, coming to Harrisburg. Chatauquas were, and still are, a popular form of entertainment that brought an education of history and culture to rural towns. Topics ranged from historical figures, to music, to religion and other special issues.
"This is the biggest and best program that the Redpath (illegible) has ever offered on this circuit," Miss Pearson said. A play about Adam and Eve, with a promise to be full of "clever dialogue and a really interesting plot," would be put on on the third night of the Chautauqua. Sab's Marimba Band would also perform at the event, a band that came recommended by the Chicago Redpath Bureau "in the most glorious terms."
75 years ago
On Tuesday, June 4, 1940, The Daily Register ran a story stating that the population of Harrisburg decreased by 184 between 1930 and 1940. The city's population in 1940 was 11,441, and was 11,625 in 1930. Today, Harrisburg's population is about 9,000.
Populations also decreased between 1930 and 1940 in Carbondale, Chester, Du Quoin, Mound City, Murphysboro, Pinckneyville and Sparta, according to the article. The population of Johnston City, on the other hand, increased.
50 years ago
On Friday, June 4, 1965, The Daily Register ran a front-page story by John S. Burnett from the United Press International about the stop-and-search bill in the house, and the senate approving a 40-hour work week for employees.
The 1965 stop-and-search legislation would "authorize police to stop and search anyone they suspect of a crime or of criminal intent," the author wrote. Opponents of the bill contended "the bill threatened the rights of the individual and the modesty of wives and daughters." But Rep. Ronald A. Hurst (R-Peoria), a supporter of the bill, said "We have been overzealous in trying to protect criminals, but not zealous enough in helping law enforcement agencies."
Members of both parties attempted to block a 40-hour work week the week before the article ran because they said the bill would "work a hardship on several agencies, including the state police." But on the second go-around, the bill passed, and a 40-hour work week was established for all employees.