Looking Back, June 3

90 years ago

On Wednesday, June 3, 1925, The Daily Register ran an article about Saline County's efforts to fight tuberculosis. According to the article, the Illinois Tuberculosis Association held a sectional meeting in Harrisburg that week. State workers urged county officials to host a sale that would "benefit the whole county."

The articles states that at the time, there were 300 active cases of tuberculosis in Saline County. In 1924, 30 deaths were attributed to the disease in the county.

"With the population as a basis, Saline county with its good people should be able to raise four or five thousand dollars for use to the prevention and cure of tuberculosis."

At the time, locals prevented tuberculosis by education in school. "Miss Moore has been doing excellent work. By her supervision and assistance, many pupils have improved their health and school record."

By the end of the meeting, county officials agreed to urge hosting a "Christmas Seal Sale" to benefit tuberculosis awareness and prevention.

75 years ago

On Monday, June 3, 1940, The Daily Register ran a front-page story about the city of Harrisburg's sale of bonds to pay for a new sewage disposal plant. A total of $39,887.40, plus accrued interest, would be used for the new plant, which the state sanitary water board "insisted upon." Citizens of Harrisburg were asked to vote on the sale of bonds during a 10-day period.

The sewer plant article seemed minuscule under the heavy top headline of "Paris bombed heavily; Nazis' army pointed toward center of France."

50 years ago

On Thursday, June 3, 1965, The Daily Register ran a front-page story about a new "Doctor's Hospital" that opened on that day on E. Sloan St. "The new million-dollar, 80-bed Doctor's Hospital is being opened today and patients will be transferred to the new modern facility from the Lightner Hospital beginning Friday," the author wrote.

The article stated that the new hospital featured "the finest of equipment and facilities," including two surgery rooms and "all new automatic equipment" in the x-ray room. Midland Construction Company did the additions and remodeling work. The new hospital contained 34,000 feet of floor space with air conditioning.