100 years ago
Nov. 7, 1909: Former Vice President Adlai Stevenson's book, "Something of Men I have Known", has just been published. He includes some well known characters, such as Lincoln and Douglas. He dedicated the book to his wife, Letitia Green Stevenson.
75 years ago
Nov. 7, 1934: Republicans won all but one McLean County office in yesterday's elections. Democrat C.E. Dooley was elected county treasurer by 231 votes. Democrats had expected to keep the sheriff's office but Republican E.G. Swearingen won that.
50 years ago
Nov. 7, 1959: For the first time since 1876, there is no one from the Hurst family in business downtown. John A. Hurst has just sold his radio store at 206 West Front Street to Clifford Horine. The Hurst name will remain on the sign. The business began as a gun shop.
25 years ago
Nov. 7, 1984: Voters defeated the McLean County cloud-seeding referendum. Also, merger of the Bellflower and Farmer City-Mansfield school districts was approved (now Blue Ridge) as was Chatsworth-Fairbury-Forest (now Prairie Central). President Reagan was re-elected.