Other days

100 YEARS AGO Dec. 5, 1914

Mrs. E.L. Rice, wife of E.L. Rice of the Rice Electric Supply Company, was seriously injured and the family residence, 116 East Fourteenth, was demolished about 3:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon by the explosion of escaping gas in the basement. The accident occurred when a negro plumber went into the basement with a lighted candle to fix a connection preparatory to supplying the house with gas. The explosion resembled a charge of dynamite and the building collapsed like a straw house.

50 YEARS AGO Dec. 5, 1964

Col. Herman E. Lindsey, director of the Arkansas State Police, reported today that Arkansas now has surpassed its 1963 record year in traffic deaths by six. As of today, Lindsey said, 571 persons have been killed on Arkansas streets and highways as compared with 505 at this time last year. The 1963 total was 565. Lindsey predicted that if the trend continues, 650 persons will die in 1964 as a result of traffic accidents.

25 YEARS AGO Dec. 5, 1989

SILOAM SPRINGS — Two local doctors who oppose poisoning pigeons say the city administrator will ask city council to suspend the practice — but only if they do not attend tonight’s council meeting. Dr. David Dean and Dr. Kate Dahlman, who are husband and wife, said they have collected more than 300 signatures on a petition opposing killing pigeons with poison-laced feed.

10 YEARS AGO Dec. 5, 2004

Supporters of central Arkansas’ 12th library heralded it as a tribute to a progressive governor, a needed gathering place for a neighborhood and a place for young and old minds to explore the world through books during its dedication. After Friday’s ceremony, the Sidney Sanders McMath Library, named for the state’s governor from 1949-1953, opened to the public Saturday. “It’s fabulous,” said John Barrow neighborhood resident Arthria Moore, who was one of the library’s first patrons Saturday. “It’s got everything you want. A nature trail, pond, a good view. I’d say it’s long overdue.” The $3.6 million project, set on a 10-acre tract at 2100 John Barrow Road, includes a quarter-mile paved nature trail, a pond and a fountain. The 10,500-square-foot building has nearly 26,000 selections — including 14,672 adults’ books and 10,032 children’s books — a meeting room, 10 public computers and wireless Internet access.