LITTLE ROCK — 100 YEARS AGO Jan. 8, 1913

When a detachment of Little Rock police broke into an establishment which they suspected was a gambling house being run by John Hardin at 3 o’clock yesterday morning, an astonishing spectacle met their eyes. There, seated about a long table were 19 men gravely and solemnly engaged in the pastimes of finch and checkers. Capt. T.M. Clifton, who was in command of the raiders, says he has a strong suspicion that the men had not stayed up until that early hour merely for the diversion of playing finch and checkers - exciting and thrilling as are these pastimes. So he placed the entire 19 under arrest. However, 18 of the men were discharged in Police Court yesterday morning by Judge Tweedy, who ruled that if the citizens of Little Rock wished to remain up until 3 a.m. to indulge in these exciting, but harmless pastimes, they were guaranteed that right by the constitution of the United States.

50 YEARS AGO Jan. 8, 1963

Byron R. Morse was named to a two-year term as mayor of Little Rock last night by a unanimous vote of the city board. Morse succeeds Werner C. Knoop, mayor since the start of the city manager board form of government in January 1958. Knoop announced at the start of the meeting that he did not want to be considered for the position.

25 YEARS AGO Jan. 8, 1988

The Heber Springs and Greers Ferry areas had the distinction Thursday of recording the highest total snowfall in the state - 16 inches. However, many residents disputed the amount. They measured the snowfall at 18 inches or higher. The National Weather Service recorded 15 inches in Perry (Perry County), 14 inches in Russellville, 13 inches in Conway and Little Rock, 12 inches in North Little Rock and 11 inches at Fort Smith.

10 YEARS AGO Jan. 8, 2003

After two years of delays caused by legal uncertainties, state park officials said Tuesday they’ve decided to go ahead with a plan to build a lodge on Mount Magazine, the state’s highest point. Richard Davies, state Department of Parks and Tourism director, said bond lawyers have assured him that the state can legally issue bonds for the $22 million to $25 million project without a statewide vote.

Arkansas, Pages 10 on 01/08/2013