Past pages Sept. 15

120 YEARS AGO

The River Mills - when the river mills start up this fall more stamps will be put in motion than ever before. All the mills have been overhauled and put in working shape. It will require a large amount of ore to keep all in full operation.

100 YEARS AGO

Steve Gillis, the sage of Jackass Hill, was much gratified lately to receive a present from his old-time friend, Mark Twain, in the shape of 25 handsomely bound volumes of the great humorist's works. In every book Mark has placed his autograph, "To Steve Gillis, with the unabated love of his oldest friend."

70 YEARS AGO

Mayo clinic physicians reported the condition of Helen Keller, famous blind teacher and lecturer as "quite satisfactory." Miss Keller underwent an operation for removal of the gall bladder. Doctors added she is not out of danger yet.

50 YEARS AGO

Photo caption: Nevada secretary of state John Koontz is admiring the bell presented to Howard E. Armstrong, of Vermont, outgoing president of the national Secretaries of State Association at its annual convention. The Carson City official was national treasurer of the organization.

20 YEARS AGO

Photo caption: Fritsch Elementary School students Cynthia Pierr, 6; April Robinson, 8; Dax Board, 8, and Martin Pete, 8, were among area students participating in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.

10 YEARS AGO

Shaw Construction superintendent stands in front of what will be the new SlotWorld Casino. The 11,000-square-foot casino is expected to open by Christmas.

• Sue Ballew is the daughter of Bill Dolan, who wrote this column for the Nevada Appeal from 1947 until his death in 2006.