This is Throwback Thursday #234.  In these, we look back into the past at ESCONI specifically and Earth Science in general.  If you have any contributions, (science, pictures, stories, etc …), please send them to esconi.info@gmail.com.  Thanks!

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25 Years Ago – October 1999

• The ESCONI Flea Market/Auction was held on October 2nd, 1999. 
• The Field Museum was unveiling its plans to put SUE on display in Stanley Field Hall in May 2000.
• DINO News had a news entry about Wyoming’s Seismosaurus mount… supposedly the largest in the world at that time.
• The Archaeology Study Group had a field trip to the Dickson Mounds Museum.
• Paleontology was discussing the Quaternary Period – 1.8 million to 11,000 years ago.

50 Years Ago – October 1974

• There was a Braidwood field trip to Pit 11… take US 66 to IL 129 and drive just past the tipple.  Are you coming?
• Lucy McLuckie had an open house after the Braidwood field trip.  Her collection was a sight to be seen!
• Mineralogy was discussing “Sulphides”… with samples.
• The Western Springs Juniors were visiting the Thorton Quarry.
• The Micromount of the Month was Silver.
• The Lizzadro Museum had a program on “Gold and Gold Mining”.

70 Years Ago – October 1954

• There was a field trip to Hamilton, IL to collect geodes… hmm, that sounds familiar.
• The Junior Group was learning about “Sulfur”.
• Adult evening education classes were held in Downers Grove.  Courses were – An Introduction to Astronomy, Enameling on Copper, Paleontology, and Jewelry Making.
• ESCONI had a display at the Downers Grove Fall Festival on Labor Day.  Jewelry, mineral specimens, fossils, and Native American artifacts were laid out in the Band room of Downers Grove High School.
• Ben Clement wrote “Fluorite in Illinois and Kentucky” for the newsletter.  Mining for fluorite and galena started around 1812!