[R-gui] R for a historical timeline chart?

[Jim Burke]

First, I don't know if R Sig Gui is the right list, so feel free to 
redirect me if this is so.

I would like to produce a historical timeline chart.  For a general idea 
of what I want, go to the following web site. Scroll down until you find 
the "Jewelry History Timeline" jpeg. Say we use a variation of this for 
birth dates to annual birthdays for a family or group of friends.
http://www.allaboutgemstones.com/gem_history.html

Any pointers and example code would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim