Ervin Massingill, Prophetstown, will celebrate his 80th birthday with a family dinner. Ervin was born Feb. 2, 1933. He married Carol Harker on Feb. 10, 1953. He retired as manager from Frary Lumber, Prophetstown, after 37 years. His children are Kent (Gina) Massingill, Erie; and Marsha (Mike) Riley, Moline. His grandchildren are Brian (Julia) Massingill, Atkinson; and Angi (Jared) Solie, Annawan. His great-grandchildren are Emma, Tanner and Braedon. He is a member of the United Methodist Church and a lifelong resident of Prophetstown. He is loved and admired by all of us.
Today is Monday, May 20, the 140th day of 2013. There are 225 days left in the year. 1863 -- 150 years ago: A petition is being circulated asking the city council to order awell bored in Market Square. It would be a great accommodation to the public. 1888 -- 125 years ago: At 1 p.m. on May 18 the Mississippi River flooded its banks atRock Island and destroyed the warehouse of the Rock Island Lumber Co. and damagedRock Island Arsenal power plant. Total loss is estimated at $100,000. 1913 -- 100 years ago: Residents of Sough Rock Island Township are circulating apetition favoring the annexation of that area to the City of Rock Island. 1938 -- 75 years ago: A group of state members of the National Grandmothers Clubmeeting in Rock Island are making plans to petition for the observance of a NationalGrandmothers Day. 1963 -- 50 years ago: Deere and Co. reported today that its U.S. and Canadian sales forthe first half of the 1963 fiscal year set an all time record of $323,716.628. 1988 -- 25 years ago: William G. Lawrence, first administrative director, has retired fromPECO Enterprises, Inc. Prior to his service at PECO, Mr. Lawrence was the civilianpersonnel officer at the Rock Island Arsenal.