Day in history for August 18, 2000

1875 -- 125 years ago

The new Catholic church south of Preemption has been completed at a cost of $2,000. The Rev. Roles of Rock Island will officiate at the dedication.

1900 -- 100 years ago

Two men in a buggy kidnapped the 2-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Bielefeldt, Rock Island. No clue to the identity of the kidnappers has been found.

1925 -- 75 years ago

Argus employes began moving into the new building on 4th Avenue, Rock Island.

1950 -- 50 years ago

A letter arrived yesterday from the Rock Island soldier who was pictured with a machine gun crew in Korea on page one of The Argus, Aug. 8. Pfc. Carl E. Betty, 17, wrote his mother that the weather in Korea is warm, she shouldn't worry and to ``keep sending letters and cigarets.'' Private Betty was shown in an Associated Press wirephoto with three other American soldiers in the southwest zone of Korean fighting.

1975 -- 25 years ago

``Mrs. Democrat'' Martha VanPoucke, Moline, noted her 80th birthday in her room at Lutheran Hospital, where she is recuperating. Since 1929 Martha, as a volunteer, has steered many a candidate into office in her party. A native of Belgium, she came to the U.S. at the age of 17. One of the highlights of her life was meeting the late President John Kennedy at a private party.

Back: Available days in August 2000