Day in history for August 22, 2000

1875 -- 125 years ago

The Rock Island City Council opened bids for the construction of piers and abutments for a Rock River bridge.

1900 -- 100 years ago

Harry Sommers of the Hotel Sommers, Moline, announced that men can eat in their shirt sleeves in his hotel, providing they do not wear suspenders.

1925 -- 75 years ago

The building permit for $750,000 for the Fort Armstrong Hotel broke all Rock Island building records.

1950 -- 50 years ago

Miss Margie Mae Peterson, Geneseo, was a stewardess aboard the plane whose fuselage was torn by an engine and propeller over the Rocky Mountains today. She is daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Peterson, Geneseo. The plane made an emergency landing at Stapleton Airport in East Denver. Seven people were hurt and one passenger died, apparently of a heart attack.

1975 -- 25 years ago

The Msgr. Francis P. Blecke, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church since 1956 and former diocesan superintendent of schools, will retire Oct. 1, it was announced by the Most Rev. Edward W. O'Rourke, bishop of the Catholic Peoria Diocese. Msgr. Blecke directed the building of the new convent for nuns who served Sacred Heart School and new rectory. The pastor was presented the Legion of Honor, highest award of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

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