Day in history for March 19, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

The Excelsior, an old favorite with the public, has made its first appearance of the season at the Rock Island levee. The Excelsior, under the command of Captain Ward, is looking brighter than ever, having been refitted and repainted.

1877 -- 125 years ago

Score one more credit mark for Ben Harper. He has built 45 or 50 buildings in Rock Island since he came here in 1850. Now his home on 18th Street has been enlarged and remodeled in exquisite taste by Architect I.N. Holmes. (Note: Ben Harper's big house stood where the telephone building now is.)

1902 -- 100 years ago

Sheriff Cralle continues to beautify the courthouse yard with flowers and new trees.

1927 -- 75 years ago

F.C. Denkmann gave $5,000 to the Rock Island park board for construction of a wading pool in Denkmann Square.

1952 -- 50 years ago

Albert Blankenfeld was the envy of all the kids in his Geneseo neighborhood 60 years ago. And today he might well be envied by all the oldsters. How many others, at 74, can still do the splits? Near the turn of the century he traveled with the Ringling Brothers Circus and was a top-billed contortionist.

1977 -- 25 years ago

The old 16th Street bridge to Rock Island Arsenal will not be repaired and reopened to traffic, leaving employees with only two means of access until a new Moline span is completed in late 1980, Army officials said today.

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