Day in history for April 9, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

Capt. John Wilson, owner of the ferry, has survived the attack of Davenport and is running his horse propelled ferry boats as usual.

1877 -- 125 years ago

O.J. Dimick announced the closing to the public of the Rock Island fairgrounds, because of legal difficulties and expenses.

1902 -- 100 years ago

Warnick And Ralston's soap factory was in danger of destruction from a fire that started in the barn of Hugh Ralston across the street. Three hose companies prevented spreading of the flames.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Clarissa Spencer, one of the eight founders of the international Young Women's Christian Association, died in Joplin, Mo. She will be buried in Rock Island, where she formerly lived.

1952 -- 50 years ago

Acting Capt. Earl R. Maynard stated he has been informed there is no provision in state statues that makes it illegal for stores to give away or sell baby chicks. State statutes only make it illegal to artificially color the chicks. A protest against baby chick donations was made by Mrs. Marie Wiegand, president of the Rock Island Humane Society.

1977 -- 25 years ago

Joseph Burns, a Deere assembly line worker who lives in Rock Island, recently completed a project of rather spectacular proportions. He built a detailed wooden model of Noah's Ark. Burns was inspired to undertake the project after seeing the movie ``In Search of Noah's Ark,'' which played in the Quad-Cities a few months ago.

Back: Available days in April 2002