Day in history for September 4, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

The Argus hopes to begin its second year soon with 2,000 subscribers, the most of any newspaper in this section. This week we took in 70 new subscriptions and still they keep coming.

1877 -- 125 years ago

W.P. Butler was elected captain of a new militia company organized last night. C.W. Hawes and John Ritticker were chosen as lieutenants.

1902 -- 100 years ago

Because Rock Island's title to the Rock River bridges is said to have lapsed, Milan has filed suit against this city to recover $100 in bridge tolls paid by Milan citizens.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Earl H. Hanson, a teacher in Rock Island for two years, began his duties as superintendent of Orion schools.

1952 -- 50 years ago

The proposal to fluoridate Rock Island's water supply became boiling hot at a public hearing last night in the city hall, with a pitched battle of words developing between proponents and opponents of the plan. Main antagonists in the verbal fray were Alderman Vernon R. Hendren, who argued against it, and Drs. W.A. Herath and J.W. Krupicka, who spoke in behalf of the idea.

1977 -- 25 years ago

Some 30 cars of a Rock Island Lines freight train derailed in Walcott, Iowa, some slamming into the Central Petroleum Co. and others piling three or four high. The cause of the derailment, which blocked both main lines between Silvis and Des Moines, is under investigation.

Back: Available days in September 2002