Day in history for January 6, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The official presidential election vote in Rock Island County gave Pierce 686 votes, Scott 761, and Hale 96.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Services were held today at the Broadway Presbyterian Church by the Rev. T.H. Hench.

1903 -- 100 years ago

A plan to erect a new city hall on the Flatiron Square on 17th Street, Rock Island, was presented to the city council last night by Mayor Knox. The matter was referred to a committee.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Joseph G. Lewis, pioneer painter and decorator in Rock Island, died.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Safecrackers made an unsuccessful attempt to open the safe at Harry And Emil's Service Station, 1901 7th St., Moline, but left the place after blowing out the electric fuses in trying to use a drill on the safe. The thieves managed to knock off the combination dial but couldn't get into the strongbox.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Pulling a pistol and yelling, ``I'll shoot you,'' a Moline jeweler sent two would-be robbers fleeing from his store. James Westmoreland, 57, didn't realize the man was armed. And he didn't know an accomplice was pressing a gun to his wife's head as she stood behind a nearby counter. Westmoreland, owner of Westmoreland Jewelers at 3314 23rd Ave., says he isn't sure what he would have done had be known his wife was in danger, and pulled the gun without even thinking.

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