Day in history for March 9, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The steamboats Dr. Franklin and Black Hawk, which wintered at Bailey And Boyle's boatyard in Rock Island, are nearly ready to commence their trips.

1878 -- 125 years ago

It being Sunday, the Rev. Robert E. Swartz officiated in the morning and evening at the Christian chapel.

1903 -- 100 years ago

The Republican county judicial convention endorsed Judge W.H. Gest for re-election.

1928 -- 75 years ago

A dinner reception of a non-political character was planned to honor Justice Floyd E. Thompson of Rock Island who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination for Illinois governor.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Shades of the old days! Residents in the 2400 block on 20th Avenue, Rock Island, reported early this morning that a large sheep was running loose in the neighborhood. The animal was rounded up and placed in a garage at 2450 20th Ave. for safekeeping until the owner is located.

1978 -- 25 years ago

In just 5 minutes, the icy patch in the driveway of Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Bird, 3514 13th St., Moline, became the scene of a ``double disaster'' last week. Darlene Bird slipped on the ice when she went out to get the mail fracturing her left leg. A neighbor helped her inside and called an ambulance. Seeing the mail Mrs. Bird dropped in her fall, Marcia Ronk, 3502 13th St., stopped to pick it up and also fell, breaking her own left leg.

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