Day in history for April 19, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

It may be well to remark that the iron which forms the track of the Chicago and Rock Island railroad to Peru was in the bowels of the Welsh mountains but one year ago.

1878 -- 125 years ago

The Rock Island city council authorized the purchase of 100 tons of water pipes to be laid during the present season.

1903 -- 100 years ago

The grand council of the Royal Arcanum, in session in Bloomington, voted to hold its next convention in Rock Island.

1928 -- 75 years ago

An army of Community Chest workers will start Monday on a campaign to raise $75,000.

1953 -- 50 years ago

An intensive course in citizenship is being offered in the Rock Island public school system to prepare today's youth to be good citizens tomorrow. An explanation of the citizenship studies was given today by Earl H. Hanson, superintendent of schools. In the senior high school, two years of study in history and citizenship are required before a student may graduate.

1978 -- 25 years ago

A $600,000 windfall from the East Moline Industrial Park will probably spare city homeowners their third water-and-sewer rate increase in five years, City Clerk Clarence ``Clix'' Vyncke said today. Vyncke said the windfall should result when an improvement project, started in 1976 at the 230-acre park, is completed this August. Current estimates peg the final cost to be less than originally anticipated.

Back: Available days in April 2003