Day in history for April 24, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

John Kannade, a drayman, was brought before the mayor on complaint of Christopher Simmons, another drayman, on assault charges. The mayor fined each $2 and costs.

1878 -- 125 years ago

The Josephine, new steamer of the Diamond Jo Line, passed down on her way to Burlington today. On her trial trip, two persons were drowned. Swells from the boat upset a skiff containing a man and woman who were crossing the river at Eagle Point, and both perished.

1903 -- 100 years ago

The county supervisors awarded the contract for the new infirmary to Collins Brothers on their bid of $15,275.

1928 -- 75 years ago

The vacation of Rock Island firemen was increased from 10 to 15 days by action of the new city council.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Hella Jaenicke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl C. Jaenicke, Davenport, is the first German girl in Iowa to enlist in the WACs, it was reported by the Des Moines recruiting station. ``I want to help fight Communism,'' Miss Jaenicke said.

1978 -- 25 years ago

History was made when the first shipment of grain under Iowa's new, cost efficient railbarge tariff system took place at Pillsbury's Riverside grain elevator just south of Davenport. Iowa grain elevator operators may now ship corn and soybeans to Gulf ports for export with a single rate. This eliminates the three-step system previously used and results in a lower rate for the shippers.

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