Day in history for May 14, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The new steam ferry, ``Iowa,'' built for service between Rock Island and Davenport, was reported ready to run. She has a good saloon for passengers.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Some very fine fresco work in the home of Dr. Thomas Galt was the subject of admiring comment. It was the work of K.A. Norling, graduate of the Academy of Art, Stockholm, Sweden.

1903 -- 100 years ago

The Rock Island Sunday School convention held its closing session today. Marion Humphreys of Milan was re-elected president. Miss Millicent Spencer of Rock Island was elected recording secretary.

1928 -- 75 years ago

A large crowd attended the first annual rally of Rock Island Girl Scouts.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Fire that destroyed a two-story, brick building of E. Slivken And Son, 1605 1st St., Rock Island, probably broke out under a shed, fire officials said today. At the same time, the loss from the blaze tentatively was set at more than $27,000.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Harold Burns, 4310 18th Ave., Rock Island, says he has a lot in common with Noah, the master craftsman who the Bible says built a massive ark 5,000 years ago. Burns has built an ark, much smaller than Noah's, but otherwise an exact replica. He spent more than 600 hours and $400 building the vessel. He fashioned the ark from hard pine and balsa wood, etched to make it look exactly as he believes the original vessel looked.

Back: Available days in May 2003