Day in history for May 18, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

Lewis M. Webber was elected to serve as Second Ward alderman until Nov. 1, 1854, and C. Lynde, Sr., was named alderman of the Third Ward for the same period. Lynde was without opposition while Webber defeated the Walsh, Hakes And Co. candidate by a majority of 20 votes.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Members of the county board were contemplating donating their salaries in order to help the fund for the poor.

1903 -- 100 years ago

H.H. Cleaveland left today for El Paso, Ill., to take part in a Masonic inspection.

1928 -- 75 years ago

John H. Hauberg accepted election to the office of president of the Rock Island Chamber of Commerce.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Rock Island shoppers will be parking free in Spencer Square by fall or before. This was the surprise announcement by Mayor Carl F. Bauer that brought heavy applause from those attending the parking forum last night in the city council chambers. Mayor Bauer told The Argus that the expense of converting the square will be borne by the city, and he gave a preliminary estimate of $10,000.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Beginning June 1 and continuing through Sept. 1, containers containing colorful live flowers will replace all of the meter heads along both sides of State Street, Geneseo, from the Rock Island Lines crossing south to Second Street. The project is being sponsored by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce.

Back: Available days in May 2003