Day in history for May 19, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The Steam Saw and Flouring Mill at Port Byron, owned by George W. and John Gates, was destroyed by fire. The loss, estimated at $6,000, included 2,500 bushels of wheat. The loss was not covered by insurance.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Mrs. S.M.I. Henry of the ladies' state temperance alliance was scheduled to address a meeting for young women in Rock Island Wednesday.

1903 -- 100 years ago

At the annual meeting of the Broadway Presbyterian Church last night, Phil Mitchell, S.S. Davis and Paul Hamilton were re-elected trustees for a period of three years. Dr. J.W. Stewart and Fred Titterington were re-elected elders and Mrs. Paul Hamilton was chosen deaconess.

1928 -- 75 years ago

The students and faculty of Augustana College staged an impromptu celebration on the campus when the $1,000,000 mark in the endowment campaign was passed.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Moline aldermen learned the origin of an old cannon which stood for many years in City Hall Park. The information was contained in a letter from officials of Col. Edward Kittilsen Camp, United Spanish War Veterans, stating the cannon is an old Spanish gun, taken as a prize by the 6th Illinois Infantry Regiment while the unit was in Puerto Rico.

1978 -- 25 years ago

East Moline residents will be on their own this summer in the fight against pesky mosquitoes. Aldermen have used the revenue-sharing funds to finance the city's war against mosquitoes. This year, however, there's just no money available.

Back: Available days in May 2003