Day in history for May 2, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The Pawnee, one of the largest class of steamers, passed up the river this morning with two lighters in tow and loaded to the guards with railroad iron. She was bound for Galena.

1878 -- 125 years ago

The Rodman Rifles had an inspection drill last evening. Col. Butler was the inspecting officer.

1903 -- 100 years ago

The fourth annual convention of the United Christian party came to an end at the Black Hawk Inn at Watch Tower last evening. It was decided that hereafter all the work of the party would be performed by a committee-of-the-whole.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Roy H. McKinney, 1800 1st St., Rock Island, was elected president of the Rock Island aerie, No. 956, Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was opposed by Francis A. Moody.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Approximately 3,000 brooms will go on sale tomorrow morning when Rock Island Lions attempt to sweep in enough money to more than meet their $1,000 guarantee to the Boy Scout camp fund. Lions and locations will be scattered through the city in both trucks and booths.

1978 -- 25 years ago

The ``East Moline College of Hard Knocks,'' a ``school'' proposed in February by Mayor Dennis Jacobs, has moved one step closer to reality. Jacobs said that police negotiators and the city council's finance committee tentatively have agreed to establish the ``college,'' his nickname for experience bonuses to be given veteran cops.

Back: Available days in May 2003