Day in history for May 9, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

We were on board the New York last week, a fine large class steamer from the Ohio River. She made a trip to Dubuque. We hope to see her here again. Capt. Gilmore, her excellent commander, stated that he had 500 passengers on board when he left St. Louis.

1878 -- 125 years ago

The raft boat Minnesota passed up today.

1903 -- 100 years ago

The Rock Island naval militia scored a success at the Illinois Theater last night in the play, ``Lights and Shadows of the Great Rebellion.''

1928 -- 75 years ago

Victor H. Drescher, Davenport, was elected president of the Tri-City Typographical Union, No. 107.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Burglars stole safes from three places, two in Moline and the third from a drive-in theater early today, battered them open on the Indian Bluff forest preserve road and escaped with an estimated $2,000 cash. Heaviest loser was the Semri Drive-In Theater, south of Silvis, where an estimated $1,000 was taken. Schlegel Drug Store lost about $750 and Crowe's Auto Sales $293.

1978 -- 25 years ago

A smelly problem that has existed for many years for a few Rock Island residents will be brought before the Milan Village Board May 15. The residents claim the odor, which is unbearable several nights a week, comes from Milan's sewage-treatment plant, but a Milan employee says the smell is caused by Davenport Packing Co. The packing firm blames the village of Milan.

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