Day in history for July 30, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

Cook and Donaldson, enterprising farmers who came from Pennsylvania, have raised 2,000 bushels of winter wheat as their first crop at Prairiefield. They sold the entire crop to the Messrs. Johnston, millers, at Camden Mills (Milan).

1878 -- 125 years ago

Plans for a proposed brick schoolhouse at Reynolds are on display in the store of R.B. Olmsted. I.N. Holmes of Rock Island is the architect. The sum of $3,000 has been voted for construction costs.

1903 -- 100 years ago

William H. Hurley, watchman at the 15th Street railway crossing in Moline, was killed when a freight car was thrown off the tracks. It smashed the guard's tower to kindling wood and hurled Mr. Hurley in front of a passing train.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Gasoline will advance in price 1 cent a gallon tomorrow. The new price will be 17 cents.

1953 -- 50 years ago

After falling 20 feet from a window in her home yesterday, Judy Kay Barnes, 23-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Barnes, Rock Island, was released from St. Anthony's Hospital this morning.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Moline High School student Anne Silberman left for New York this morning to go to a party at the St. Regis Hotel, at the invitation of her favorite entertainer, Barry Manilow. Miss Silberman has written 104 fan letters to Manilow. The party is honoring Manilow's return to New York, midway through his U.S. tour.

Back: Available days in July 2003