Day in history for August 1, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

Mr. Hudson, who is staying at the Graham House, will open two schools of penmanship in Rock Island, one in the brick schoolhouse in Church (Spencer) Square and one at the Seminary. His specimens show that he teaches a good style of penmanship.

1878 -- 125 years ago

James Conway, living four miles south of Reynolds, came to Reynolds to buy a load of lumber for the Catholic church. He started home at noon, seated atop the pile of lumber. An hour later his lifeless body was found beside the road, where the load had fallen on him.

1903 -- 100 years ago

Charles Aldrich, state historian of Iowa, says he has located the grave of Black Hawk, the Indian chief who lived at Rock River here until his defeat in the Black Hawk War. The grave is reported as near Eldon, Iowa, on the site of the old deserted town of Iowaville.

1928 -- 75 years ago

A crowd of 4,000 was at the greyhound races at the track on 23rd Avenue, south of Moline, last night.

1953 -- 50 years ago

With two alleged safecracking gangs already in custody, Rock Island police are faced with tracking down a third which broke through the roof at the AFL union hall, 1512 4th Ave., and looted two safes and a small cash safety box of nearly $1,100 cash.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Officer Wayne Westphall is turning his badge in to the Moline Police Department. Police work, he says, has only been a preparation for his real calling, the priesthood.

Back: Available days in August 2003