Day in history for August 4, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The Chicago press says: ``In a population of 3,000, which is what Rock Island contains, there were only two deaths within the past two months. It is said the only disease prevalent in Rock Island is old age, and that prevails to a very limited extent, few gray heads being found in the young city.''

1878 -- 125 years ago

Night Yardmaster Thomas Johnson was critically injured when his foot became caught between rail and planking while he was uncoupling a caboose, which ran over him.

1903 -- 100 years ago

Charles N. Hastings was appointed chief of the Rock Island fire department by Mayor William McConochie.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Members of the Augustana College band, who have been touring in Europe, arrived at the port of Quebec, Canada, today.

1953 -- 50 years ago

The Farmall Works of the International Harvester Co., Rock Island, today was operating on a reduced production schedule of 150 tractors daily. Approximately 1,700 employees were beginning a temporary layoff as the company cut production from a previous 317 tractors per day.

1978 -- 25 years ago

At an age when many women are avoiding climbing stairs, 71-year-old Inez Fors is still mounting tractors for a day's work in the fields. Inez has farmed in partnership with her son Cecil on their farms east of Woodhull since her husband, Luther, died in 1952. She takes pride in helping in all phases of the operation.

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