Day in history for August 6, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

It is not true that the editor of The Argus was armed with a dirk concealed in a cane when he was attacked from behind and stabbed in the back by an irate subscriber. The knife struck us hard on the shoulder blade, bending the point. The physician says if the blow had been half an inch lower, it would have taken our life. Citizens gathered around and seized the assassin in time to prevent the murder he intended.

1878 -- 125 years ago

``Old Aunt Abbey,'' wandering about as usual, was run over yesterday by a horse and buggy. Before a doctor could arrive, she escaped to the barn where she lives.

1903 -- 100 years ago

Mrs. J.F. Lardner of Moline won the sixth women's handicap tournament at the Rock Island Arsenal Club.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Parents of children in the Frances Willard school district are circulating a petition for a new school building.

1953 -- 50 years ago

The condemnation committee of the Davenport city council today had started an action against the fire-wrecked building at 608 Harrison Street, formerly occupied by the Harrison Hotel.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Karl Lofgren, formerly of rural Port Byron, swept medals in both events he entered at the inaugural National Sports Festival last week. Lofgren was awarded a silver medal for the two-man scull boat race and a bronze medal for the eight-man sweeping team boat race at the Colorado Springs festival.

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