Day in history for October 19, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

We are indebted to Dr. W.S. Pierce, a former Rock Islander who is now comptroller of California for a copy of the Democratic State Journal.

1878 -- 125 years ago

A series of regatta races between the Rock Island and Davenport boat clubs is in progress today.

1903 -- 100 years ago

August Ahlberg, 72, was found dying in his room today and he passed away before a physician could reach him. He was known as the man who pumped the pipe organ at Augustana College.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Rock Island High School football team held a stronger Rockford eleven to a scoreless tie.

1953 -- 50 years ago

The first of two 450,000-pound housings, to be used in a new rolling mill at the Davenport works, Aluminum Company of America, near Bettendorf, arrived at the plant. The housing, transported on a specially constructed flat car, is the heaviest load ever moved on one railroad car. The housings will be used to produce tapered aluminum sheet and plate for aircraft.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Neighborhood residents have lost the first round in their legal fight to block conversion of the Villa De Chantal, Rock Island, into an alternative high school. Rock Island County Circuit Judge David DeDoncker dismissed a complaint seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Villa from being used as a school for dropouts. The Villa, a private Catholic grade school, closed its doors last spring.

Back: Available days in October 2003