Day in history for November 16, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

People crossing the river now can appreciate the good fire kept in the comfortable saloon of the Rock Island-Davenport ferry. Our people would hardly be satisfied to go back to the old horse-powered boats and skiffs.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Nine upper river steamboats have laid up at Kahlke's boatyard for the winter repairs.

1903 -- 100 years ago

The packet Winona will make its last trip to Clinton Saturday and the Helen Blair will make its last run to Burlington Sunday, after which they will lay up at Kahlke's and the river will be without passenger boats until spring.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Davenport High School defeated Rock Island's football team in the last two minutes, 12 to 10. Halfback Carl Brachtel scored all of Rock Island's points.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Moline Police Chief Mauritz Nelson had the easiest assignment of his more than 20 years on the police department. He had a letter from Mrs. B.R. Newcomb, Richmond, Wash., asking him for information about a great-uncle, Eli DeReu, who had lived in Moline in the horse and buggy days. It was just as easy as going next door because that's where the DeReu's live, next door to the Nelson residence, at 2431 5th St.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Members of Grace Baptist Church, East Moline, held a special service and open house Sunday to celebrate the church's 25th anniversary.

Back: Available days in November 2003