Day in history for November 28, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The Rock Island city council elected the following officials: Quincy McNeal, city clerk; Joseph Johnston, marshal; Knox and Drury, city attorneys; L.M. Webber, treasurer; A.K. Philleo, assessor; Amos Stillman, surveyor; Cornelius Lynde, Jr., supervisor of sidewalks.

1878 -- 125 years ago

The Rock Island County Sunday School convention will be held for two days in Moline. Delegates are asked to come prepared to pay dues of two pence for each scholar in their schools.

1903 -- 100 years ago

A grocer sold gasoline, instead of kerosene, by mistake. As a result, a lamp exploded in the house at 740 13th St., Moline, killing Wilfred Owens, 12, and severely burning his parents.

1928 -- 75 years ago

After producing automobiles for 20 years, the Velie Motors Corporation of Moline announced that it would stop making cars and concentrate on manufacturing airplanes.

1953 -- 50 years ago

A fire that roared through the interior of the Normoyle And Berg Construction Company building at 2223 11th St., Rock Island, this morning caused an estimated $8,000 damage. The fire was believed to have started when a portable heating stove flared up shortly after being lighted.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Quad-Cities area officials are preparing to ask the federal government for another $113,000 to continue planning for a 911 emergency dialing system here.

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