Day in history for December 24, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The Rock Island County commissioners offer $10 to the person who submits the best plans and specifications for a jail and sheriff's house. The board issued $100,000 in bonds as payment for the county's stock in the Warsaw and Rock Island Railroad.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Buford Plow Company gave each of its workmen a can of oysters as a Christmas remembrance today.

1903 -- 100 years ago

Jacob Goldflam, a Rock Island tailor, laid claim to the $5,000,000 estate left by his uncle.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Mrs. Elizabeth Barbara Schrader, 83, who came to Rock Island in 1848, died in her home in Moline.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Dr. and Mrs. Cecil W. Creel, Reno, Nevada, enroute from Washington, D.C., boarded a plane at Quad-City Airport for California. Dr. Creel is a noted agriculturist who is advising the U.S. government on a farm production program for Israel. Mrs. Creel is the former Miss Millie Mally, daughter of Mrs. Vera J. Mally, 716 20th Ave., Moline, and former secretary to former Mayor A. Henry Arp.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Ground beef prices will jump 40 to 50 cents per pound next year, up from the average $1.20 per pound in 1978, the American Meat Institute has predicted. Steak prices also will go up, the AMI says, but not as drastically as hamburger. Consumers could slow the price increase by switching to pork and chicken, though, a meat industry leader says.

Back: Available days in December 2003