Day in history for January 16, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

Work is progressing on the bridge across the Mississippi here. Coffer dams are being built between the Rock Island shore and the island. Soon the piers will begin to take shape.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Due to the hard times, another of Rock Island's best retail business firms, Kelly And Reticker, has gone under.

1904 -- 100 years ago

Prizes worth $300 were awarded to 25 boys who submitted the best ears of corn in a contest conducted by the Rock Island County Farmers Institute at Port Byron.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Mayor Chester Thompson announced that he would be a candidate to succeed himself.

1954 -- 50 years ago

An article by Bob Hanson, son of Earl H. Hanson, Rock Island superintendent of schools, appeared in a recent issue of Lab Life, a quarterly magazine published for the employees of the California Research Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Standard Oil Company of California.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Although the snow seems light as a feather, several area roofs collapsed under the weekend's record-breaking storm. No injuries were reported, although the cost of cleanup and damage may run into the thousands of dollars. A 6,300 square-foot section of Moline Accessories Co. roof at 5447 3rd Ave., Moline, collapsed Saturday night. The roof covered manufacturing equipment for elevator accessories. The company is a subsidiary of Montgomery Elevator Co. On Monday, 28 inches of snow had accumulated, with more on the way.

Back: Available days in January 2004