Day in history for January 26, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

A group of ladies held a meeting and resolved not to use brandy in mince pies in the future.

1879 -- 125 years ago

The late Charles Gray of Port Byron must have belonged to a prolific family. Forty brothers and sisters have put in a claim for the $6,000 he left.

1904 -- 100 years ago

Petitions are in circulation for a Rock Island vote on placing the city's police and fire departments under civil service. A law passed by the last Illinois legislature makes the action possible.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Mayor Thompson invited officials of the Tri-City Railway Co. to a conference to discuss a compromise on proposed bus lines, which would replace street-car routes.

1954 -- 50 years ago

A repentant thief startled Rock Island police Friday afternoon. He or she mailed police $81 in cash, which was taken from a purse Monday afternoon at McCabe's Store. Police chief Claus C. Miller said the money was accompanied by a note specifying where the money was stolen. There was no explanation for the thief's sudden change of heart.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Quincy High School basketball players and cheerleaders will attend classes Friday with the team they'll face on the court that night. Thirty-three Quincy students will go to class with their rivals at Moline High School. 'It's an excellent opportunity for sportsmanship,'' Moline cheerleading coach Kim McCarter said. Quincy will play a make-up game with Alleman Thursday night, then face Moline Friday.

Back: Available days in January 2004