Day in history for January 29, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

The Illinois Agriculture Society prefers Springfield as the site for the 1854 state fair and is willing to accept only $1,000 if Sprinfield will bid. Any other city which might want the fair must bid $3,000.

1879 -- 125 years ago

On Saturday 1,660 sleighs and wagons crossed on the ice.

1904 -- 100 years ago

Mrs. Jonas Bear, wife of the pioneer clothing merchant of Rock Island, died in her home at 605 18th St.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Jack Story, 24-year-old mail pilot, leaped by parachute from his plane in a blinding snowstorm and landed safely in north Davenport.

1954 -- 50 years ago

During 1953, Rock Island gained 400 new telephones and 2,900 miles of wire in cable, H.J. Osborne, manager of the Rock Island office of the Illinois Bell Telephone Co., said today. In addition, a large amount of new dial equipment to provide for future growth also was put into service early in 1953. It increased Rock Island's telephone capacity by 703.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Reinhold Kirschenmann of East Moline has history in his sight. It might even be said he's watching the world go by. Kirschenmann collects eyeglasses. He has about 300 on display in his office at Moody Optical Co., where he is co-owner with George Woeber. Kirschenmann also collects small optical tools. Kirschenmann's collection includes some turn-of-the-century frames, first made by blacksmiths and later by silversmiths.

Back: Available days in January 2004