Day in history for February 18, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

The largest mass meeting ever held at the courthouse took place last night. Citizens resolved that the city must protect its rights in the ferry charter held by Messrs. Robinson and Spencer. A resolution adopted calls upon the council to send agents to Springfield to oppose action of the legislature on a ferry franchise to a private group.

1879 -- 125 years ago

The good people of Blue Grass, Iowa, are in a flutter of excitement over the elopement of their pastor with one of his parishioners, who took along her three children. The officers have traced them to Rock Island and are on their track from here.

1904 -- 100 years ago

An epidemic of neuralgia has invaded Geneseo, with 35 cases reported. Some of those who are ill are experiencing intense suffering.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Michael R. Bardoel, 23, Moline boxer, was critically injured during a ring contest in Kewanee.

1954 -- 50 years ago

A 40-foot section of the west wall of the McCormick Bowling Alleys, on Main St. in Viola, collapsed at 10:55 p.m. Monday, causing several hundred dollars of damage. Monday night's heavy rain was believed to be a contributing factor to the wall's collapse.

1979 -- 25 years ago

A team of 27 medical and dental missionaries led by a Moline priest return home following two weeks of volunteer work in Haiti. The Rev. James E. Allemeier, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church, returns from the third medical-dental-educational mission to Mountrouis, Haiti.

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