Day in history for February 28, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

Attention is requested to the proceedings of the railroad meeting held at Cambridge. We trust our people will see the importance of encouraging a road so important to the interests of Rock Island.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Efforts are being made to organize a colony of 200 Swedes to go to either Kansas or Nebraska. Moline will lose 350 of its population this spring. Most will be young men seeking new homes in the west.

1904 -- 100 years ago

William H. Pollard, 91, died in his home at 722 18th St., Rock Island.

1929 -- 75 years ago

L.R. Blackman, Moline, will be director of the 1930 federal census in this region.

1954 -- 50 years ago

Fred Herd, proprietor of Davenport's oldest barbershop at 317 Harrison St., began barbering in 1889. Recalling the ''good old days,'' Herd said that every Friday night after closing time he and the other barbers would remain in the shop and hone between six and eight razors to take care of the Saturday trade. ''Most of our business in those days was shaves. Now we can use one razor a week before sharpening it,'' he said.

1979 -- 25 years ago

A coalition of independent Democrats swept the primary election in East Moline Tuesday, mowing down a field of candidates backed by Mayor Dennis Jacobs. Jacobs, already harried by independent Democrats who have forced several tie votes at recent council sessions, minimized the loss.

Back: Available days in February 2004